Royal Air Maroc recruits pilots abroad: an already-trained Moroccan asks, “What about us?”

The pilot says he trained in Morocco and holds a commercial pilot licence (CPL), a multi-engine instrument rating (IR-ME), and the Moroccan theoretical ATPL. Despite this background, he says he still has no real prospect of joining the cockpits of Royal Air Maroc.

“We have invested years and considerable sums in our training to pursue this profession,” he explains. He says he is asking neither for a guaranteed position nor preferential treatment, but simply for the opportunity to take part in a selection process with the national airline.

According to him, the international campaign launched by RAM gives the impression that foreign pilots are being given preference, while Moroccans who already hold their licences are waiting for a first professional opportunity.

On Bladi.net : Royal Air Maroc opens its cockpits to pilots from around the world

However, the candidates sought abroad have a different profile. The offer published by Flight Crew International requires a valid type rating, as well as at least 300 hours on a Boeing 737, Boeing 787 or Embraer E170/E190 for first officers. Captains must have 1,000 hours on the aircraft concerned. In addition, all candidates must have flown this type of aircraft during the past twelve months.

RAM is therefore looking internationally for pilots who are immediately operational, whereas the author of the testimony has general training but, based on the information provided, not the experience required on the airline’s aircraft. This difference does not, however, make his question disappear: how can a Moroccan pilot obtain this rating and his first few hundred hours if no intermediate pathway is made available to him?

The 96 places do not address their situation

The pilot also dismisses the argument concerning the 96 places announced in June by Atlas Multiservices. This competition, open to Moroccans aged 27 or under who have completed scientific, technical or technological studies, is intended to enable the selected candidates to undergo airline pilot training at the Royal Air School in Marrakech starting in September 2026.

These places therefore concern candidates who still need to be trained. They do not constitute a recruitment pathway for Moroccans who have already obtained, at their own expense, a professional licence and the theoretical ATPL.

“Why is Royal Air Maroc capable of going abroad to recruit foreign pilots, but does not offer a genuine recruitment pathway to Moroccan pilots who are already trained?” he asks.

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Royal Air Maroc nevertheless plans to recruit pilots on a large scale to support the expansion of its fleet. The temporary use of experienced foreign professionals may address an immediate need, but the testimony highlights another issue: creating a bridge enabling already-trained Moroccan pilots to obtain a type rating and their first line experience.

“We are simply asking for transparency and a recruitment policy that gives a genuine place to the Moroccan talent already available,” the pilot concludes. The question has now been put to Royal Air Maroc.