AIR MAROC (COMPAGNIE CHERIFIENNE DE TRANSPORT AERIENS, S. A.): Morocco (1953-1957). The French government announces during the spring of 1951 that plans are being prepared for the creation of a single large Moroccan airline. This intention is realized on June 23, 1953, when Air Atlas (Compagnie Cherifienne de l’Air, S. A.) and Air Maroc (Societe Avia Maroc Ligne Aerienne, S. A.) combine to create the second Air Maroc. Shareholding is divided between the government (34%), Compagnie Paquet (33%), and Air France (33%).
The merger partners provide a fleet of 2 Douglas DC-4s, 5 DC-3s, 4 Curtiss C-46 Commandos, and 6 Sud-Ouest SO-30P Bretagnes. The Commandos and Bretagnes are sold and replaced with a third DC-4. The DC-4s assume the European routes previously operated by the partners, while the DC-3s are employed for domestic service as well as on the principal regional route from Casablanca to Algiers.
Morocco receives its independence from France on March 2, 1956, while the northern territories of Spanish Morocco receive their freedom in April. A scheme is now unveiled for the creation of a new national carrier.
The second Air Maroc is reorganized on June 28, 1957. Shareholding is divided between the Kingdom of Morocco government (55%), Air France (30%), Societe Air Transport (10%), and Aviaco (Aviacion y Comercio, S. A.) of Spain (5%). The airline is renamed Royal Air Maroc, S. A.
World History
