Imagine a shipment of critical goods traveling across continents from a distant factory to your customers. Wouldn't you want to know its exact location and estimated arrival time at any moment? For clients using Royal Air Maroc's cargo services, efficient shipment tracking is essential. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the airline's cargo tracking system, offering detailed operational guidance to help you monitor shipments, address potential issues, and optimize your cross-border logistics experience.
1. Overview of Royal Air Maroc Cargo Services
As one of Africa's leading airlines, Royal Air Maroc plays a pivotal role in connecting logistics between Africa, Europe, and America through its strategic geographical position and modern cargo facilities. Its cargo division, Royal Air Maroc Cargo, is committed to providing efficient and reliable air freight services tailored to diverse client needs.
Company History and Strategic Position
Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco's economic center, Royal Air Maroc leverages its strategic location to serve as a crucial aviation hub linking Africa, Europe, and America. The airline has developed a comprehensive global route network to offer convenient air freight services.
Cargo Fleet and Route Network
Royal Air Maroc Cargo operates a modern fleet including dedicated freighters like Boeing 767-300ERF and Boeing 737-400F aircraft, capable of handling various cargo types while ensuring secure and timely deliveries. Its network covers 93 global destinations, creating a transatlantic connectivity pattern radiating from Casablanca to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Key Data:
- Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) serves as the primary cargo hub with annual freight handling exceeding 450,000 tons, ranking among Africa's top facilities.
- The "South America-Africa" route connecting São Paulo (GRU) and Dakar (DKR) operates five weekly flights with a total transit time of just eight hours, demonstrating exceptional efficiency.
Service Coverage Areas
Royal Air Maroc's air freight services span four continents, with key coverage including:
- Africa: Major cities like Cairo (CAI), Lagos (LOS), and Johannesburg (JNB), supporting intra-African and global trade.
- Europe: Economic centers including Paris (CDG), London (LHR), and Madrid (MAD).
- Americas: Cities such as New York (JFK), Montreal (YUL), and São Paulo (GRU), facilitating Africa-America commerce.
- Middle East: Destinations including Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), and Riyadh (RUH), strengthening Africa-Middle East economic ties.
2. Detailed Air Cargo Tracking Process
Monitoring real-time shipment status is crucial for effective logistics management. Royal Air Maroc provides multiple convenient tracking channels.
Official Website Tracking Portal
Users can easily access the cargo tracking system through Royal Air Maroc's official website by clicking "Cargo" in the navigation bar, then selecting "Track Your Shipment."
Air Waybill Number Input
The tracking page requires entry of the complete Air Waybill (AWB) number in the correct format:
052-XXXXXXXX
(where 052 is Royal Air Maroc's IATA code).
Real-Time Status Interpretation
Upon successful AWB entry, the system displays current shipment status with common indicators including:
- Booked: Cargo received by airline and awaiting transport arrangement.
- In Transit: Cargo loaded onto aircraft en route to destination.
- In Transit - Transfer: Cargo at transit hub (e.g., Casablanca) awaiting connecting flight.
- Delivered: Cargo arrived at destination airport.
- Customs Clearance: Cargo undergoing destination customs inspection.
3. AWB Number Format and Query Validity
Royal Air Maroc's AWB numbers comprise 11 digits in
052-XXXXXXXX
format, with the first three digits representing the IATA carrier code and the remaining eight serving as unique shipment identifiers.
Tracking data remains available during transit and typically for 180 days post-delivery. Shipments delayed beyond 10 days may trigger system alerts.
4. Troubleshooting Missing Shipment Status
If encountering tracking issues, verify the AWB number format and allow 1-2 hours for system updates. Persistent problems may require contacting customer support.
5. Shipment Timelines and Influencing Factors
Average transit times vary by route:
- Intra-Africa (e.g., Lagos to Casablanca): 2-3 days
- Europe-Africa (e.g., Paris to Dakar): 1-2 days
- Intercontinental (e.g., New York to Johannesburg via Casablanca): 7-9 days
Factors affecting timelines include weather conditions (particularly Sahara dust storms March-May), flight schedules, and customs clearance durations (averaging 72 hours in Nigeria, potentially 96 hours in Kenya).
6. Special Cargo and Rate Information
Royal Air Maroc accommodates special cargo types with specific requirements:
- Temperature-controlled goods: Require 72-hour advance notice with maintained temperatures between -20°C to 8°C.
- Live animals: Must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations using approved containers.
- Dangerous goods: Limited to Classes 2-9, with lithium batteries requiring UN38.3 certification.
Freight charges apply based on either actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H/5000), whichever is greater, plus potential surcharges like the Fuel Adjustment Factor (currently approximately 18% of base freight).
7. Service Network in China/Asia
Royal Air Maroc maintains direct cargo stations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, collaborating with logistics providers for last-mile delivery. Southeast Asian coverage extends through hubs like Dubai (DXB) and Singapore (SIN).