RAM pilots begin new round of talks

The management of Morocco's flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), and its pilots association has begun a new round of negotiations to settle the dispute that has cost the company millions of dollars, reports Morocco Business News.

In the past few weeks, the Moroccan pilots went on a series of strikes in the midst of the high season (July-August), demanding the substitution of foreign plane captains by Moroccan ones, better pay for airline technicians, as well as other social claims.

The move caused the Moroccan company millions of Euros (almost euro 1 million a day) and disrupted air traffic which in some cases forced RAM to borrow aircraft from other companies to be able serve its clients.

Stressing that it was forced to hire foreign pilots because of an increase in its fleet, the carrier says that it is at the same time making great efforts to train Moroccan pilots for the job. But according to the Moroccan pilots association it maintains there are enough experienced national pilots and there is no need for foreigners to be brought in.

More scheduled talks are planned, says Morocco Business News.