Rabat, Morocco  - Morocco's flag carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will launch a regional airline in the summer, the carrier announced Monday.

Royal Air Maroc Express will cover national and regional routes with planes made by ATR, a regional turboprop aircraft maker based in the southern French city of Toulouse.

RAM has ordered two ATR 42-600 planes with 48 seats, four ATR 72-600s with 70 seats, and has options for two additional ATR 72- 600s.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are due to begin in 2011. Meanwhile, ATR will lease four ATR 72-200s to RAM. (dpa)