Abstract. The fractional calculus approach is used in the constitutive relationship model of fractional Maxwell fluid. Exact solutions for the velocity field and the adequate shear stress corresponding to the rotational flow of a fractional Maxwell fluid, between two infinite coaxial circular cylinders, are obtained by using the Laplace transform and finite Hankel transform for fractional calculus. The solutions that have been obtained are presented in terms of generalized G b,c,d (·, t) and R b,c (·, t) functions. In the limiting cases, the corresponding solutions for ordinary Maxwell and Newtonian fluids are obtained from our general solutions. Furthermore, the solutions for the motion between the cylinders, when one of them is at rest, are also obtained as special cases from our results. Finally, the influence of the material parameters on the fluid motion is underlined by graphical illustrations.