A historic milestone in African aviation has been reached as Royal Air Maroc (RAM) inaugurated its first-ever direct flight connecting Casablanca to Los Angeles. This groundbreaking route establishes the first direct air connection between the African continent and the Pacific coast of the United States, marking a significant leap in global connectivity.
Departing from Mohammed V International Airport at 4:00 AM, the inaugural flight completed the 12-hour non-stop journey to its destination. This strategic launch coincides with the 250th anniversary of Moroccan-American diplomatic relations and the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Morocco’s national team, the Atlas Lions, will compete.
Historic significance and strategic vision
Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, emphasized the importance of this achievement: « This new route represents a historic milestone for our airline and African aviation as a whole. By linking Casablanca to Los Angeles, we reinforce Morocco’s position as a global crossroads and strengthen our commitment to international connectivity. »
Enhanced connectivity with three weekly flights
The direct service operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using state-of-the-art wide-body aircraft. Departures from Casablanca are set for 4:00 AM local time, arriving in Los Angeles at 8:20 AM Pacific Time. Return flights depart California at 10:20 AM, landing in Casablanca the following day at 5:25 AM local time.
This expansion aligns with the airline’s strategic development plan, signed with the Moroccan government in July 2023. The initiative aims to bolster Casablanca’s role as a major international aviation hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas, while addressing the growing demand from the Moroccan diaspora, tourists, business travelers, and football enthusiasts.
Expanding RAM’s North American footprint
With this new route, Royal Air Maroc solidifies its presence in North America, complementing its existing direct flights to New York, Washington D.C., Miami, Montreal, and Toronto. The airline continues to strengthen its position as a key player in transatlantic aviation.
