Morocco–United States Air Connectivity Strengthened as Royal Air Maroc Plans 2026 Boeing 787 Launch to Los Angeles

Published on November 24, 2025

A notable expansion of transcontinental travel between Morocco and the United States has been positioned for 2026, as Royal Air Maroc prepares to introduce new long-haul services linking Casablanca with Los Angeles. This development, built around the airline’s efficient Boeing 787 fleet and strategic cost structure, has been viewed as a significant milestone for both nations, especially within the realm of international tourism. The upcoming flights are expected to enhance accessibility for travelers seeking cultural exploration, business journeys, and leisure-driven itineraries across North Africa, North America, and beyond.

By placing a major focus on the tourism potential of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and historic cities, as well as the global appeal of Los Angeles as an entertainment and travel hub, this route has been anticipated to serve as an important bridge between two vibrant regions. The proposed operation aligns with a broader phase of recovery and growth within the international aviation landscape, where renewed demand for long-distance travel has been observed. With capacity constraints, projected global events, and escalating traveler interest shaping the airline’s strategic choices, Royal Air Maroc’s move has been regarded as a forward-looking step that promises to broaden connectivity and enrich the travel ecosystem across continents.

Royal Air Maroc’s Strategic Move Toward Los Angeles

Royal Air Maroc has positioned itself for a major network expansion as preparations have been made to launch new nonstop service between Casablanca and Los Angeles in June 2026. Approval has been requested from the US Department of Transportation, and the airline has not been expected to encounter difficulty in securing the necessary authorization. This anticipated route is set to return Los Angeles International Airport to the small group of global gateways offering passenger flights to six inhabited continents, a distinction shaped by complex operational requirements and geographic challenges.

A significant portion of attention has been directed toward the use of Royal Air Maroc’s Boeing 787 fleet, which currently includes five 787-8s and six 787-9s. The aircraft has been recognized for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and suitability for long-distance travel, making it a practical fit for the 5,990-mile journey linking Morocco and the western United States. Flight times of approximately eleven to twelve hours have been projected in each direction, establishing a direct and convenient corridor between two tourism-rich regions.

Tourism Appeal Between Morocco and the United States

The new route has been anticipated to generate considerable interest from travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences. Morocco’s historic medinas, desert landscapes, coastal cities, and UNESCO-recognized heritage destinations have positioned the nation as a growing travel hotspot. Likewise, Los Angeles continues to attract global visitors due to its entertainment industry, theme parks, scenic coastlines, and strong position as a gateway to the wider American West.

This new transcontinental link has been viewed as an opportunity for Royal Air Maroc to broaden its appeal among North American tourists seeking more accessible travel options to Africa. Additionally, travelers from Morocco and nearby regions have been expected to benefit from easier access to California’s diverse tourism offerings, business markets, and leisure destinations. For many passengers, this service may provide a more direct alternative to multi-stop journeys through Europe or the Middle East.

Fleet Allocation and Operational Considerations

The airline’s long-haul network currently includes established services to New York, Washington, and Miami. Due to the modest size of the Boeing 787 fleet, however, expansion into Los Angeles has required careful resource allocation. Industry assessments have indicated that one or more existing long-haul routes may be reduced to accommodate the LAX service, particularly during the early months of operation. Initial frequencies have been expected to remain below daily service levels until additional aircraft become available.

Despite this challenge, Royal Air Maroc has maintained a competitive advantage through its low-cost structure, driven partly by lower labor expenses compared with US carriers. This cost efficiency has supported the airline’s ability to pursue long-distance routes that may generate moderate demand at launch but hold strong long-term potential. Connections through Casablanca have been predicted to play an important role in supporting load factors, especially for passengers traveling between Los Angeles and destinations in West Africa and parts of Europe.

Global Events and Market Timing

Strategic timing has aligned the route launch with the increased travel demand expected during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This major international event has historically caused a surge in long-haul travel, offering airlines an opportunity to strengthen new or emerging routes. Royal Air Maroc’s network plan appears to reflect this anticipated surge, as additional connectivity between Africa and North America may improve travel options for fans, teams, and tourists navigating the continent.

LAX Rejoins the Six-Continent Club

The introduction of Casablanca–Los Angeles service would reinstate Los Angeles International Airport’s position as one of the few airports with nonstop connections across six inhabited continents. This achievement has been considered rare due to the specialized fleet requirements and extensive route planning needed to maintain such a network. The upcoming debut of EgyptAir’s planned Los Angeles service further strengthens the region’s growing African connectivity.

Enhanced links to Africa have been anticipated to benefit both leisure and business travel segments. Travelers seeking safaris, heritage destinations, or adventure tourism across various African regions may find new convenience in using Casablanca as a one-stop gateway. Similarly, Morocco’s own tourism sector may experience expanded global reach as more travelers gain direct access from the western United States.

Long-Term Outlook and Regional Benefits

This route has been seen as an important step in Royal Air Maroc’s broader ambition to strengthen its international presence. While fleet limitations present a key operational challenge, the airline’s network strategy demonstrates a forward-looking commitment to strengthening transatlantic connectivity. As new aircraft orders and fleet growth continue to be considered, future expansion opportunities may arise for destinations across North America and Asia.

In the long term, the Casablanca–Los Angeles link is expected to enhance tourism flows, facilitate cultural exchange, and support business travel between Morocco and the United States. With renewed global mobility and rising traveler confidence, this connection stands poised to become a valuable component of the airline’s intercontinental network.