New Route Connects New England to Africa
Royal Air Maroc Starts Nonstop Flight from Boston to Casablanca
BOSTON –Today, Massport and Royal Air Maroc officials celebrated a new international service to Casablanca, Morocco, the first nonstop route from Boston Logan International Airport to mainland Africa. Boston is Royal Air Maroc’s fourth destination in the United States.
“We welcome Royal Air Maroc to Boston and we are excited to offer passengers a new gateway to Africa,” said Massport Acting CEO John Pranckevicius. “This new partnership will provide new opportunities for recreational travel, educational tours, and business development between New England and the Kingdom of Morocco.”
On its inaugural flight, Royal Air Maroc’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner received a traditional water cannon salute. The Moroccan flag was also raised during a ceremony at Logan’s Terminal E Hall of Flags. The carrier also plans to fly the 787-8 Dreamliner in subsequent trips. Flights to Casablanca are scheduled three times per week, on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Casablanca is Morocco’s biggest city and the economic capital of the Kingdom. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, it is the home of the largest mosque in Africa, the Hassan II. The city also has one of the largest artificial ports in the world.
“We are very excited to launch the Casablanca–Boston line operated by 787 Dreamliner aircraft,” said Hamid Addou, Royal Air Maroc President and CEO. “The year 2019 will be a turning point for Royal Air Maroc in the U.S. as it will see the opening of two new routes: Casablanca–Boston and Casablanca–Miami, which add to the two existing routes: Casablanca–New York and Casablanca–Washington. This will strengthen our network in the U.S. and bring the African continent closer to North America through our hub in Casablanca.”
Due to its strong political stability and economic progress, Morocco was named the most attractive country in Africa for investors, according to a survey by Ernst & Young in 2017. Visitors in Morocco can see ancient Roman ruins, travel the Sahara desert, explore the historic streets of Old Fez, and shop for colorful handmade arts and crafts.
According to U.S. Census figures, the greater Boston area is home to over 6,000 Moroccan immigrants, among the largest concentration of Moroccan-born residents in the U.S.