Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco's flag carrier and a leading member of the oneworld alliance, has just filed a groundbreaking request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to initiate non-stop flights between Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). While any new intercontinental route is cause for excitement among travelers, this particular launch is far more significant—it will restore a rare and coveted distinction for the major West Coast gateway, officially re-welcoming LAX to the elite "Six-Continent Club".
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| Picture: apanews.net |
The proposed service, slated to begin in June 2026, will be the first scheduled passenger flight connecting Los Angeles directly with the African continent since the cessation of previous services. This move underscores RAM’s ambitious network expansion and strategically positions Morocco as a crucial transit point, linking North America to the broader African continent.
The Significance of the Six-Continent Club for LAX
Only a handful of airports globally can boast a permanent, scheduled non-stop service to all six inhabited continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania (Australia), and Africa. Los Angeles International Airport has held this esteemed title in the past, but the absence of a direct African route has kept it off the current list.
Why Africa Connectivity Matters to Los Angeles
The restoration of an Africa connectivity link is a major win for LAX and the entire U.S. West Coast. For years, travelers heading from Los Angeles to any destination in Africa have been forced to endure a multi-stop journey, typically connecting through major hubs in Europe (like Paris or Frankfurt), the Middle East (like Dubai or Doha), or the U.S. East Coast (like New York or Washington D.C.).
The new CMN to LAX route eliminates this mandatory extra stop, dramatically simplifying and shortening the travel time to North Africa, and more importantly, creating a seamless one-stop connection to dozens of destinations across RAM's extensive network in West and Central Africa. This not only serves the significant Moroccan diaspora on the West Coast but also opens up Morocco’s burgeoning tourism sector and the vast economic potential of the African continent to U.S. businesses and leisure travelers.
"Royal Air Maroc’s arrival re-establishes a vital air bridge, transforming LAX from a gateway to the Pacific into a truly global hub with links to every corner of the world."
Flight Details and Boeing 787 Dreamliner Service
Royal Air Maroc is proposing to deploy its modern, fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on this ultra-long-haul journey. This choice of aircraft is essential for a route covering approximately 5,990 miles (9,640 km), with an estimated flight time of around 11 to 12 hours. The Dreamliner, known for its superior passenger comfort features like larger windows, higher cabin humidity, and reduced cabin pressure, is an ideal choice for the long duration of the Casablanca to Los Angeles flights.
Key Operational Aspects of the New Route
The airline’s filing with the DOT indicates a proposed launch in June 2026. While the specific frequency (likely less than daily initially) and final schedule are pending full regulatory approval and commercial planning, the intended use of the B787-8 and B787-9 variants is confirmed.
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner.
- Route: Casablanca (CMN) to Los Angeles (LAX).
- Start Date: Targeted for June 2026.
- Regulatory Status: Permission requested from the DOT; approval is expected without issues.
The timing of this launch is strategically aligned with the peak summer travel season and, notably, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will see increased travel demand between the U.S. and other nations, including those in Africa. This positions the new RAM flight to capture significant connecting and direct traffic, demonstrating smart planning by the airline.
Royal Air Maroc's Growing U.S. Network and Oneworld Leverage
The addition of Los Angeles marks a significant expansion of Royal Air Maroc’s presence in the United States. RAM already serves several key U.S. destinations, including New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Miami (MIA). LAX will become the airline's first West Coast gateway, significantly bolstering its transatlantic reach.
Oneworld Alliance Benefits for Travelers
As a member of the oneworld alliance, Royal Air Maroc will be able to leverage valuable partnerships, especially with American Airlines (AA), which maintains a major presence at LAX.
- Seamless Connections: Passengers flying in on RAM’s CMN to LAX flight will have seamless, one-stop connections onto American Airlines' vast domestic network, allowing travelers to easily reach destinations across the US, including Hawaii and Mexico.
- Loyalty Benefits: Members of the Safar Flyer program (RAM's loyalty program) and other oneworld programs, like AA’s AAdvantage, will be able to earn and redeem miles on this new route, alongside enjoying reciprocal lounge access and priority services. This makes the Royal Air Maroc LAX service highly appealing to frequent flyers seeking to reach Africa.
Travel Opportunities: A Gateway to Morocco and Beyond
The introduction of direct nonstop flights to Africa from LAX transforms travel planning for Americans. Morocco, known for its vibrant souks, stunning Sahara Desert landscapes, and the historic beauty of Marrakech and Fes, is now just one flight away.
Exploring Morocco's Rich Culture and History
Travelers can use Casablanca (CMN) not just as a quick stopover but as the entry point to a rich cultural adventure. From the Hassan II Mosque to the coastal charm of Essaouira, Morocco offers a truly unique experience.
One-Stop Access to Sub-Saharan Africa
CMN serves as a major hub for RAM’s operations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The new LAX connection will provide crucial new one-stop access to destinations like Dakar (Senegal), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), and Lagos (Nigeria), offering a competitive alternative to European and Middle Eastern carriers. This makes RAM a key player for both business and leisure travel into the continent.
Anticipation and Booking Information
With regulatory approval considered highly likely, anticipation is building for the official schedule announcement. The airline has stated it will commence marketing and ticket sales as soon as the DOT permission is secured. Given the long-haul nature of the flight and the lack of competition, early booking is advisable, especially for travelers planning their trips around the summer 2026 travel season or the FIFA World Cup events.
The Royal Air Maroc LAX route is more than just a new line on a flight map; it is a profound restoration of global connectivity for one of the world's most important air hubs. For travelers, it represents a shorter, more comfortable journey to an entire continent. Los Angeles is ready to proudly reclaim its spot in the Six-Continent Club.
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