Royal Air Maroc Cargo, the dedicated freight division of Morocco’s national carrier, is marking more than 45 years of operations in the United States, a milestone that underscores its strategic role in linking North America and Africa. Since launching the Casablanca–New York (JFK) route in 1979, the airline has steadily expanded its footprint across the U.S., with JFK, Miami, and Washington Dulles airports now handling nearly 90 percent of its transatlantic cargo volumes.
Leveraging Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) as a key gateway, Royal Air Maroc Cargo provides competitive and timely connections to over 30 destinations across Africa, as well as to Europe, Turkey, and Brazil. The hub’s geographic advantage and streamlined transfer processes allow shipments to reach U.S. markets up to 24 hours faster than through European or Gulf hubs. Notably, approximately 10 percent of U.S.-bound shipments originate in West Africa, reflecting the airline’s capacity to connect the broader continent with the American market efficiently.
The airline’s U.S. operations encompass a diverse mix of freight, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, and diplomatic shipments, alongside culturally significant items such as handcrafted Moroccan “zellige,” destined for luxury hotels and private residences. This blend highlights Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s ability to handle bespoke, high-value shipments with the precision and care demanded by global clients.
In the United States, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is represented by Globe Air Cargo, a division of ECS Group, which manages commercial promotion, sales, cargo handling, and customer support, including real-time tracking. The carrier has also embraced digital innovation through partnerships with cargo.one and CargoAi, providing 24/7 online booking and shipment visibility to enhance operational efficiency.
The airline’s fleet combines the bellyhold capacity of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a dedicated Boeing 767 freighter, and a network of B737 aircraft, collectively serving an 82-destination global network.
“Royal Air Maroc Cargo has proudly connected the United States with Morocco and Africa for over 45 years,” said Rita Chraibi, Vice-President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc. “Our growth reflects the trust of our customers and Casablanca’s pivotal role as a global hub. Looking ahead, we are exploring expansion to Los Angeles (LAX) to broaden our North American presence while focusing on strategic segments such as perishables and GDP-compliant pharmaceuticals. As we aim to quadruple our fleet by 2037, the U.S. market will remain central to our mission of linking North America, Africa, and the world.”
