AIRLINES: Royal Air Maroc Cargo is targeting new cargo opportunities in perishables, textiles, e-commerce and other high-value commodities following the launch of the airline’s direct Casablanca–Los Angeles service.
The route, which began on June 7, 2026, operates three times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, providing bellyhold cargo capacity between Morocco and the US West Coast.
Royal Air Maroc has positioned the service as the first direct connection between Africa and the US West Coast operated by an African carrier. The new link also expands the cargo options available through the airline’s Casablanca hub, connecting North American traffic with its wider African and Asian network.
The Los Angeles operation complements Royal Air Maroc’s Casablanca–Beijing service, which was launched in early 2025. Together, the two routes provide a potential three-continent cargo corridor linking Los Angeles, Casablanca and Beijing.
For cargo customers, the carrier expects the new connectivity to support a broad mix of commodities. Artisan products, textiles and perishables can move from Morocco and other African markets into the US, while electronics, e-commerce shipments and industrial goods can be routed from China and other Asian markets through Casablanca.
Royal Air Maroc Cargo said the new service strengthens its position in North America while opening additional opportunities in high-value and e-commerce-driven supply chains. It also aims to improve connectivity on the Africa–US West Coast and Africa–Asia trade lanes, where direct airfreight options remain relatively limited.
Rita Chraibi, vice-president cargo at Royal Air Maroc, said the Los Angeles launch represents an important step in the carrier’s strategy of using Casablanca to connect international markets.
“By linking the US West Coast with Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s African and Asian network, our customers benefit from seamless, multi-leg connectivity, improved market access and enhanced routing options,” Chraibi said.
The new route adds to Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s broader North American network and gives shippers another option for moving time-sensitive and higher-value goods between Africa, the US West Coast and Asia.
The launch also marks a shift from Royal Air Maroc’s earlier position in February, when the carrier said it was studying a potential Los Angeles expansion. The service is now operational, with the airline using its passenger fleet to add belly capacity to the transatlantic market.
