Strengthening Tourism Ties: United Airlines Launches Historic Direct Flight between New York and Marrakech

United Airlines and the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) have made aviation history by initiating a pioneering direct air connection between New York and Marrakech. This groundbreaking announcement, made on Thursday, March 7, 2024, heralds the first nonstop flight from a U.S. carrier to Morocco and North Africa.

The strategic collaboration, set to commence in October 2024, is the culmination of the ONMT's vigorous promotional campaign in the American market, aligning with its "Light in Action" initiative and the 2023-2026 strategic tourism roadmap.

Beginning October 31, 2024, the New York-Marrakech route will operate thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, utilizing United's premium Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Featuring 167 seats across Polaris, Premium Plus business, and Premium Economy cabins, this seasonal winter service will originate from the Newark/New York hub, with potential for expansion into year-round operation.

Adel EL FAKIR, Director General of the ONMT, hailed the announcement as a significant endorsement of Morocco as a destination and a reinforcement of their promotional strategy in the American market. "We are proud to be the inaugural North African destination served by one of the largest U.S. airlines," he stated. "United's extensive global network, spanning over 345 destinations, will bolster our presence in the premium market segment."

With 388,000 American tourists visiting Morocco in 2023, the ONMT aims to surpass one million visitors from this lucrative market through aggressive action and enhanced presence.

Marcel Fuchs, United's Managing Director of International Sales, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, emphasizing United's commitment to offering an extensive transatlantic network. "We're proud to introduce this new seasonal service between Marrakech and New York/Newark," he remarked. "This makes us the sole airline providing nonstop flights from Marrakech to the United States, facilitating convenient connections via our New York/Newark hub to 76 cities across the Americas."

This new air route positions Marrakech as a global tourism hub, linking it to two major North American hubs in 2024: Montréal with Air Transat in June and New York with United Airlines in October. Strengthening air links from the United States will enhance Morocco's appeal to the 81 million American travelers, many of whom are influenced by national carriers and loyalty programs when choosing destinations.

In addition to existing Royal Air Maroc routes from New York, Washington, and Miami to Casablanca, this partnership with United Airlines underscores the ONMT's commitment to elevating Morocco's premium positioning in the North American market, aligning with the "Light in Action" deployment.