United Airlines operates first direct flight between Marrakech and New York

Starting October 25, 2024, United Airlines will operate a direct route between New York and Marrakech, offering three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Boeing 767-300 aircraft used for this route can accommodate up to 167 passengers.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) closely followed the inaugural flight as part of its «Light in Action» initiative. This direct route aligns with the ONMT's strategy to attract one million American tourists annually.

The aircraft landed at Marrakech-Menara Airport on Friday morning, marking direct route by an American airline to Morocco and North Africa. This launch follows the agreement signed between the ONMT and United Airlines in March 2023.

A high-level delegation from United Airlines, led by Senior Vice President of Global Network and Alliances Patrick Quayle, attended the inaugural flight. They were welcomed at Marrakech Airport by a Moroccan delegation comprising representatives from the ONMT and Moroccan tourism operators, headed by Hamid Bentahar, President of the National Confederation of Tourism (CNT).

In addition to the American delegation, the flight carried 35 travel consultants from the two largest American luxury travel groups: Signature Travel Network and Virtuoso, which collectively represent over 32,000 travel agents.

In June 2023, the ONMT signed partnership agreements with these two networks to strengthen Morocco's position in the American market. These travel advisors will explore destinations like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira, and Agafay.