Marrakech Meets New York: United Airlines Takes Flight!
Well, folks, hold onto your luggage! United Airlines has just decided it’s time for us Americans to skip the layovers and jet directly to Marrakech from Newark. That’s right. Direct flights! Because nothing says “I’ve made it” quite like sipping mint tea in the streets of Marrakech after a brief stroll past a collection of overpriced yet somehow charming souvenirs.
A Bumpy Takeoff? More Like a Smooth Landing!
Launched on October 25, 2024, this flight is not just any route; it’s the golden ticket for travelers who want to bask in the vibrant colors of Morocco without the fuss of connecting flights. The “bustling souks and rich heritage” are now just a direct flight away! Patrick Quayle, a man who sounds like he’s been planning this since he was knee-high to a flight attendant, made sure to point out how this route solidifies United’s status as the top dog in transatlantic travel. And you thought your in-laws were dominating the Thanksgiving turkey table!
Why is This Big News?
First of all, it helps to boost tourism. The UN-Tourism folks are already expecting a 13% rise in arrivals in Africa. And with prices, who knows, maybe you’ll even attract those elusive Instagram influencers seeking ‘authentic experiences’—right before they realize the wifi signal is weaker than their excuses for not posting on time.
The conversational tones of U.S. Ambassador Puneet Talwar filled the air with diplomatic sweetness as he elaborated on how these connections are set to bring Moroccans and Americans closer together. As if we needed more reasons to explain to our Moroccan neighbors what a pickleball tournament is!
What’s on the Menu?
Not to overlook the experience aboard this Boeing 767-300, dear reader! Imagine reclining in a seat cushier than your average middle-class sofa, enjoying refined dining offerings that put your last home-cooked lasagna to shame. We’re talking lie-flat seats in Polaris class. They’re adorned with comforts from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue—because nothing says “luxury” like resting your head on a designer pillow before a five-hour nap punctuated by questionable in-flight meals!
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’ve ever wanted to watch a sunset while being serenaded by the sound of spontaneous Moroccan music, now’s your chance. With three flights a week from Newark to Marrakech, you can indulge your wanderlust without the hassle of a layover that feels longer than waiting for dial-up internet to connect.
And just wait until you hear about their future plans! Starting May 2025, United is adding not just this route but also direct flights to Nuuk, Palermo, and even the lovely Faro. I mean, who wouldn’t want to pretend they’re on vacation to a place they can’t even pronounce? “No, no, honey, we’re not lost; we’re just exploring the linguistic challenges of European tourism!”
The Bigger Picture
With over 800 daily flights to 147 international destinations—40 of which are as untouched as your last relationship—the skies are indeed very friendly for United Airlines! If I were you, I’d start practicing my “Can I get an upgrade?” face right now!
So, Book Your Seats!
If you want to be among the first to tell everyone about the time you drank mint tea in Marrakech, you know what to do. While the majority of these juicy flights will be available on United.com and via their app—if that’s not an adventure waiting to happen, I don’t know what is!
In conclusion, the new Marrakech-to-Newark flight is not just a route; it’s a bridge between cultures, a chance to explore, and perhaps a quick getaway from your in-laws! Now, who’s ready for some Moroccan spices and a bit of jet lag?
Monday, October 28, 2024 at 11:41
Marrakech – United Airlines has officially launched its inaugural non-stop route linking its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport with Marrakech-Menara Airport, marking a significant milestone with the arrival of the first flight on Friday, October 25, 2024.
This new seasonal service will operate with three weekly flights, establishing United Airlines as the pioneering and sole airline offering non-stop flights between Marrakech and the vibrant city of New York.
This route addition is a key component of United’s ongoing strategy to expand its African network, complementing a growing portfolio that already features direct flights from Cape Town (South Africa) to New York/Newark and Washington DC, from Johannesburg (South Africa) to New York/Newark, from Accra (Ghana) to Washington DC, and from Lagos (Nigeria) to Washington DC. Furthermore, a new route from Dakar (Senegal) to Washington DC is slated to commence on May 24, 2025, according to the latest press release from the airline.
These expanded services are expected to significantly enhance tourism growth across Africa, a sector that has already witnessed a remarkable 13% increase in arrivals during the first quarter of the current year compared to the same timeframe in 2023, as reported by the United Nations Tourism Organization.
“The launch of this first non-stop route between New York and Marrakech demonstrates our continued desire to enrich our offering of unique destinations for our customers,” emphasized Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines, in the official press release.
“This direct flight brings the bustling souks and rich heritage of Marrakech closer to American travelers than ever before, while strengthening our position as the leading transatlantic carrier, offering direct access to the New York region and nearly 80 connections across the America via Newark,” noted Mr. Quayle.
“The United States is resolutely committed to the development of new areas of commercial, cultural and security cooperation with Morocco,” underscored Mr. Puneet Talwar, Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Morocco.
In addition to this new route to Marrakech, United has recently unveiled the largest international expansion in its history, including the addition of 11 new routes and eight new destinations for the upcoming summer season.
From May 2025, United plans to launch five new routes from its Newark/New York hub to exclusive destinations that no other American airline serves: Nuuk (Greenland), Palermo (Italy), Bilbao (Spain), the island of Madeira, and Faro (Portugal).
The airline will also enhance its offerings from Washington DC/Dulles with three new routes, including its inaugural year-round service to Dakar (Senegal), alongside seasonal flights to Nice (France) and Venice (Italy).
United is set to provide new routes from Tokyo-Narita to Kaohsiung, Palau, and Ulaanbaatar, marking new destinations for a U.S. carrier. These new flights will integrate seamlessly with United’s extensive transpacific network operating via Tokyo-Narita to five hubs in the continental United States.
The majority of these new routes will be available for booking on United.com and through the United app in the coming weeks.
United is the world’s largest airline in terms of available seat miles and serves more international destinations than any other U.S. carrier. In the upcoming summer season, United will offer a remarkable total of 800 daily flights to and from 147 international destinations, including 40 that are not served by any other U.S. airline.
The new Marrakech – New York/Newark route is operated by a premium Boeing 767-300, featuring a United Polaris extended business cabin and a United Premium Plus cabin. The aircraft is equipped with 46 United Polaris Business Suites with direct aisle access, 22 United Premium Plus seats designed for a superior travel experience, and 99 Economy Class seats, including 43 Economy Plus seats that offer increased legroom and additional personal space.
United Polaris business class embodies the essence of premium air travel, prioritizing passenger well-being and comfort, complemented by refined on-board dining options, comfort products from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as lie-flat seats providing direct access to the aisles.
United’s economy class offers complimentary in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment. Most aircraft are outfitted with adjustable headrests and individual on-demand entertainment systems, ensuring a satisfying travel experience.
With hubs in cities such as Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, United boasts the most extensive route network among North American carriers and stands today as the largest airline in the world based on available seat kilometers.
