Launch of the Air Route Between Casablanca and Shanghai: A Strategic Move to Strengthen Cooperation Between China and Africa

Casablanca / ALDAR

In an important historical step, the “China Eastern” group, through its subsidiary “Shanghai Airlines,” announced the launch of a new air route linking the cities of Casablanca and Shanghai. This announcement was made during an official ceremony held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Morocco, Li Changlin, and the president and chief pilot of Shanghai Airlines, Mr. Wan Tan.

In his speech at the event, Mr. Wan Tan expressed his great joy in launching this air route, emphasizing the significance of this step in strengthening relations between China and Morocco, particularly between the Chinese and African peoples. He pointed out that this project marks an important turning point, reflecting Shanghai Airlines’ commitment to facilitating commercial and cultural movement between China and Africa.

Mr. Wan Tan further mentioned that Shanghai, as one of the largest economic and commercial centers in China, naturally aligns with Casablanca, which is considered the economic capital of Morocco and one of the main hubs of the African economy. This choice highlights the importance of this air route as the first direct air link between China and Africa.

The route is set to operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with flights connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, with a technical stop in Marseille, France.

The flights will be operated on the modern Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering 285 seats, including 26 in business class, reflecting the commitment to providing comfortable and luxurious services for both business travelers and tourists alike.

“China Eastern,” founded in 1988 and headquartered in Shanghai, is one of China’s leading airlines, ranking second in terms of passenger numbers. With a fleet of over 600 modern aircraft, the company reaffirms its commitment to expanding its services in the African market through this new air route, strengthening the cooperation ties between China and Morocco.

In the conclusion of his speech, Mr. Wan Tan thanked the Chinese Ambassador to Morocco, Li Changlin, for his prominent role in facilitating the launch of this important air route, noting that this event opens new horizons for commercial and tourist cooperation between China and Morocco, while enhancing cultural exchanges between the two peoples.