Short-haul business class in Europe usually means an economy seat with a folded-down middle seat and a sandwich. Flying into or out of Morocco, though, you get something noticeably better. A recent 45-minute hop from Malaga to Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc's Boeing 737 showed a cabin with genuine business class seats — recliners, not rearranged economy rows — across the airline's dual-class 737 fleet.
That alone sets it apart from most European carriers on comparable routes, and from some North African neighbours too. The reviewer's trip came after a rough Air Algerie experience, so the contrast was stark: Royal Air Maroc simply tries harder, which tracks given Morocco's tourism ambitions and the airline's oneworld membership.
The hard product isn't flawless. The cabin showed plenty of wear and tear, and the lavatory door needed a hand to stay open. There's no Wi-Fi and no streaming entertainment — just cartoons on overhead screens — though Starlink connectivity is planned from early 2027.
Where the flight impressed was catering. On a sub-hour flight, passengers got pre-departure drinks (a rarity in Europe), then a post-takeoff snack of burrata, prawns, vegetables, a cheese plate and dessert, plus a cup of tea. Alcohol is served too. Service was competent rather than warm — one friendly cabin supervisor, one flight attendant going through the motions — but nothing to complain about at this flight length.
A small but thoughtful touch: if your flight arrives at a remote stand in Casablanca, there's a dedicated business class bus, which speeds up and smooths the arrivals experience.
For travellers weighing up North African carriers, the takeaway is simple. Royal Air Maroc currently outshines Air Algerie, Tunisair and EgyptAir on short-haul business class, thanks mostly to real seats and a proper meal service on surprisingly short flights. If you're connecting through Casablanca — the airline's hub for onward flights across Africa — the front cabin is worth the upgrade or the points.
