Air Canada will launch non-stop service between Montreal and Casablanca, the carrier’s first African route and the only scheduled non-stop service to North Africa by a North American carrier.

Flights between Montreal and the famed Moroccan city will be operated by Air Canada rouge beginning in summer 2016, subject to government approval.

“Air Canada is delighted to offer its first flight to Africa and it is natural that Montreal should be the departure point for this significant new addition to our international network.

“The route will be appealing both for tourists traveling to Casablanca and beyond, as well as for the large Moroccan community based in Montreal.

“Customers will now enjoy convenient service on the only non-stop flight by a North American carrier to North Africa, with convenient connections throughout Canada and the US on Air Canada’s extensive network.

“For these reasons, we aim to eventually convert this seasonal route to a year-round service,” said Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines at Air Canada.

“By making us one of the few carriers in the world to fly to six continents, our new Casablanca service also represents an important element in our ongoing international expansion strategy.”

The new service will be operated by Air Canada rouge, Air Canada’s leisure carrier.

All flights will be flown using a 280-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering a choice of premium and economy cabins.

Customers will have the ability to collect and redeem Aeroplan miles.

Seats are now available for purchase.