Boeing has delivered the first 787-9 Dreamliner for Royal Air Maroc, introducing a second member of the super-efficient Dreamliner family to the airline’s fleet.

The new airplane offers more seats and more range, which will help Morocco’s flag carrier grow its international business.

“We are particularly pleased to receive today our airline’s first 787-9, which will soon be joined by three other models from the same family.

“The choice of this airplane forms part of our strategy to continuously expand and modernise our fleet, and comes just a few days after the announcement of the invitation made to Royal Air Maroc to join the highly prestigious Oneworld Alliance.

“This will further strengthen our country’s and Royal Air Maroc’s leadership position on the continent,” said Abdelhamid Addou, chief executive of Royal Air Maroc.

In 2015, the airline was the first in the Mediterranean to fly the 787-8, the initial Dreamliner that offered 20 per cent less fuel and fewer emissions.

Royal Air Maroc planned new, non-stop routes such as Casablanca to Washington and Miami.

With the larger, longer-range 787-9, Royal Air Maroc will be able to accommodate about 30 additional passengers.

The airline plans to deploy the 787-9 on routes such as Casablanca to Paris (Orly), to New York and to Sao Paulo.