RJ registers 24% increase in number of passengers, 5% in seat factor

RJ aircraft carried 199,000 passengers this March, against 160,000 in the period of comparison last year.

President/CEO Samer Majali said that the average seat factor went up from 69% to 73%, marking a 5% rise over the corresponding month in 2007.

He also pointed out that the company achieved high growth rates for all operational indicators last month; the number of flights increased by 18%, flying hours by 20% and aircraft mileage by 21%. Additionally, freight went up by 14%.

Majali mentioned that the operational indicators of this year's first quarter show progress, in spite of the fact that airlines typically suffer from a downturn in demand for travel during this period, compared with the summer months when travel peaks.

Operationally, RJ aircraft transported around 550,000 passengers in the first three months of this year, marking an increase of 17% over the same period of last year.

The seat factor rose from 66% to 68%. Growth also extended to the number of flights, flying hours and aircraft mileage, which rose to 17%. Transported cargo increased by 16% during that period.

Majali expressed satisfaction with the results achieved by the company, stressing the company's distinct competitive edge regionally and globally, attributed to the improved services offered passengers, the modern aircraft recently introduced in the fleet and the IT systems that facilitate travel procedures.

Moreover, RJ enjoys a broad route network served directly from Amman or through its membership in the oneworld airline alliance.

RJ employees have the capability and the potential to face the challenges posed by the spiraling rise in fuel prices and the airline constantly works on improving services, and increasing air freight revenues and the number of passengers, said Majali.

The company also strives to control costs and strengthen its competitiveness in the air transport industry regionally and internationally.

In 2007, the number of passengers increased by 18% over 2006, and the company achieved JD20.4m in net profits from JD543m operational revenues.