Austrian Airlines expands network into Amman, Jordan

The announcement follows direct talks between the Airline and Amman-based Airport International Group (AIG) at the recent Routes Air Service Development Forum held in Kuala Lumpur. The new service, connecting Vienna and Amman four times weekly, will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft featuring Austrian's new signature "Premium Service" catering to strong regional demand for high-quality Business Class amenities.

When announcing the new destination, Austrian Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Andreas Bierwirth said:

"As part of the highly successful Middle East strategy of the Austrian Airlines Group, we are expanding our route by one more destination by reincorporating the city of Amman into the schedule. This will allow us to build upon our successful positioning as one of the major players amongst airlines traveling into the Middle East. The region continues to be characterized by robust economic growth. Local and International businesses on the one hand, and the tourism sector on the other, value our strong flight connections in the Middle East very highly."

When asked about market opportunities, Dr. Bierwirth continued "We also benefit from the new flows of traffic from the Middle East towards Eastern Europe, another region where we enjoy a commanding market position. Thanks to the new Austrian Premium Service, which has grown enormously in popularity since its introduction in July, we are now also well ahead of the competition in quality terms."

Mr. Curtis Grad, AIG's Chief Executive Officer, commented "We are pleased with Austrian's renewed interest in Jordan, and offer them a very enthusiastic "welcome back" to Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). The new $700m terminal construction at QAIA, and ongoing improvements to the existing terminals, will be well positioned to meet the high quality service expectations of Austrian Airlines and its valued customers." Mr. Grad added "Not only will Austrian's re-introduction of non-stop air service between Amman and Vienna stimulate stronger business and cultural ties between the two countries, it will also further enhance QAIA's attractiveness as a convenient and efficient connecting gateway for the region."

The US$700 million rehabilitation and expansion works at QAIA are well underway with the new passenger terminal extending over 85,000 square meters. AIG, under the terms of a 25-year concession agreement with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is responsible for the operation of the airport, the rehabilitation of existing facilities and the construction of the new terminal.

AIG is a Jordanian company with private shareholding by Abu Dhabi Investment Company (UAE), Noor Financial Investment Company (Kuwait), Edgo Group (Jordan), Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) Limited (Cyprus), J&P-Avax (Greece) and Aéroports de Paris Management (France).