Royal Jordanian convenes workshop for area managers

The participants discussed last year's performance of these stations, in addition to reviewing the operational and marketing plan for 2009.

RJ President/CEO Samer Majali expressed satisfaction with the results the company achieved last year, in as much as passenger number, seat factor, uplifted cargo and other indicators like revenues and assets of the company are concerned.

He also pointed out that the operating results managed to absorb part of the consequences of the increase in fuel prices in the first eight months of last year, leading to an increase in fuel expenditures, which constituted 50% of the overall operational costs.

In his opening speech at the workshop, Majali reviewed part of the airline's working plan for 2009, which includes the introduction of two Airbus A319s in the coming two months. These will be installed with OnAir mobile and Internet services, enabling passengers to use their mobile phones and BlackBerry-type devices to send and receive text messages and emails, and to make and receive mobile phone calls in flight, as well as to use their laptops to access Internet.

RJ, he said, will dedicate more of its modern Airbus A320s family aircraft to the Arab Gulf. These aircraft are equipped with a screen for each passenger on board, which will boost the level of service offered passengers on Gulf routes.

Majali stressed the management's keenness to improve the airline services and facilitate travel to increase revenues by following clear and robust policies to deal with the current economic crisis and protect the company's financial position.

RJ, Majali said, is aware of the effect of the world economic crisis on the operations of passengers and air cargo and therefore, the participants, who represent RJ in 20 regional and international cities, were called upon to intensify their promotional efforts, boost sales and use different tools to increase RJ's market share in their regions.

Majali also mentioned the elements at the disposal of area managers to attract more customers and boost revenues.

Vice President/Marketing, Sales and Services Hussein Dabbas said that 2009 will see the aviation industry face many challenges because of the global economic crisis. North America and Europe will be the most affected by the crisis; less so the non-industrial countries.

Dabbas urged participants to maintain the standing of Royal Jordanian as one of the best carriers in the region.

"In order to achieve the best sales results, we have to extend every effort to be creative and innovative in finding new means to attract passengers to our airline. This will help us be ready to face the challenges and enjoy a high competitive edge vis-à-vis other carriers," he said.

He added that RJ is acknowledged for its distinguished human power, services and interactive relations, rated as among the best in the region, and thus, it has the means and the resources that will help it achieve the desired increase in sales this year.

Dabbas mentioned that Cairo, Dubai, Beirut, Baghdad and London are the busiest routes operated by RJ from Amman.

A number of RJ vice presidents and executives also took part in the workshop. Participants presented their stations' performance during last year, discussing strength and weakness points. In addition, they tackled the challenges they are facing and put down their requirements for 2009 in order to increase RJ's market share in their regions.

This workshop is the second of its kind to be held for RJ's worldwide area managers. A similar workshop was convened for European stations area managers at the end of October last year.