New aircraft continue joining RJ fleet

The delivery comes in the context of the company's strategic plan set in summer of 2004 to renew Royal Jordanian's short- and medium-haul Airbus 310 and 320 aircraft with new Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.

The process of adding the new aircraft to the fleet coincides with the president and CEO Samer Majali's announcement during RJ's 41st annual commercial conference convened last Monday. He said that Royal Jordanian anticipates that 2005 will post net profits similar to those of 2004, reaching JD17 million.

The first Airbus 320 joined the airline's fleet in Dec. 2005. The four other A320s and 321s will consecutively join the fleet within the year, replacing the old aircraft with the new ones.

At the end of last year, Royal Jordanian also received two newly-manufactured Bombardier Q400s. The 72-pasenger aircraft will operate on short-haul routes under the RJ xpress brand. With their noise and vibration reduction system, passengers can enjoy a quiet journey, in addition to affordable and frequent air service.

The new Airbus aircraft have distinguished quality technical and services specifications for seats, carpet and means of passenger entertainment and amenities. Each passenger can now enjoy watching their favorite movie with a special screen installed on every business and economy seat, over and above various services.

The airplane was painted with the new color scheme designed for the RJ aircraft fleet, which is similar to the present color scheme. RJ was keen on providing the optimal passenger convenience aboard this plane. This RJ aircraft seats 136 passengers; 16 on business class, and 120 on economy, whereas it has capacity for 150 seats on both classes.

Royal Jordanian selected V2500- powered International Aero Engines (IAE) to be installed on its six new Airbus aircraft. IAE are among the most advanced and powerful engines internationally. The high technical performance of the engines, their low overall cost of ownership and their lower fuel consumption will play a considerable role in the current renewal program and services the airline offers its passengers.

RJ, which concentrates on serving the regional network, has transferred Royal Wings' operations from Marka airport to Royal Jordanian, at QAIA. This way, the regional jets will easily complement the bigger ones that serve the international network, while Royal Wings will be dedicated to charter business, using Airbus 320s.

Royal Jordanian currently operates 20 Airbus aircraft- A340, A310, A320, A321 in addition to the Q400s and Fokker 28. The airline's fleet will reach around 30 aircraft in the coming three years.