Royal Jordanian Airlines is looking to expand its network, as it seeks to reverse full-year net losses of more than JD79 million ($111 million).
The Middle Eastern carrier attributes the performance – worse than the previous year’s JD74.3 million – to higher fuel prices, which accounted for a near-JD98 million rise in fuel expenditure.
Royal Jordanian says this offset the improvement in its operations, pointing out that it transported 3 million passengers and lifted load factor to 77%, enabling it to generate revenues of JD612 million.
It is expanding its fleet from 24 to more than 40 aircraft over the next three to five years and intends to build “one of the largest networks in the Levant”, says chief executive Samer Majali.
Royal Jordanian has disclosed that it will add services to Stockholm and Dusseldorf this year, as well as regional links to the Bahraini capital Manama and the Saudi Arabian city of Al-Ula. It will also restore flights to Algiers.
“These destinations will help Royal Jordanian accomplish its Levant strategy and bring tourists to Jordan from European destinations,” it states.
The airline is to offer seasonal connections to Sharm el-Sheik, Antalya and Trabzon.
“[Our] route expansion comes in line with the strategic plan to modernise our narrowbody fleet of aircraft that would serve core destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe,” says Majali.
Royal Jordanian’s plan also includes expansion of the widebody fleet and replacement of older aircraft.
