Royal Jordanian

IATA: RJ | ICAO: RJA | Callsign: JORDANIAN

Headquarters: Amman, Jordan

Primary Hub: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Alliance: Member of Oneworld

Overview

Royal Jordanian is the flag carrier of Jordan and a key regional connector in the Middle East. Operating from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Royal Jordanian links Jordan with Europe, the Gulf, North Africa, and select transcontinental routes. As an Oneworld member, it provides seamless connectivity for business and pilgrimage travel, while supporting Jordan’s economic development and regional stability.

Aerospace Significance

Dual-OEM Fleet Strategy with Regional Focus

Royal Jordanian operates a modern, mixed-fleet configuration across Airbus and Boeing platforms:

• Airbus: A320neo, A321neo
• Boeing: 787-8This strategic mix enables:
• Comparative analysis of narrowbody efficiency (A321neo vs. A320neo) on short-haul routes
• Evaluation of twin-engine long-haul performance (787-8) on AMM–JFK and AMM–LHR routes
• Study of ETOPS compliance and diversion planning in politically complex airspace

Fleet Lifecycle & Modernization Programs

• Retired older A310s, 737NG, and Fokker 100s
• Introduced Boeing 787-8 (2016), first Middle Eastern operator outside the Gulf
• Mid-life cabin retrofits featuring:

1. New Business Class (1-2-1 seating)
2. Slimline Economy with enhanced IFE

• Structural and avionics upgrades to support RNP, ADS-B, and future ATM integration

Sustainability & Emissions Reduction

• Committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a target of 10% SAF usage by 2030.
• Participates in regional SAF pilots with TotalEnergies and Queen Alia Airport.
• Implements operational efficiency measures such as:

1. Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA) at AMM
2. Single-engine taxiing
3. Weight reduction (e.g., digital manuals, lighter catering)
4. Collaboration with CAA Jordan on optimized routing

Engineering & Maintenance Capabilities

Royal Jordanian Engineering

Operates a regional MRO network with major bases at:

• Amman (AMM) – heavy checks and modifications
• CAA Jordan and EASA Part 145 certified; performs C-checks, modifications, and component overhaul
• Partners with Lufthansa Technik and SR Technics for engine and specialized work

Digital Operations & Predictive Maintenance

Leverages real-time aircraft health monitoring via:

• Boeing Airplane Health Management (AHM)
• Airbus Skywise
• Proprietary analytics platforms for fault prediction
• Supports high dispatch reliability in a high-tempo environment.

Strategic Partnerships & Alliances

Full member of oneworld, enabling seamless connectivity with American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas.

Deep commercial agreements with:

• Emirates, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir
• Air Canada, Finnair

Collaborates with Airport International Group (AIG) on:

• Terminal modernization at AMM
• GSE electrification and sustainable ground operations

Operational Excellence & Case Studies

Regional Connectivity in Geopolitically Complex Zone

Operates in one of aviation’s most sensitive regions:

• Studied for airspace contingency planning, diversion coordination, and diplomatic route access

Profitability Through Premium Yield & Pilgrimage Traffic

High load factors on routes to Saudi Arabia, Europe, and North America support revenue stability.

• Strong brand loyalty and Royal Club program enhance retention.

Relevance to Aerospace Research & Development

Royal Jordanian is a strategic partner in:

• Twin-engine long-haul performance and ETOPS compliance
• Composite aircraft maintenance and lifecycle management (787)
• SAF adoption and Middle Eastern fuel infrastructure development
• Predictive maintenance and AI-driven fault detection
• ATM modernization in complex regional airspace
• Urban air mobility (UAM) via research with Jordan University of Science and Technology