Royal Jordanian Airlines has signed a deal with Airbus for 20 new factory-built A320neo. The agreement is a part of a fleet modernisation plan by the airline to replace the aging A320ceo, the airline said in a statement.
Samer Majali, CEO, of Royal Jordanian Airlines, said: “The move is part of the airline’s plan to increase its total fleet size from 24 to over 40 aircraft in the coming 3-5 years. Negotiations are also underway with Boeing on increasing the number of 787s in the fleet from 7 to 11 in the coming several years. The airline is also evaluating the new 787-9 and 787-10 jets to add to the current fleet.”
Starting in the second half of next year, Royal Jordanian plans to introduce new regional aircraft to give the airline the flexibility and advantage to grow its flight frequencies to all primary and secondary destinations in the region, he added.
The airline said it conducted thorough feasibility studies to decide on the best choice of aircraft to replace the A320ceo family fleet. According to the airline, A320neo will give it an edge as it features the latest fuel-efficient engines, large sharklets (the winglets which improve the environmental performance by reducing the induced drag, thus minimizing fuel consumption), and the innovative Airspace Cabin for enhanced passenger comfort.