Royal Jordanian marks 58th anniversary

AMMAN — Royal Jordanian (RJ) marked its 58th anniversary on Wednesday.

The national carrier of Jordan was launched by His Majesty the late King Hussein in 1963 and has since been an ambassador of goodwill and friendship to other cultures, and a bridge that facilitates tourism and trade with the world, according to a RJ statement.

RJ has been receiving Hashemite support ever since its establishment. This support continued under His Majesty King Abdullah, giving impetus to the national flag carrier that plays a leading role in connecting Jordan to the world and is of strategic significance in serving the country, the statement said.

RJ Vice Chairman/CEO Samer Majali stressed the airline’s determination to take all measures to improve the company’s overall performance, productivity, and raise the level of competitiveness to reach the desired profitability. 

The CEO also highlighted plans to help RJ overcome challenges and turn them into opportunities to offset the company’s losses due to the corona pandemic. 

Majali said that RJ is currently studying topics of great importance to the airline business: The operating plan and the need for new aircraft, network connectivity, and improving the public’s impression about the company, its services and the product it offers. 

The airline management greatly appreciates its manpower and strives to maintain their efficiency and qualification, read the statement.

Majali also said that the company aims to implement a five-year plan that entails gradually modernising the fleet of medium- and short-haul aircraft and expanding the fleet from today’s 24 aircraft to around 40. 

The plan also includes expanding the airline’s network from 35 to 60 destinations, to be determined by passengers’ demand. 

The airline is also continually working to improve its onboard catering service. It recently upgraded its economy class meals by introducing dishes from different cuisines, which change every two weeks. Passengers are now served a variety of dishes, including Oriental, International, Mexican and Italian. 

On the occasion, Majali commended the staff for its hard work and expertise in various sectors, and highlighted its vital role in ensuring the success of the company. 

He emphasised the importance of teamwork, which is key to enabling the company to overcome challenges and to progress.