Royal Jordanian Bolsters Fleet with New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Order

On November 13, Royal Jordanian Airlines announced a significant expansion of its fleet with an order for four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets. The announcement, made at the Dubai Airshow, also included the reconfirmation of an earlier order for two additional 787-9s, bringing the airline’s total Dreamliner backlog to six aircraft.

Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian, expressed the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience through this latest acquisition. “Our choice of the 787-9 Dreamliner reflects our ongoing efforts in fleet modernization, focusing on fuel efficiency, sustainability, and superior passenger comfort. We look forward to integrating this state-of-the-art technology into our operations, further boosting our service capabilities,” Majali stated.

This new order builds on Royal Jordanian’s existing fleet of seven 787-8 airplanes, expanding the airline’s capacity to transport more passengers and cargo over longer distances. The 787-9 model is particularly renowned for its range, carrying 296 passengers up to 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), and builds upon the successes achieved with the 787-8 in connecting Amman to key global destinations.

Majali highlighted Royal Jordanian’s pioneering role in the region, being the first Middle Eastern airline to order the 787 over 16 years ago. “Our continued investment in the Dreamliner series underlines our forward-thinking approach and readiness to meet the increasing demands of long-haul travel,” he added.

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, praised the decision. “Royal Jordanian’s ongoing trust in the Dreamliner’s industry-leading capabilities is a strong endorsement of its performance. These fuel-efficient jets are a strategic addition, enabling the airline to expand its network and operate a more sustainable fleet,” Deal commented.

Additionally, Boeing Global Services will provide modification services for Royal Jordanian’s current 787 fleet, enhancing in-flight connectivity for passengers and crew. The agreement includes Boeing’s engineering expertise and supply of modification kits.

Since the commencement of revenue service in 2011, the 787 family has introduced over 380 new nonstop routes globally and boasts a 25% reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to previous aircraft models.

Reflecting broader trends in the aviation industry, Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook predicts significant growth in the widebody airplane market in the Middle East, driven by increased passenger demand. The forecast anticipates the delivery of 3,025 new commercial airplanes in the region by 2042, with nearly half expected to be widebody aircraft.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com