Royal Jordanian Welcomes First E190-E2 and Faces Delays with A320neo Deliveries

Royal Jordanian, based at Amman Queen Alia, has recently celebrated the arrival of its first E190-E2 aircraft, marking a significant step in its regional fleet expansion. The delivery, which occurred in early May 2024, involved the aircraft being ferried via Recife and Gran Canaria to its home base, as recorded by Flightradar24 ADS-B data. This new addition, registered as JY-REC and leased from Azorra Aviation, joins two E195-E2s, enhancing the airline’s service capabilities on regional routes.

However, the airline’s broader fleet renewal initiative has encountered setbacks. The anticipated arrival of the first aircraft from the A320neo family has been delayed by six months, a development disclosed by Royal Jordanian’s CEO, Samer Majali, in an interview with Arabian Aerospace magazine. Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2024, the new timeline has pushed the arrival of the A320neo aircraft to November 2024. “Unfortunately, Airbus has not done a great job,” Majali expressed, highlighting the impact of these delays on the airline’s operational planning.

Despite these challenges, Royal Jordanian’s commitment to fleet modernization remains steadfast. The airline plans to introduce a total of eight Embraer jets, including one E190-E2 and seven E195-E2s, to replace older models and increase operational efficiency with lower trip costs. This strategic update aims to bolster frequency on existing routes using the more cost-effective regional jets.

In addition to the Embraer fleet, Royal Jordanian has plans for its narrowbody lineup, expecting to integrate twelve more A320neo family aircraft in 2025. These aircraft, sourced from various lessors, will form the backbone of the airline’s short to medium-haul operations.

Looking further ahead, Royal Jordanian has outlined plans for its widebody fleet, with the arrival of six B787-9s slated for the second quarter of 2025. These new aircraft will accompany a cabin refurbishment plan for the existing seven B787-8s, ensuring a unified passenger experience across its long-haul fleet until their proposed retirement in 2030.

This phased fleet enhancement reflects Royal Jordanian’s strategic approach to maintaining a competitive edge in the dynamic aviation market, despite facing unforeseen delays and challenges in aircraft deliveries.