Royal Jordanian Has A Flight Plan For Growth

Royal Jordanian says providing a link between Toronto and Amman is part of a strategy that will see both its fleet and the number of passengers it carries grow dramatically in the next few years.

The Ontario capital is the latest addition to the 58-year-old, oneworld carrier’s network and Royal Jordanian COO Karim Makhlouf said during a Wednesday Toronto reception his carrier is focused on tourism, with tourism being the backbone of its planned growth.

The airline — which also serves Montreal — is using B787s on its new Toronto-Amman route.

Royal Jordanian carried 3 million passengers in 2019 but expects to host some 7 million a year within the next four or five years.

The airline also plans to add dozens of planes — mostly B787s and A320s — to a fleet that Makhlouf said will be a particularly young one.

“We have to grow and we will commit ourselves to tourism,” Makhlouf told the Toronto audience, adding that his airline is committed to Amman being a leading gateway.

Royal Jordanian’s Crown Class service offers the likes of flat-bed seats, while economy service provides inflight entertainment and the airline works to showcase Jordanian food and culture, Makhlouf said.

The airline is negotiating with Air Canada about cooperation between the two carriers.

Makhlouf also said Royal Jordanian will offer travel agents and tour operators “full flexibility.”

He said Royal Jordanian is committed to reducing its emissions despite its planned growth, in part through using alternative fuel.

The Toronto route was welcomed by Malia Asfour, head of the Jordan Tourism Board North America.

“This new flight from Toronto to Amman is a dream come true,” she said, adding those travelling to Jordan can “visit the most incredible sights this planet has to offer … Jordan is really the best place to take a vacation.”

The ancient city of Petra often overshadows other Jordanian tourist attractions, which Asfour noted included Lawrence of Arabia’s desert retreat of Wadi Rum. “The silence of the desert is incredible.”

Other Jordan highlights cited by Asfour include the “absolutely beautiful” Petra by Night show, “floating at sunset in the Dead Sea” and visitors being able to “touch the waters where Jesus was baptized.”

The Toronto-Amman route was also welcomed by Asfour’s tourist board colleague Omar Banihani,

“This new route is going to be instrumental in introducing more Canadians to Jordan,” he said.

In the Photo

Seen here at the Toronto event are Makhlouf, Asfour, Banihani and Zyad Jaradat, Royal Jordanian’s regional manager for North America.