Royal Jordanian announced that it completed its plan of renewing medium-range aircraft when a new Airbus A320 joined the fleet on 21 November 2012. The aircraft is named after the northern Jordanian city of Irbid.
At the beginning of 2011, RJ launched its fleet modernization program for its medium- and short-haul fleet of A320 family, a deal that was sealed with the Dublin-based lessor, AWAS. The program included replacing five operating A320s and A321s with five new ones of the same models, and introduced two additional A320s to further increase seat capacity and thus be able to accommodate the growing demand on travel year on year.
The airline’s medium-range fleet now counts 15 aircraft of the A320 family: four A321s, seven A320s and four A319s.
By replacing the five- and six-year-old aircraft with newly manufactured ones, RJ aims to upgrade the level of cabin service offered passengers and to have modern aircraft. Operating a young fleet ensures a better service and saves the airline time and the cost of maintenance.
The new A320 is configured with two cabins and seats 136 passengers, 16 in the crown class cabin. All seats are equipped with the touch screen Thales I5000 in-flight entertainment system, making it easier and more comfortable for passengers to watch their favorite programs and enjoy the entertainment features onboard.
Moreover, the V2500 engines are designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption.
RJ is now preparing to introduce Boeing 787s (Dreamliners) that will operate on the long-haul network. The first batch is expected to join RJ as of 2014. The planes will gradually join the fleet in the course of four years, to replace the currently operating A340s and A330s.
The airline gave its aircraft names of famous Jordanian cities and tourist sites as part of RJ's efforts to promote tourism to Jordan. Today, the fleet consists of 33 aircraft and serves almost 60 direct destinations spanning four continents, and more than 850 other cities through the RJ partners in the oneworld alliance.
Source: Royal Jordanian
* Photo Above: Royal Jordanian latest “Irbid” A320 aircraft joining the fleet