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31 Facts About Royal Jordanian

Hanny Ney

Written by Hanny Ney

Published: 26 Apr 2025

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Source: Bloomberg.com

Royal Jordanian is the flag carrier airline of Jordan, known for its exceptional service and rich history. Founded in 1963, it has grown to become a significant player in the aviation industry, connecting Jordan to the world. Did you know that Royal Jordanian was the first airline in the Middle East to introduce in-flight internet services? This airline operates a modern fleet, ensuring passenger comfort and safety. Headquartered in Amman, Royal Jordanian serves over 40 destinations across four continents. From its hub at Queen Alia International Airport, the airline offers a mix of short-haul and long-haul flights. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first trip, learning about Royal Jordanian's history, services, and achievements can enhance your travel experience. Let's dive into 31 fascinating facts about this prestigious airline.

Table of Contents
01Royal Jordanian Airlines: A Brief Overview
02Destinations and Routes
03Innovations and Services
04Safety and Environmental Initiatives
05Cultural and Social Contributions
06Awards and Recognitions
07Final Thoughts on Royal Jordanian

Royal Jordanian Airlines: A Brief Overview

Royal Jordanian Airlines, the flag carrier of Jordan, has a rich history and a significant presence in the aviation industry. Here are some fascinating facts about this airline.

  1. Founded in 1963, Royal Jordanian Airlines was established by a royal decree from King Hussein of Jordan.

  2. First flight took off in 1964, connecting Amman to Beirut, marking the beginning of its operations.

  3. Originally named Alia after King Hussein's eldest daughter, the airline was rebranded to Royal Jordanian in 1986.

  4. Member of the Oneworld Alliance since 2007, joining other major airlines to offer passengers a seamless travel experience.

  5. Fleet size of 24 aircraft includes modern planes like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A320 family.

Destinations and Routes

Royal Jordanian Airlines connects Jordan to the world with an extensive network of destinations.

  1. Serves over 45 destinations across four continents, including major cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

  2. Hub at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, which is named after the airline's original namesake.

  3. First Middle Eastern airline to operate direct flights to Canada, starting in 1982.

  4. New York City route was launched in 1977, making it one of the first Arab airlines to fly to the United States.

  5. Seasonal flights to Aqaba, Jordan's coastal city, cater to tourists looking to explore the Red Sea.

Innovations and Services

Royal Jordanian Airlines is known for its innovative services and commitment to passenger comfort.

  1. First airline in the Middle East to offer in-flight internet services, introduced in 2010.

  2. Crown Class is the airline's premium business class, offering luxurious seating and gourmet meals.

  3. Economy Class passengers enjoy complimentary meals and beverages on all flights.

  4. SkyConnect in-flight entertainment system provides a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games.

  5. Frequent flyer program, Royal Club, offers members benefits like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access.

Safety and Environmental Initiatives

Safety and environmental responsibility are top priorities for Royal Jordanian Airlines.

  1. IOSA certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ensuring the highest safety standards.

  2. First airline in the Middle East to achieve ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.

  3. Fuel efficiency programs have been implemented to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.

  4. Recycling initiatives on board and at their facilities help minimize waste and promote sustainability.

  5. Partnership with the Jordanian government to support environmental conservation projects.

Cultural and Social Contributions

Royal Jordanian Airlines plays a significant role in promoting Jordanian culture and supporting social causes.

  1. Official carrier of the Jordanian national football team, providing transportation for international matches.

  2. Sponsorship of cultural events like the Jerash Festival, showcasing Jordan's rich heritage and arts.

  3. Support for educational initiatives, including scholarships for aviation students and partnerships with local universities.

  4. Community outreach programs focus on health, education, and social welfare in Jordan.

  5. Promotion of Jordan as a tourist destination, collaborating with the Jordan Tourism Board to attract visitors.

Awards and Recognitions

Royal Jordanian Airlines has received numerous accolades for its services and contributions to the aviation industry.

  1. Skytrax World Airline Awards recognized Royal Jordanian as the "Best Airline in the Middle East" in 2014.

  2. Airline of the Year award from the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) in 2010.

  3. Best Business Class in the Middle East award from Business Traveller Middle East in 2018.

  4. Recognized for punctuality, consistently ranking among the top airlines for on-time performance.

  5. Customer service excellence awards from various travel and aviation organizations.

  6. Innovative marketing campaigns, such as the "Fly into the Future" campaign, have garnered international attention and praise.

Final Thoughts on Royal Jordanian

Royal Jordanian Airlines has a rich history and unique features that make it stand out. From its humble beginnings in 1963 to becoming a key player in the aviation industry, the airline has consistently aimed for excellence. Its commitment to safety, customer service, and innovation has earned it a loyal customer base and numerous awards.

The airline's fleet, which includes modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, ensures passengers enjoy a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Additionally, Royal Jordanian's extensive route network connects travelers to destinations across the globe, making it a convenient choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Whether you're interested in its historical milestones, fleet details, or customer service accolades, Royal Jordanian offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation. So next time you book a flight, consider flying with Royal Jordanian for a memorable journey.

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