In a significant move to bolster its long-haul capabilities, Royal Jordanian has announced a firm order for four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, marking a strategic step in the airline’s ongoing fleet expansion and modernisation efforts. This announcement, made in collaboration with Boeing at the Dubai Airshow, solidifies Royal Jordanian’s commitment to providing passengers with an exceptional travel experience while emphasizing sustainability and operational efficiency.
Samer Majali, the Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian, expressed the airline’s dedication to elevating travel standards. He stated, “Our decision to add the 787-9 Dreamliners to our fleet is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled travel experience. This move aligns seamlessly with our broader strategy of fleet modernization, emphasizing fuel efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort.”
The order includes an additional confirmation for two 787-9 Dreamliners, supplementing a previous order and bringing Royal Jordanian’s total 787-9 backlog to six aircraft. Building upon the success of its existing fleet of seven 787-8 Dreamliners, this acquisition will enable Royal Jordanian to expand its capacity to carry both passengers and cargo over longer distances. The 787-9’s impressive range of 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles) allows the airline to explore new routes and connect major global destinations.
Majali emphasized the airline’s pioneering role in the Middle East’s aviation landscape, noting, “Royal Jordanian, having been the first in the Middle East to order the 787 over 16 years ago, continues to lead in adopting advancements in aviation.” He highlighted the success of the current 787-8 fleet in connecting Amman to major global destinations, reinforcing the airline’s forward-looking approach to meet the growing demand for long-haul travel.
Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commended Royal Jordanian’s enduring commitment to the capabilities of the Dreamliner. “This order for additional 787s is a testament to Royal Jordanian’s longstanding commitment to the market-leading capabilities of the Dreamliner,” said Deal. “We are confident Royal Jordanian will profitably expand its network and operate a more sustainable fleet with these new fuel-efficient jets.”
As part of the agreement, Boeing Global Services will provide modification services for Royal Jordanian’s existing 787s, enhancing in-flight connectivity for passengers and crew. Boeing will undertake the engineering work and supply kits for the modifications, further enhancing the airline’s commitment to technological advancements and passenger satisfaction.
The 787 Dreamliner family, in service since 2011, has revolutionized air travel by launching more than 380 new nonstop routes worldwide. Notably, the Dreamliner family reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared to its predecessors, aligning with Royal Jordanian’s sustainability goals.
Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook underscores the growing demand for widebody airplanes in the Middle East. With passenger demand on the rise between major population centers, the report projects the delivery of 3,025 new commercial airplanes in the region by 2042, with nearly half of them being wide bodies. Royal Jordanian’s strategic investment in the 787-9 Dreamliners positions the airline at the forefront of meeting this escalating demand while reinforcing its reputation as a trailblazer in the aviation industry.
