Royal Jordanian (RJ) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) adding two variants of Embraer’s advanced E2 family of aircraft to its fleet. Let’s take a closer look at the details of the deal.
Royal Jordanian invests in Embraer’s latest jet
Jordan’s flag carrier Royal Jordanian has chosen Brazilian manufacturer Embraer to modernize its short-haul regional fleet. The deal was signed at the Istanbul Airshow by the Vice Chairman of the Jordanian Royal Family Sameer Majari and Embraer Commercial Aircraft CEO Arjan Mayer.
According to the MoU, Royal Jordanian will add a total of 10 new Embraer E2 jets to its regional fleet, split between E190-E2 and E195-E2. Royal Jordan is not a new customer for Embraer. RJ has operated two variations of his E-Jet for 15 years, the E190 and E175. Royal Jordanian will therefore benefit from significant cost savings in terms of pilot training, spare parts availability, crew scheduling and maintenance costs by choosing the same type of aircraft as the original. I can.
By choosing the Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2, Royal Jordanian pursues a strategy of fleet modernization and network expansion.Photo: Embraer
The E2 jet brings other benefits to Royal Jordanian Airlines. First, the new regional jet has outstanding environmental performance, with 25.4% more fuel efficiency per seat and 16% less fuel consumption than his E-jet, the previous generation that RJ currently operates. provide. These two improvements lead to lower operating costs and, combined with optimal range, make the aircraft ideal for airlines pursuing fleet modernization and network expansion strategies.
E2 Jet Benefits
The E2 jet’s sustainable technology, superior economy and cabin comfort have attracted the attention of several airlines around the world.
The new E2 cabin offers passengers an enhanced and relaxed experience thanks to 40% larger overhead bins, wider aisles, mood lighting and wireless connectivity. At the MoU, Royal Jordanian has opted for a two-class configuration. Business Class or Crown Class accommodates 12 passengers with a staggering 53 inches of legroom and individual portable I-Pads. The E190-E2 has an economy cabin capacity of 80 passengers and the E195-E2 has an economy cabin capacity of 108 passengers. In both variants, the economy cabin is fitted with new Slimline seats in a 4-breast configuration and no intermediate seats.
The E190- and E195-E2 aircraft will be 25.4% more fuel efficient per seat and consume 16% less fuel than the previous generation E-jets currently operated by Royal Jordanian.Photo: Embraer
Commenting on the MoU signing, Embraer Commercial Aircraft CEO Arjan Meijer said:
“The E2 family of advanced-generation E-Jets offers the quietest, least polluting and most fuel efficient aircraft on the market under 150 seats.”
This year’s Istanbul Air Show was definitely a good one for Embraer. In addition to his MoU signed with Royal Jordanian Airways, the Brazilian regional aircraft maker has granted value for money to Oman, along with the right to purchase six of his E195-E2 jets from his carrier Salaam Air (OV). I have received a confirmed order for
SalamAir and Royal Jordanian have invested in this modern jet to pursue a bold network expansion strategy. His SalamAir, a low-cost airline, chose his E195-E2 aircraft due to its increased fuel efficiency and capacity. This allows airlines to open new routes to regional and regional airports and increase the frequency of these destinations. In particular, his CEO of the airline, Mohammed Ahmed, said the airline initially plans to deploy the aircraft on local routes. After that, he added that once the E195-E2 is delivered, SalamAir will fly to regional destinations in neighboring countries not currently connected to Oman.
However, SalamAir and Royal Jordanian operate two different business models. In fact, Royal Jordanian is a network his carrier that operates with a focus on its hub airport, Amman Queen Alia International (AMM). As a result, the airline plans to leverage new regional jets to increase the number of flights to destinations within two hours of Amman and to open new regional routes. Optimal aircraft economics make frequency increases and network expansion financially viable, reducing operating costs and positively impacting bottom lines. Royal Jordanian aims to serve more international and intercontinental routes with more traffic to its hubs by operating smaller regional routes with efficient and modern aircraft.
Royal Jordan’s Big Future Expansion Plans
The Memorandum of Understanding signed with Embraer is the latest evidence that Royal Jordan has embarked on a path of expansion.
About a year ago, Royal Jordanian unveiled an ambitious five-year growth plan for fleet and network expansion. Surprisingly, the airline is looking to modernize its fleet and is investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, whose improved economics have enabled the airline to support its network expansion plans.
According to ch-aviation, Royal Jordanian currently operates 25 aircraft with an average age of 15.1 years. With his MoU today, RJ has made a choice regarding the modernization of the regional fleet, setting aside the possibility of welcoming Airbus A220s to the fleet. For short and medium haul, the company is reportedly considering an Airbus A320neo or a Boeing B737 MAX. However, no promises have been made yet. As far as the long haul market is concerned, Royal Jordanian already has a new fleet of Boeing B787-8s in operation, with two of his other aircraft waiting to join the fleet.
Royal Jordanian has plans to expand its fleet and network with the addition of approximately 21 aircraft and the opening of 30-40 new routes over the next four years. Photo: briYYZ via Wikimedia
According to expansion plans, Royal Jordanian aims to add about 21 aircraft to its current fleet, an ambitious network envisioning opening 30 to 40 new routes from Amman Queen Alia International. It should support extensions. As far as network strategy is concerned, the carrier aims to elevate Amman to its preferred gateway to the Levant region, which includes Jordan, Israel, Syria and Lebanon.As a result, RJ plans to strengthen its presence in the Middle East. I’m here.
Simple Flying has reached out to Royal Jordanian for comment. We will update the article with any additional announcements from the airlines.
Do you think Royal Jordanian made the right choice in investing in an E2 jet instead of an Airbus A220? Let us know in the comments below!