Amman-based oneworld member Royal Jordanian is in the process of renewing and expanding its fleet. In October 2022, the airline placed an aircraft order with Airbus. The airline has now finalized an order for some new Embraer jets.
This is part of Royal Jordanian’s plan to expand its fleet from 24 to 40 aircraft over the next five years, so that’s some significant growth. Let’s go over the details.
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Royal Jordanian’s current fleet
For context, Royal Jordanian currently has a fleet of 24 passenger aircraft, including:
- Five Airbus A319s, which are an average of ~15 years old
- Six Airbus A320s, which are an average of ~11 years old
- Two Airbus A321s, which are an average of ~10 years old
- Seven Boeing 787-8s, which are an average of ~seven years old
- Two Embraer E175s, which are an average of ~14 years old
- Two Embraer E195s, which are an average of ~14 years old
Six different types of aircraft across a fleet of just two dozen planes is quite some variety. Then again, there is some fleet commonality between the various Airbus jets and the two types of Embraer jets, so for the purposes of crew training, there are only three fleet types.
When all is said and done, the airline has an average fleet age of around 12 years. While that’s hardly old, it’s probably a good time to start thinking about fleet renewal, since orders are often made years in advance.
Royal Jordanian orders 20 Airbus A320neos
Royal Jordanian has placed an order for 20 Airbus A320neos. This is the updated version of the Airbus A320, featuring improved fuel efficiency and a quieter cabin.
These 20 planes will be replacing the 13 Airbus A320-family aircraft that Royal Jordanian currently flies, meaning that the airline will be expanding its fleet quite a bit. Furthermore, there’s also going to be a lot more fleet consistency, since the airline will exclusively fly A320neos, rather than a mix of A319s, A320s, and A321s.
While the exact delivery timeline remains to be seen, it’s expected that these planes will feature Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment, and more. Furthermore, at least some of the A320neos will feature flat beds.
Keep in mind that Royal Jordanian uses its Airbus fleet for many routes to Europe, which are considered “premium,” so that explains the flat beds. It sure would be nice if Royal Jordanian just went for full consistency, and installed flat beds on all A320neos (that can be done pretty efficiently with Collins Aerospace Diamond seats, for example).
Royal Jordanian orders eight Embraer E190-E2s
Royal Jordanian has placed an order for eight Embraer aircraft, including four E190-E2 and four E195-E2. These jets will be used to replace the carrier’s four current Embraer aircraft, including the E175 and E195.
The airline is primarily planning on using these planes for short haul flights, within two hours of Amman. Royal Jordanian will be able to significantly increase capacity, given that the airline is going from four to eight regional jets.
Royal Jordanian plans to equip E195-E2s with 120 seats, including 12 business class seats and 108 economy class seats. Meanwhile the E190-E2s will be equipped with 92 seats, including 12 business class seats and 80 economy class seats.
Embraer’s E2 jet is incredibly fuel efficient and long range, though the range won’t even be needed here, as the plane will only be used on short haul routes. I was curious to see if Royal Jordanian would choose the Airbus A220 or Embraer E2, so it’s interesting to see the airline go with the E2 (since so many airlines go with the A220).
These planes will join Royal Jordanian’s fleet as of the fourth quarter of 2023, so these deliveries are just around the corner.
Royal Jordanian plans to add Boeing 787s
It’s amazing to see the pace at which Royal Jordanian is refreshing its fleet. Not only has the airline ordered Airbus A320neos and Embraer E2 jets, but the airline also plans on increasing its Boeing 787 fleet.
Royal Jordanian plans to increase its Boeing 787 fleet from seven to 11 jets, including the possibility of adding either Boeing 787-9s or 787-10s. That order hasn’t yet been finalized, though I imagine we’ll find out the details soon enough. Hopefully Royal Jordanian installs a new business class product on these jets, as the current product is quite outdated.
Bottom line
Royal Jordanian will be refreshing and expanding its fleet, which is pretty exciting. The airline will acquire 20 Airbus A320neos, which will replace 13 existing A319s, A320s, and A321s. On top of that, the airline will acquire eight Embraer E190-E2s and E195-E2s, which will replace four existing E175s and E195s. Lastly, it’s expected that Royal Jordanian will expand its Boeing 787 fleet, but the details of that remain to be seen.
This is an exciting development, as Jordan has great geography for connectivity in the Middle East. I just wish Royal Jordanian had a bit more competitive of a long haul business class product.
What do you make of Royal Jordanian’s fleet renewal?
Come to DFW! I would finally take that trip to Jordan if Y'all did! Join the OneWorld hub that's being built out as we speak!
We recently flew an RJ E195 and it was a mess, old, broken, dirty, this is welcome news
It is great to hear this. I recently met an Egyptian business person who told me Egypt has been doing well from Oil and are investing heavily In infrastructure. Wouldn’t be surprised if Egyptair has similar plans as Royal Jordanian. If they already are ; sorry for not paying attention , ;)
They need upgraded planes. In January I flew CDG to Dubai changing planes in Jordan, All 4 flights were in Business class and the seating was the equivalent of domestic first class in the US. The planes were very dated. Tablets were handed out for entertainment. Will say food service in Business was excellent.
@Paul S
That’s exactly how I would have described my flight from AMM - DXB. My flight was pretty crowded in the main cabin . I was the only pax in J until 4 employees moved forward once the gate closed. My only regret was not using the lounge in AMM. The facilities in the main terminal were something out of a horror movie .
The AMM lounge was nice, not great but very pleasant. Late at night it got very hot though
So are you gonna fly with them again?
Every airline that believes it has any future is placing orders for new aircraft and Airbus and Boeing predominantly are able to keep up.
Fuel prices are permanently higher than they were pre-covid, justifying new aircraft, while airlines did not order aircraft for the 3+ years of covid and deferred many orders - which will be filled within a couple of years.
Airlines are paying off debt they used to survive but many are loading...
Every airline that believes it has any future is placing orders for new aircraft and Airbus and Boeing predominantly are able to keep up.
Fuel prices are permanently higher than they were pre-covid, justifying new aircraft, while airlines did not order aircraft for the 3+ years of covid and deferred many orders - which will be filled within a couple of years.
Airlines are paying off debt they used to survive but many are loading up on aircraft-related debt.
It is those airlines that manage to pay off covid survival debt and still refresh their fleets that will make it through the next crisis - and another one will certainly come before 2030
RJ doesn't HAVE to replace its current fleet but needs to get in the delivery pipeline or be left alone -plus do whatever it can to grow
I don't see them ordering the 787-10. If the additional 787s aren't -8 variants, it will be the -9. There are very few routes RJ operates that require the lift of a -10.
It’s sad how much RJ has disappeared from the public eye after those witty ads in 2016 (anyone remember France is not the far… right?) After the Qsuite was launched in 2017, I think RJ has been eclipsed completely by QR, the big boy in the alliance.
Let's not forget RAM joining, and now Oman Air too. RJ has to do this to keep relevant. I do hope they add more US flights, DFW maybe? Makes sense to fly a 787-9 or 10 there to a OW Hub.