Royal Jordanian takes delivery of sixth B787
21 / 11 / 2016
Royal Jordanian (RJ) has taken delivery of its latest – its sixth – Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The aircraft flew into Amman, RJ’s home hub, direct from the Boeing manufacturing facility in Seattle on the west coast of the US.
This aircraft and a seventh B787, expected to join the RJ fleet at the beginning of next year, are being operated on a capital lease. The other five Dreamliners are being operated on an operational lease.
The B787s are replacing Airbus A340s and A330s the carrier previously operated; five of these aircraft types were phased out two years ago and another two A330s are expected to be retired from the RJ fleet in the near future.
RJ president and chief executive Captain Suleiman Obeidat believes that the B787 represents a significant step forward for the airline, the aircraft opening up new route network possibilities and improving the carrier’s regional and international competitiveness.
Obeidat pointed out that the B787 is capable of flying long distances with a full load, making it an ideal choice for RJ operations to North America, the Far East and Europe.
Plus, the carrier noted, the Dreamliner allows airlines such as RJ to significantly increase their airfreight revenues by providing about 20 to 30% more cargo capacity than other aircraft of a similar size.
