Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and Embraer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce 10 new Embraer jets into RJ’s fleet.
The agreement was signed by RJ Vice Chairman/CEO Samer Majali and Arjan Meijer, CEO Embraer Commercial Aircraft (photo), at the Istanbul Airshow which took place on 6-8 October 2022.
Majali said that introducing the new highly fuel-efficient Embraers is part of its overall aircraft modernization plan that includes both renewing and growing the fleet that is deployed on two-hour flights from Amman to destinations within the Levant.
He added that the airline’s strategic plan will further boost RJ’s position as the preferred airline in the region by offering improved connectivity to a wider network, positioning Amman as the leading gateway to the Levant.
Majali further stressed that following extensive feasibility studies to decide on the best aircraft to replace the currently operating E195 and E175, RJ selected the Embraer E2 aircraft to best fit its financial objectives and network strategy.
RJ has been operating Embraer aircraft for 15 years now and choosing the same original type of aircraft helps reduce the investment cost of pilot training and spare parts provisioning whilst also lowering crew scheduling and maintenance costs, Majali said.
The aircraft should provide up to 25% fuel savings per seat compared to the current aircraft resulting in operating cost savings as well as significant carbon emissions reductions supporting the airline’s environmentally friendly strategy.
The E195-E2 will seat 12 passengers in Crown Class and 108 in Economy and the smaller E190-E2 will have the same number of Crown Class seats and 80 in the Economy Class. All aircraft will be fitted with the latest 4 abreast business class seats with impressive 53-inch legroom and excellent seat recline. The economy cabin will feature the new slimline seats, also in a 4 abreast configuration with no middle seat.
Arjan Meijer said: “Embraer is honored to be selected by RJ to provide the next generation of regional aircraft to their fleet. The E2 family of advanced-generation E-Jets offers the quietest, lowest polluting, and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the under 150-seat market. We are proud to continue our long association with Royal Jordanian.”
Royal Jordanian recently announced a plan to modernize its narrow-body fleet of aircraft to replace those currently operating and to add new ones with the announcement of its selection of A320neo family as its future fleet. At the same time, negotiations with Boeing are still ongoing to grow the current fleet of wide-body aircraft followed by the scheduled replacement of its current fleet in the near future.
The airline plans to increase the fleet size from the 24 aircraft currently operating to over 40 aircraft over the next five years.
Meanwhile, Oman’s Low-Cost Carrier SalamAir also signed, at the Istanbul Airshow, a firm order with Embraer S.A. for six E195-E2, with options for a further six aircraft.
The E195-E2, the quietest and most efficient aircraft in its class, will be delivered in a comfortable dual class configuration with 135 seats, beginning at the end of 2023. The deal, which will be added to the Q3 backlog, is valued at US$934.6 million, at list price with all options exercised.
Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said: “The aircraft will grow to be a core part of our fleet portfolio. It is exhilarating for us to be the first airline in the Middle East to fly the incredible E195-E2. Embraer’s aircraft represents the best environmental efficiency, operating performance, and passenger comfort. The aircraft’s sophisticated aerodynamics, novel wing design and new technologies enable its exceptional energy efficiency.”
“These aircraft will allow the airline to open new local and regional cities and increase its frequency to these destinations due to its fuel efficiency and capacity, which suits the needs of these markets. The new fleet will be used on domestic flights initially, including the 4 oil fields and 4 international airports within Oman. As we receive more aircraft we will be able to use them on regional airports in neighboring countries which today are not connected to Oman,” Captain Ahmed added.
SalamAir, who commenced its commercial operations in 2017, has achieved growth in its operations and expanded its region’s reach. SalamAir was awarded Oman’s Most Trusted Brand 2021 and The Youngest Fleet in Asia for 2021 and 2022 by Ch-Aviation. It operates six A320neo, four A321neo and one Airbus A321 freighter.
