Royal Jordanian Airlines History
Royal Jordanian Airlines, also known as RJ, is the national flag carrier of Jordan. Established in 1963, the airline has a rich history that spans over five decades. From its humble beginnings to becoming a prominent player in the Middle East aviation industry, Royal Jordanian Airlines has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its passengers.
The airline's story began with the establishment of Alia Airlines in December 1963. Initially, Alia Airlines operated regional flights using two Handley Page Dart Herald aircraft. Over time, the airline expanded its fleet and route network, gradually transforming into a full-service international carrier.
Throughout the 1970s, Alia Airlines underwent significant growth and modernization. It introduced wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 707 and Boeing 747, to its fleet and expanded its destinations to include major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. In 1986, the airline changed its name to Royal Jordanian Airlines to reflect its national identity and strengthen its brand image.
More Airline Insights & Tips
Here are a few of helpful resources & tips that can further enhance your knowledge of Royal Jordanian airlines and how to best be prepared for your trip:
- Delays are an unfortunate fact of the life of an air traveler. Arm yourself against surprises by knowing the flight status of your RJ Royal Jordanian flight before heading to the airport, as this could save you a lot of time, or even your trip to the airport if your flight is canceled.
- Info can be found here on Royal Jordanian Airlines’s company structure, headquarters, etc.
- See which partnerships and alliances Royal Jordanian has here. This is useful if you want to build up your frequent flyer points on partner airlines.
- Want to know which plane types are in service? Check out RJ’s fleet list here.
- When considering a flight booking on Royal Jordanian Airlines, be aware that third-party travel sites might require you to use their customer service instead of Royal Jordanian 's, which may be less than ideal in certain situations.
Beyond the history presented here for Royal Jordanian , if you’re wanting more aviation history, read about the history of commercial flight here, or the history of the airline industry here.
In the following decades, Royal Jordanian Airlines continued to expand its operations and enhance its services. It joined the global airline alliance oneworld in 2007, allowing it to offer seamless connectivity to destinations worldwide through its partner airlines. The airline also invested in modernizing its fleet, introducing state-of-the-art aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Today, Royal Jordanian Airlines operates a comprehensive network that spans across four continents. It serves over 60 destinations in more than 40 countries, including key cities such as New York, London, Dubai, and Bangkok. The airline is known for its commitment to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for its passengers.
For more information about this airline, check out our comprehensive Royal Jordanian Airlines Guide.
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