Royal Jordanian introduces duty free sales in-flight

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has launched in-flight duty- free sales, enabling passengers to shop from prestigious brands on most RJ aircraft, particularly those on long- and medium-haul routes. The service is offered in partnership with DFASS Group, the world’s largest global in-flight duty-free specialty retailer.

DFASS will use its large network of product resources to formulate a unique programme for Royal Jordanian that appeals to the needs and desires of the airline's passengers. The onboard duty-free sales items include fragrances and cosmetics, watches, jewellery, tobacco, sunglasses, and RJ-branded items, among others. 

Customers can pay cash for their purchases in Jordanian dinars, euros, US dollars or the British pound, or by using various credit cards.

RJ’s President/CEO Captain Suleiman Obeidat said: “Royal Jordanian’s objective to sell duty-free goods on board is an added value to the customer service it offers its passengers. This time-saving shopping experience will enable our passengers to buy their needs during their journey time.”

He added that the duty-free onboard sales will support Royal Jordanian with ancillary revenues, creating an additional opportunity to generate revenues.

DFASS VP Operations-EMEA Mario Mouarbes said: “DFASS is excited to commence operations in Jordan, and will leverage its global reach to ensure that Royal Jordanian is bringing first-class services to its passengers through state-of-the-art systems.”

Royal Jordanian restarts Amman to Jakarta flights

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has inaugurated a new direct route from Amman to Jakarta. Jakarta is the fourth new RJ destination in 2015, after Ankara in Turkey on December 8, and to Tabuk in KSA and Najaf in Iraq earlier this year.

RJ had operated flights to Jakarta between 1992 and 2002; they were suspended for commercial reasons. RJ President/CEO Captain Suleiman Obeidat said that reopening the Amman-Jakarta route comes at a time when Indonesia witnesses growing air traffic, which reflects Indonesia's position as the 17th largest economy worldwide. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with an estimated 255 million population, 10 million of which live in Jakarta.

Captain Obeidat said that this route is ideal for tourists travelling from Jordan and the Levant to Indonesia and to transport Indonesian students studying in Jordan. The route will also serve the Indonesian labour force, cargo and business traffic.

Captain Obeidat added that the feasibility studies conducted by Royal Jordanian showed that this route is important for transit passengers who come to Amman in order to connect to the cities served by RJ network and that of oneworld carriers.

RJ will fly to Jakarta, via Kuala Lumpur, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The wide body Airbus 330 aircraft, which will fly on this route, takes off from Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, at 0130 and reaches Jakarta at 1825; it departs Jakarta at 1955 and lands in Amman at 0415 the following day.

Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways launch codeshare agreement

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has further enhanced its ties with oneworld partner Qatar Airways by launching a new codeshare agreement that is set to further expand travel opportunities for the customers of both airlines.

Through the new agreement, which began August 6, 2015, RJ passengers travelling between Amman and Doha on both Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways will benefit from the same airline code and a streamlined level of services from the oneworld partners.

Members of the airlines’ frequent flyer programmes will also be able to collect points on each other’s flights, with this initial route paving the way for additional codeshare expansions in the near future between the airlines across destinations in the US and Asia.

RJ President/CEO Captain Haitham Misto said: “Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways enjoy a strong relationship, and they are both keen on providing superb on-board and on-ground services. This agreement will further enhance the cooperation between our two companies, thus offering our passengers more travel options and frequencies to cities around the world.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Becoming a member of oneworld has enabled Qatar Airways to strengthen its competitive offering, while expanding travel options to passengers around the world within this leading global alliance network. The launch of this new code share agreement with our fellow oneworld member airline Royal Jordanian demonstrates this and will allow passengers to benefit from seamless journeys around the globe.”