Royal Jordanian Airlines Takes Delivery of First Airbus A320neo from Avolon

Key Takeaways

• Royal Jordanian received its first Airbus A320neo on May 28, 2025, leased from Avolon.
• The A320neo is 20% more fuel-efficient and reduces noise by 50%, supporting a 32% CO₂ cut by 2028.
• Royal Jordanian plans to expand its fleet from 24 to 41 aircraft by 2028 with 20 A320neos ordered.

Royal Jordanian Airlines Welcomes Its First Airbus A320neo from Avolon: A New Era for Jordan’s Flag Carrier

Royal Jordanian Airlines has taken a major step forward in its long-term growth and modernization plans by accepting delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, leased from the global aircraft lessor Avolon. The official handover took place at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France, on May 28, 2025. The aircraft, registered as JY-RAD, was then flown to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, marking the start of a new chapter for the airline and for air travel in Jordan.

This delivery is not just about adding a new plane to the fleet. It signals the beginning of a wide-ranging renewal and expansion program for Royal Jordanian Airlines. Over the next year, Avolon will deliver seven more A320neo aircraft to the airline, and in total, Royal Jordanian has ordered 20 A320neo Family aircraft from various lessors. This move is designed to help the airline modernize its fleet, improve passenger comfort, and support Jordan’s growing role as a regional travel hub.

A Strategic Leap: Why the A320neo Matters

The arrival of the Airbus A320neo is a big deal for several reasons. First, it’s part of a clear plan to replace older, less efficient planes with new-generation models that use less fuel and create less pollution. The A320neo is known for being about 20% more fuel-efficient than older narrowbody jets, and it also produces about 50% less noise. For Royal Jordanian, this means lower operating costs, a smaller environmental footprint, and a better experience for passengers.

The first A320neo delivered is set up with 180 all-economy seats, making it ideal for busy regional routes and popular tourist destinations. This configuration is designed to offer comfort while keeping ticket prices competitive. The airline’s CEO, Samer Majali, highlighted the importance of this step, saying, “The delivery of our first A320neo marks a significant milestone in our fleet modernization strategy. This aircraft, with its advanced technology and enhanced fuel efficiency, will enable us to offer improved services to our passengers while reducing our environmental footprint. Configured with all economy seats, this aircraft will serve a number of popular tourist routes, supporting our goal to promote Jordan as a destination of choice.”

Fleet Renewal: Out with the Old, In with the New

Royal Jordanian’s fleet renewal is a carefully planned process. The airline retired its last Airbus A319-100 in December 2024 and is gradually phasing out older Embraer jets in favor of newer E2 models. The goal is to have a modern, efficient fleet that can serve more destinations and provide a better experience for travelers.

Here’s how the renewal process works:

1. Aircraft Acquisition: Royal Jordanian signs lease agreements with companies like Avolon for new A320neo Family aircraft.
2. Delivery Ceremony: Each new aircraft is handed over at Airbus’s facility in Toulouse, France, with both airline and lessor executives present.
3. Ferry Flight: The new plane is flown from Toulouse to Amman, where it will be based.
4. Fleet Integration: Before entering service, the aircraft goes through regulatory checks and crew training to ensure safety and readiness.
5. Progressive Replacement: As new planes arrive, older models like the A319, A320ceo, and Embraer E175/E195 are gradually retired.

This step-by-step approach helps Royal Jordanian keep its operations running smoothly while making the transition to a more modern fleet.

Environmental Commitment: Flying Greener

One of the most important reasons for choosing the Airbus A320neo is its environmental benefits. The new aircraft uses about 20% less fuel than older models, which means it also produces less carbon dioxide (CO₂). This is a key part of Royal Jordanian’s plan to reduce its carbon emissions by over 32% by 2028. The A320neo is also much quieter, cutting noise pollution by half compared to previous-generation jets.

These improvements are not just good for the airline—they’re good for Jordan and the planet. By flying greener planes, Royal Jordanian is helping Jordan meet its climate goals and making air travel more sustainable for future generations.

Expanding the Network: More Destinations, More Choices

With the addition of the A320neo, Royal Jordanian is in a strong position to expand its route network. The airline currently serves between 50 and 63 destinations in 34 countries, and it plans to grow its fleet from 24 aircraft today to 41 by 2028. The new planes will allow Royal Jordanian to add more flights on high-demand routes, especially those popular with tourists.

Transit passengers—those connecting through Amman on their way to other destinations—now make up 34% of the airline’s total traffic. This shows that Royal Jordanian is becoming a key player in connecting the Levant region with the rest of the world. The new A320neo aircraft will help the airline strengthen its position as a preferred carrier for travelers moving between the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

Passenger Experience: Comfort and Convenience

Travelers flying on the new Airbus A320neo can expect a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. The aircraft features the Airbus Airspace cabin, which includes:

• Advanced lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere
• Larger overhead bins for more carry-on space
• Quieter cabins thanks to reduced engine noise
• Improved seating for better comfort on short and medium-haul flights

These upgrades are designed to make flying with Royal Jordanian more pleasant, whether you’re a tourist visiting Jordan or a business traveler connecting through Amman.

Avolon’s Role: Supporting Growth in the Middle East

Avolon, the lessor providing the new A320neo aircraft, plays a key role in Royal Jordanian’s expansion. Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Avolon, said, “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Royal Jordanian with this first A320neo delivery. We are proud to play a central role in the airline’s fleet expansion plans, leveraging our large orderbook to support Royal Jordanian’s future growth. As passenger traffic in the region continues to grow, we look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

By working with Avolon, Royal Jordanian can access the latest aircraft without the need for large upfront investments. This partnership model is becoming more common in the airline industry, especially for carriers in emerging markets.

Industry and Economic Impact: More Than Just Planes

The fleet renewal at Royal Jordanian is about more than just new aircraft. It’s part of a bigger plan to boost tourism, create jobs, and strengthen Jordan’s economy. By offering more flights and better service, the airline helps attract visitors to Jordan’s famous sites, like Petra and the Dead Sea. This, in turn, supports hotels, restaurants, and other businesses across the country.

Government and tourism officials are optimistic that the new planes will help bring more tourists to Jordan and make Amman a major transit hub in the region. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the airline’s strategy is closely tied to national goals for economic development and global connectivity.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Royal Jordanian Airlines?

The delivery of the first A320neo is just the beginning. Here’s what’s on the horizon for Royal Jordanian:

• More Deliveries: Seven more A320neo aircraft from Avolon will arrive over the next 12 months, with the rest of the 20-plane order to follow.
• Cabin Innovations: Future aircraft will have different cabin layouts, including premium cabins and lie-flat beds, especially on the larger A321neo models.
• Long-Haul Growth: The airline plans to add more Boeing 787-9s starting in late 2025, allowing for new long-haul routes.
• Sustainability Goals: By mid-2026, Royal Jordanian aims to complete its Airbus and Embraer renewal and achieve a 32% reduction in carbon emissions by 2028.

Stakeholder Perspectives: What It Means for Everyone

• Royal Jordanian Management: Focused on making the airline more efficient, customer-friendly, and environmentally responsible.
• Avolon: Sees the partnership as a way to support airline growth in the Middle East and use its large orderbook to help clients expand.
• Passengers: Will enjoy newer planes, more comfort, and more flight options.
• Government and Tourism Authorities: Expect increased tourism and better global connections for Jordan.

Background: A Proud History and a Bright Future

Royal Jordanian Airlines was founded in 1963 and has served as Jordan’s flag carrier ever since. Over the years, the airline has connected the Levant region to destinations around the world. In recent years, the pace of fleet modernization has picked up, with older Airbus and Embraer models being retired and replaced by new-generation jets.

The airline’s strategic plan aims for a 41-aircraft fleet by 2028, with a mix of Airbus, Embraer, and Boeing jets. This balanced approach gives Royal Jordanian the flexibility to serve a wide range of routes, from short regional hops to long-haul international flights.

Key Facts at a Glance

Practical Guidance for Travelers and Stakeholders

If you’re planning to fly with Royal Jordanian Airlines in the coming months, you can expect to see more new aircraft joining the fleet. This means more comfort, better reliability, and possibly new routes to choose from. For those interested in the airline’s environmental efforts, the new A320neo aircraft are a clear sign that Royal Jordanian is serious about reducing its impact on the planet.

For industry partners, tourism officials, and investors, the fleet renewal is a positive signal that Royal Jordanian is committed to growth and modernization. The airline’s partnership with Avolon and its investment in new technology show a forward-thinking approach that should benefit Jordan’s economy and global standing.

Where to Find More Information

For official updates on Royal Jordanian Airlines, including flight schedules, fleet information, and customer service, visit the Royal Jordanian Airlines website. For details on the Airbus A320neo and its features, the Airbus official site provides comprehensive information. If you’re interested in aviation regulations or want to learn more about airline safety and environmental standards, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) offers authoritative resources.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Air Travel in Jordan

The delivery of the first Airbus A320neo from Avolon to Royal Jordanian Airlines is more than just a fleet update—it’s a sign of progress for the airline, for Jordan, and for travelers across the region. With a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort, Royal Jordanian is well-positioned to meet the needs of today’s travelers and support Jordan’s role as a leading transit hub in the Middle East.

As the airline continues to receive new aircraft and expand its network, passengers and stakeholders alike can look forward to a brighter, greener, and more connected future in the skies above Jordan.

Learn Today

Airbus A320neo → A new-generation single-aisle aircraft offering 20% fuel efficiency improvement and 50% noise reduction.
Avolon → A global aircraft leasing company providing Royal Jordanian with the new A320neo jets.
Fleet Modernization → The process of replacing older aircraft with newer, more efficient models to improve operations.
Carbon Emissions Reduction → Efforts to decrease carbon dioxide output from aircraft to meet environmental goals.
Transit Passengers → Travelers connecting flights through Amman, accounting for 34% of Royal Jordanian’s traffic.

This Article in a Nutshell

Royal Jordanian marks a new era with its first A320neo from Avolon, boosting efficiency, comfort, and sustainability amid fleet modernization and regional network expansion plans.
— By VisaVerge.com