Royal Jordanian Airlines is set to join
the oneworld airline alliance it was announced on Monday.It is the first airline from the Levant, Middle East and Gulf region to be
elected to any of the global airline groupings and the first airline accepted
to join oneworld in more than five years.
  Royal Jordanian accepted an invitation to join at a ceremony on Monday
conducted in the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein at
the Royal Palace in Amman, the airline’s home base.
“oneworld’s focus during the past few years has been on helping our member
airlines weather the financial turbulence that has rocked this industry by
building revenues and cutting costs,” said Fernando Conte, Chairman of Iberia
and the oneworld Governing Board.  “The results of this strategy are reflected
in oneworld being the only alliance whose members are collectively profitable.
Now our member airlines are at the stage where they feel it is sensible for
the alliance to recruit in regions where we would like to broaden our network.
We are delighted that Royal Jordanian will fill that role for oneworld in the
growing Middle Eastern market.”
  Said Martin Broughton, Chairman of sponsor British Airways, “Royal
Jordanian is an excellent fit for oneworld.  It meets the high-quality
customer standards that oneworld demands of all its members, with a network
that complements what we currently offer.  It is profitable, with a management
in tune with our approach to business.  We at British Airways look forward to
working with our new colleagues to bring Royal Jordanian on board the world’s
leading quality alliance.”
  Said Royal Jordanian’s Chief Executive Samer Majali,  “Accepting
oneworld’s invitation to join is an exciting step for Royal Jordanian.  The
Middle East is the fastest-growing aviation market, and we are the first
airline from this region to find a home in a global alliance.  There is no
doubt that our future strategy and recent performance make us an attractive
partner for other high-quality airlines.  This development is in tune with our
ambition to privatize and to strengthen Amman’s role as a regional hub.  We
are delighted to strengthen oneworld’s excellent worldwide network with better
coverage of our region.
  “Our passengers are increasingly asking more from us, and oneworld will
extend our reach enormously,” Majali continued.  “Royal Jordanian’s passengers
will enjoy privileged access to a group of airlines that we trust and are
certain to take excellent care of them.”
  Gerard Arpey, Chairman and CEO of American Airlines, also welcomed Royal
Jordanian to the oneworld alliance.  “We are very excited that Royal Jordanian
will be part of oneworld,” said Arpey.  “The airline brings much to the
alliance that will benefit other members of the group, but more importantly,
will also benefit our customers.  With Royal Jordanian added to the oneworld
roster of airlines, travel to and from the Middle East and Gulf Regions will
be more convenient—and rewarding—than ever before.  We welcome and
eagerly anticipate their membership in the alliance.”
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