Royal Jordanian Airlines and Air China have signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing to strengthen air transport cooperation between Jordan and China and expand connectivity between the two markets.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of King Abdullah II’s visit to China, according to a statement issued by Royal Jordanian on Saturday.
The memorandum covers expanded commercial and operational cooperation, greater competitiveness in international markets and potential new air routes between the two countries.
As part of the agreement, the airlines will examine codeshare opportunities on several key routes and seek to make greater use of their respective hubs in Amman and Beijing. The arrangement is intended to provide passengers with more travel options and smoother connections across the two carriers’ networks.
The two airlines will also explore cooperation in areas including interline agreements, product and service training, brand promotion and operational support.
Their cooperation will extend to ground handling, air cargo and in-flight catering at their respective hubs, with the aim of maintaining high service standards.
Royal Jordanian Vice Chairman and CEO Samer Majali said the agreement was an important step in the airline’s strategy to strengthen its presence in China and the wider Far East, describing Air China as a strategic partner.
Majali said Beijing could serve as a gateway to wider Asian markets, while Amman plays an important role as a hub for the Levant. He added that deeper commercial cooperation and potential codeshare arrangements could help expand Royal Jordanian’s network and improve passenger connectivity.
He also highlighted the importance of the partnership in supporting the planned direct air route between Amman and Beijing.
Qu Guangji, General Manager of China National Aviation Holding Corp. and President of Air China, said the two airlines already have an established relationship and significant potential to deepen their cooperation.
Qu said Air China would fully support Royal Jordanian’s plans to launch nonstop flights between Amman and Beijing. He added that stronger cooperation could contribute to tourism, business and cultural exchanges between Jordan and China.
The memorandum is expected to provide fresh momentum to aviation cooperation and the development of the air transport markets in both countries.
Royal Jordanian and Air China plan to continue expanding their partnership, with the longer-term objective of creating a stronger air link between Jordan and China and supporting greater travel, trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Source: Jordan News Agency