Royal Jordanian reports 28% increase in passengers in February

17 Mar 2012

(MENAFN) Royal Jordanian (RJ) reported a 28 percent increase in passenger transport to 240,000 in February compared to 188,000 passengers a year earlier.

The number of departures and flying hours increased by 9.3 percent and the seat factor increased by 7.5 percent, reaching 70 percent, it added.

However, the airline’s fuel bill last month hit USD28.55 million, 22 percent higher than USD23.35 million paid a year earlier.

The passenger increase during February was a result of the success of RJ’s marketing promotion plan, CEO Hussein Al Dabbas said.

He explained that the airline has been exerting much effort, both in Jordan and at its 61 destinations worldwide, to attract more passengers and support transit flights by constantly improving its ground and air services.

Dabbas said that the airline is currently facing a big challenge in terms of fuel price factor which trimmed its profit margins.

Dabbas said that carrier has developed a strategy to increase revenues and reduce costs caused by the sharp increase in fuel prices during this year.

RJ shrank its network and cancelled many flights, in addition to stopping capital purchases and employment, Dabbas explained.

Dabbas expected to achieve more success in March and the months ahead despite the difficulties relating to the current political instability in the region.