Royal Jordanian<.> Airlines last Thursday took delivery of the first of two leased Airbus A340-200s, marking an important new step in its fleet growth and modernisation.

Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan attended the ceremony in Toulouse at which the A340-200 was handed over to Royal Jordanian President and CEO Samer Majali by Airbus President and CEO Noel Forgeard.

Royal Jordanian will use its A340s, after receipt of the second aircraft, which will be handed over later this month, to inaugurate nonstop services to North America, as well as on flights to Asia.

Our passengers are an important contributor to Jordan`s economy, so we are conscious of the need to have aircraft that are economic as well as attractive, and the Airbus A340, which is considered the smallest ultra-long-range aircraft in the market, scores highly on both counts, says Royal Jordanian`s President & CEO Samer Majali. The A340 also features the same cockpits and similar engines as our A320s, making them easy to add to our fleet while providing important savings.

Royal Jordanian currently operates an all-Airbus passenger fleet on services to Asia, Europe, North America and throughout the Middle East. It became the first in the region to order the A320, in the mid-1980s.

Royal Jordanian has the right aircraft plus the professionalism to make good use of them, which augurs well for its continued success, both today and in the years to come, says Airbus` Noel Forgeard. We look forward to continuing a successful partnership.