America West Airlines, announced the expansion of its marketing agreement with Royal Jordanian, the full-service, international carrier serving more than 50 destinations in the Middle East, Far East, North Africa, Europe and North America. Effective November 8, America West began placing its code on Royal Jordanian flights between Amman, Jordan and New York/JFK, Chicago/O`Hare, and Detroit. With this code-share expansion, America West is the only US carrier able to directly market nonstop service between the US and Jordan.

Passengers on the West Coast also benefit, with convenient one-stop service to Jordan now available from Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition, members of America West`s award-winning FlightFund program and Royal Jordanian`s Royal Plus program can accrue and redeem miles on all scheduled flights operated by either airline, and America West Club members and Royal Jordanian elite members receive access to both airlines` lounges.

America West continues to innovate and develop new options to better serve the traveling public, said Scott Kirby, America West`s executive vice president, sales and marketing. Through this marketing agreement, America West is the only US carrier offering nonstop code-share service to Jordan, an important gateway to the Middle East. Our growing network, both domestically and in conjunction with our international code-share partners, further distinguishes us from the typical offerings of domestic low-cost carriers.

Samer Majali, vice chairman, president & CEO of Royal Jordanian, said: I am elated. This code-share means all passengers can fly direct rather than having to fly to Europe, then wait to connect onward. Also, travelers can now earn frequent flyer miles from both airlines, enjoy one-time baggage through-check, convenient flight times, and world-class inflight services throughout.

Code-sharing provides customers with more travel options by allowing one carrier to sell flights on another carrier as its own by attaching its
two-letter booking code to the other carrier`s flights listed in worldwide computer reservations systems and online travel sites.

The United States and Jordan signed an open skies treaty in 1996, the first such treaty for the U.S. with an aviation partner outside of Europe. Under terms of the treaty, airlines from either country are provided open access and unrestricted capacity and frequency rights to points in both countries.