Jordan’s flag carrier Royal Jordanian (RJ) has announced the addition of a new medium-range A320 aeroplane to its fleet, marking the completion of its medium and short-haul fleet modernisation programme.

Powered by V2500 engines, the new Airbus A320 reduces fuel consumption, can accomodate 152 passengers, with all seats equipped with touchscreen Thales I5000 in-flight entertainment systems.

A320 features weight-saving composites, an optimised wing that is 20% more efficient compared with earlier designs, a centralised fault display for easier troubleshooting and fly-by-wire flight controls.

”The airline has named the new aircraft Irbid, after the country’s northern city, as part of its efforts to promote tourism."

The airline has named the new aircraft Irbid, after the country’s northern city, as part of its efforts to promote tourism.

The flag carrier signed a deal with Dublin-based aircraft leasing firm AWAS for the fleet modernisation programme that was launched in early 2011 in order to replace operating A320s and A321s with the latest models.

In addition to replacing its five operating A320s and A321s with five similar variants, the carrier also added two A320s to increase seat capacity and meet the growing travel demand.

Through the fleet modernisation programme, the airline aims to upgrade the level of cabin service offered to passengers, reduce maintenance costs and replace ageing aircraft.

Royal Jordanian’s medium-haul fleet now comprises 15 A320 single-aisle jetliner family, including four A321s, seven A320s and four A319s.

Meanwhile, the flag carrier is planning to introduce Boeing 787 Dreamliners on long-haul routes.

The first batch of aeroplanes is expected to join the carrier’s fleet by 2014 and will gradually replace the currently operating A340s and A330s in the next four years.

With its fleet of 33 aircraft, Royal Jordanian operates flights to some 60 destinations and more than 850 other cities through its partners.