Latest news with #Majali
Jordan News
31-07-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Royal Jordanian Reports $17.9M Profit in First Half, Reversing Previous Loss - Jordan News
Royal Jordanian (RJ) reported a net profit of JD12.7 million (USD 17.9 million) for the first half of 2025, marking a sharp turnaround from a JD27.4 million loss during the same period last year. اضافة اعلان Operating revenues rose to JD375 million, up from JD338 million in H1 2024. The airline carried 1.892 million passengers during the first half of the year an 8% increase compared to 1.759 million in the same period last year. In a statement released Wednesday, the company confirmed that its Board of Directors chaired by Eng. Said Darwazeh had approved the financial results following a review by an independent external auditor. The figures reflect improved operational performance and strengthened key indicators, as the airline continues to execute its strategic plans focused on fleet and network modernization, enhanced services, and improved on-time performance. RJ Vice Chairman and CEO, Eng. Samer Majali, said the results reflect ongoing efforts to boost efficiency, noting that the airline achieved a seat load factor of over 80% and an on-time performance rate of 89.9%. Majali attributed the positive financial performance to firm control of costs and expenditures across the business, as well as a drop in fuel prices. He emphasized that the results affirm the airline's strategic direction and its progress toward restoring financial stability. While the first half of the year is typically a low season for airlines, RJ's performance exceeded budget expectations despite the challenging regional environment. Majali expressed confidence in continued net profit growth through year-end. In the first half of 2025, Royal Jordanian also recorded major milestones in network growth and fleet renewal. The airline launched a new route to Benghazi, supporting both medical travel and tourism. RJ was among the first carriers to resume flights to Damascus and Aleppo, and it launched new routes to Washington, D.C., reinforcing its role as a key connector between the Middle East and North America. A direct service to Mumbai was also inaugurated, aimed at strengthening travel, tourism, and business ties between Jordan and India. Looking ahead, the airline is set to announce a new route to Casablanca in October, with two weekly flights. On the fleet side, Majali confirmed the delivery of seven new Airbus A320neo aircraft, with four more expected to arrive in August bringing the total to 11 by mid-month. By the end of the year, Royal Jordanian plans to complete the full renewal of its medium- and regional-range fleet, retiring older aircraft. The updated fleet will include 14 Airbus A320/A321neo jets and 7 Embraer 190/195 E2s by early next year. With these upgrades, the average age of RJ's fleet will fall to under four years making it the youngest in the region. The new aircraft offer a step-change in passenger experience, with features such as in-flight Wi-Fi, personal entertainment screens at every A320neo seat, and premium cabin interiors, particularly in Crown Class. Enhanced seat pitch and fuel-efficient engines will also improve service quality while reducing environmental impact. Majali added that three of the new A320neo aircraft are equipped with 180 all-economy seats, tailored to meet growing demand from inbound tourism and support the local economy. He also emphasized RJ's role in maintaining Jordan's air connectivity during periods of regional turbulence. Despite temporary airspace closures, the airline continued to operate safely and reliably, transporting passengers even as other carriers suspended operations. RJ also added extra flights to support travelers affected by the disruptions.
Roya News
26-06-2025
- Health
- Roya News
Agriculture ministry addresses watermelon illness rumors in Jordan
In recent days, social media platforms in Jordan have witnessed widespread debate following reports from citizens who said they experienced illness after eating watermelon. The situation sparked questions about the quality of this popular summer fruit currently available in local markets. In an official statement, Lawrence Al-Majali, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, denied any health concerns related to the quality of Jordanian watermelon, describing the rumors as 'an annual hoax that resurfaces at the start of every season.' Majali stated that 'Jordanian watermelon is considered one of the best agricultural products in the region, known for its high quality and high demand across regional markets.' He noted that since the fruit grows in direct contact with soil, its surface may carry bacteria, especially when organic fertilizers are used. He explained that in some cases, the illness is caused by not washing the fruit properly. Cutting into an unwashed watermelon allows bacteria on the surface to enter the flesh via the knife, which can later result in food poisoning or feelings of nausea. He also pointed out that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or improper storage, especially when watermelons are sold from cars or open-air markets without refrigeration, can cause spoilage. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture immediately investigates any such reports. For his part, engineer Mahmoud Al-Awran, Director General of the Farmers' Union, clarified that the use of growth regulators by farmers does not pose a health risk. He emphasized that these substances are used only at the early stages of growth to help blossoms set fruit and are not applied during the production phase. As for pesticides, Awran stressed that they are used under strict supervision from the Ministry of Agriculture, taking into account the 'safety interval,' which does not exceed 48 hours before harvest, minimizing any harmful effects on consumer health. Providing a medical perspective, Dr. Wasim Hammoudeh, an internal medicine consultant, explained that cases of diarrhea linked to watermelon may be caused by overconsumption. He noted that summer fruits like watermelon contain natural sugars such as fructose and sorbitol, which can lead to loose stools when eaten in excess. Dr. Hammoudeh added that another potential cause of illness is contamination from the knife used to cut the fruit, especially if the outer surface was not washed properly, allowing bacteria to transfer from the rind to the inner flesh. He concluded by emphasizing that 'watermelon is naturally sealed and nothing, not even air, enters it. But neglecting to wash it before cutting or storing it improperly is the main reason behind the occasional health issues.'
Jordan Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
RJ resumes flights to Syria's Aleppo — statement
By JT - May 06,2025 - Last updated at May 06,2025 AMMAN — Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) announced on Tuesday the resumption of its flights from Amman to Aleppo, with three weekly services. With this move, RJ becomes one of the first airlines to reinstate direct services to Aleppo, linking the city to RJ's extensive network of over 45 destinations across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and the Gulf region, the national carrier said in a statement. The first flight landed today [on Tuesday] at Aleppo International Airport, accompanied by RJ CEO Samer Majali and a delegation of officials, marking the official return of direct air travel between Amman and Aleppo after years of suspension. Majali noted that adding Aleppo and Damascus to RJ's route network would strengthen the airline's regional presence. He emphasised that the move would contribute to Syria's reconstruction, promote economic and trade ties between the two countries, and serve various categories of travellers by providing air connectivity between Syria and the rest of the world, especially following the resumption of daily flights to Damascus earlier in 2025, the statement said. Royal Jordanian will operate flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. By expanding its network with new destinations, RJ aims to strengthen its operational hub in Amman and position it as a key regional gateway, it said. This expansion aligns with the airline's fleet modernisation strategy, which includes the recent addition of five new Embraer jets for short-haul routes. The airline also plans to introduce more Embraer aircraft over the next two years and begin integrating Airbus A320neo aircraft for medium-haul destinations, which will feature onboard Wi-Fi. New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will also be added to the fleet.
Jordan News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
RJ Resumes Flights to Aleppo with Three Weekly Services - Jordan News
The Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) has resumed direct flights between Amman and Aleppo, operating three weekly services starting this Tuesday. This makes RJ one of the first carriers to reintroduce direct flights to Aleppo, connecting the city to the airline's vast network, which spans over 45 destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Gulf. اضافة اعلان The inaugural flight was welcomed by RJ CEO Samer Majali and a delegation of officials, marking the return of direct air links between Amman and Aleppo after several years of suspension. Majali highlighted that the addition of Aleppo and Damascus to RJ's route network will enhance the airline's presence in the region, support Syria's reconstruction efforts, and foster closer economic and trade ties between Jordan and Syria. The move will also provide essential air connections between Syria and the rest of the world, especially following the resumption of daily flights to Damascus earlier this year. RJ will operate flights from Amman to Aleppo on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights will depart Amman at 5:15, arriving in Aleppo at 6:45, with return flights leaving Aleppo at 7:45 and arriving in Amman at 9:15. Travelers can book flights to Aleppo via the airline's website, mobile app, sales offices, travel agents, or by calling the customer service center at +96265100000. This new route complements RJ's broader strategy to strengthen its hub in Amman, enhancing its position as a key regional gateway. The airline is also continuing its fleet modernization with the addition of new aircraft, including five Embraer planes for short-haul routes and the upcoming introduction of Airbus A320neo aircraft for medium-haul flights, all offering Wi-Fi services. The airline will also incorporate new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into its fleet. Petra
Roya News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Royal Jordanian resumes direct flights to Aleppo, Syria
Royal Jordanian Airlines resumed its direct flights from the capital Amman to the Syrian city of Aleppo on Tuesday, operating three flights per week after years of suspension. According to a statement issued by Royal Jordanian, the first flight landed at Aleppo International Airport on Tuesday morning, carrying the airline's Vice Chairman and CEO, Engineer Samer Majali, along with a delegation of officials, marking the restoration of air connectivity between Amman and Aleppo. Majali emphasized that resuming flights to Aleppo—following the earlier restart of daily flights to Damascus at the beginning of the year—strengthens Royal Jordanian's presence in the region and supports efforts to rebuild Syria. He also highlighted the move's role in boosting trade exchange and enhancing economic ties between Jordan and Syria. He further noted that the step provides direct access for the Syrian market to Royal Jordanian's global network of more than 45 destinations. The airline will operate flights to Aleppo on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Planes will depart Amman at 5:15 AM, arrive in Aleppo at 6:45 AM, take off again at 7:45 AM, and land back in Amman at 9:15 AM. Royal Jordanian explained that expanding its destination network aligns with its strategy to strengthen its operational hub in Amman. This includes modernizing its fleet—having recently added five new Embraer aircraft for short-haul routes—and plans to add more over the next two years.
