Royal Jordanian

[yazm1991]

[yazm1991]

Embraer weighing suitable location for spare parts warehouse in Mideast

AMMAN - Embraer, the third largest aircraft manufacturer, is planning to establish a warehouse for spare parts in the region, according to Jose Luis Molina, the vice president for Europe, Africa and the Middle East - airline market.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said the warehouse will serve four air carriers which are currently operating Embraer commercial aircraft, including Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ), as well as owners of Embraer executive jets in the region.

In addition to RJ, Egyptair, Saudia and Nasair are currently operating Embraer aircraft, flying 162 routes.

Regarding the warehouse headquarters in the Middle East, Molina said the company is carefully examining where to locate it. It could be in Amman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai or in any other city, he said, pointing out that Embraer operators in the Middle East region currently have to purchase and transport spare parts from France.

On the advantages of Embraer commercial jets, Molina indicated that in aviation, flying an empty seat is expensive, highlighting Embraer’s right sizing and more frequencies philosophy as a means to maximise airlines’ profit.

Addressing the press, RJ President/CEO Hussein Dabbas said: “We are not out of the slump yet. If conditions improve, Royal Jordanian Airlines will consider the purchase of two Embraer aircraft in the coming two-three years.”

“We need to continue to add frequencies. That’s why we are examining the acquisition of two Embraer aircraft,” he added, pointing that RJ has seven Embraer aircraft at present.

Despite the economic slowdown, RJ managed to post JD25 million in profit at the end of this year’s third quarter, Dabbas indicated.

Underlining the importance of the Middle East aviation market, Embraer’s Byron Bolhman said most of the countries in the region have not been affected by the fall out of the global financial crisis, in terms of the growth in gross domestic product in particular.

Most of these countries’ economies depend on oil, he elaborated, adding that the Middle East continues to represent a strategic market for the aircraft manufacturing company.

On the increasing need for E-jets, he said these aircraft provide speed, privacy, security and productivity, reiterating that time is money. New orders for executive jets maybe announced during Dubai Airshow, which will be held between November 15 and 19.

Addressing the issue of economic recovery, Bolhman said there is still risk of a W-shaped economy. It seems there is a rebound at present, but it is not certain yet whether it is going to continue like that or there will be another fall, he added. Embraer has been affected by the downturn, he said, noting that the company is in control.

“We are in a good shape in comparison with other big manufacturers,“ he told The Jordan Times.

[yazm1991]

good to see RJ planning to expand both its fleet and route network in the next 5 years

[yazm1991]

RJ welcomes Mexicana to oneworld

RJ welcomes Mexicana to the oneworld global air alliance, Mexicana is now the 11th member in the oneworld alliance. From the 10th of November 2009 RJ frequent flyer members are able to use Mexicana lounges and gain frequent flyer points.

[sukkari]

Here's some of the Royal Jordanian Airlines headquarters

[yazm1991]

Originally Posted by sukkari

Here's some of the Royal Jordanian Airlines headquarters

I like this image, as it shows the unique design of the new headquaters. Definately an improvement for RJ from the old and tired headquaters.

[yazm1991]

Royal Jordanian subsidiary Arab Wings Buys 4 New Aircraft

Jordanian business jet management and charter specialist Arab Wings has added a Citation Sovereign, Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Learjet 60 to its fast-growing fleet.

Arab Wings announced at the show the four newly delivered business jets are now available for charter and expand its fleet to 14 aircraft. Arab Wings plans to use the 10-seat 604 and 12-seat Challenger 605 on charters from the Middle East to Europe. The nine-seat Sovereign will also be offered on flights from the Middle East and Europe.

The seven-seat Learjet 60 is expected to be used mainly on regional flights within the Middle East. All four aircraft were delivered new from the factory.

The four aircraft are part of an ambitious expansion plan at Arab Wings, which began operations in 1975 as a subsidiary of Royal Jordanian Airlines. It was privatised in 2005.

"Our market is advancing progressively and we will ensure the competitive edge through new services and unique offerings in Jordan and the Middle East," says Arab Wings executive vice-president Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh.

Other business jets in the Arab Wings fleet include the Gulfstream G450, Hawker 800XP and Cessna Citation. Ghazaleh also owns Sharjah-based business jet operator Gulf Wings and Bahrain-based Luxury Wings.

[yazm1991]

Royal Jordanian increases flight frequency to Milan, Colombo

Royal Jordanian has raised the number of regular flights to Milan and Colombo from two to three a week to meet the increased demand on travel to these cities via its route network. The airline is thus increasing the number of seats offered during weekdays, in addition to providing more choices and flexibility in the flights schedule, to meet passengers’ needs.

[yazm1991]

Royal Jordanian, the Platinum Sponsor for Amman's 2nd Stand-up Comedy Festival

As the platinum sponsor and official carrier for the 2nd Amman Stand-up Comedy Festival, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) is reiterating its long-term support for the festival which will take place December 4th – 10th, 2009.

RJ's sponsorship emanates from its strong commitment to support national events and activities that promote tourism, and stimulate efforts to enhance talents of the Jordanian youth. This also helps in promoting the carrier's social responsibility by consecrating Jordan's position on the global tourism map, and highlighting the festival's universality.

As the platinum sponsor and official carrier for the 2nd Amman Stand-up Comedy Festival, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) is reiterating its long-term support for the festival which will take place December 4th – 10th, 2009.

RJ's sponsorship emanates from its strong commitment to support national events and activities that promote tourism, and stimulate efforts to enhance talents of the Jordanian youth. This also helps in promoting the carrier's social responsibility by consecrating Jordan's position on the global tourism map, and highlighting the festival's universality.

With high annual rates of growth, Royal Jordanian continues to develop steadily as one of the world's fastest expanding air carriers, taking into account its keenness to sustain development and protect the environment. The national airlines is currently operating daily flights to over 56 destinations worldwide, extending its fleet of modern aircrafts.

It is worth mentioning that Royal Jordanian was the first Arab airline to join an airline alliance by joining oneworld Alliance in 2007, which offers a wide range of unique air travel options and benefits by bringing together ten of the world's biggest and best airlines.

The Amman Stand-Up Comedy Festival was held for the first time last year, from December 2 until December 6, 2008, constituting the first step of its kind in the Middle East and, indeed, the Arab world. The Festival attracted almost three thousand Jordanians and Arabs, all of whom interacted with and highly appreciated the many comic performances.

[yazm1991]

Great to see RJ supporting local events.

[yazm1991]

RJ still considering plans over Boeing 787 delay.

RJ is expected to make a decision before the end of 2009 in regards to huge delays of the Boeing 787. Currently RJ is looking at 3 options:

1. Renting a couple of A330's until the 787's arrive
2. Renting a couple of Boeing 777's until the 787's arrive
3. Refurbish the A340's

These delays have caused RJ many problems and have ruined both short term and long term plans for the Middle East airline.

(More news to follow)

[yazm1991]

RJ signs agreement with Haddadinco for the finishing new headquarters

Royal Jordanian and Haddadinco Engineering Company for Contracting (Haddadinco) signed an agreement, whereby Haddadinco is to execute the third, and final, package of the new Royal Jordanian headquarters, which includes electromechanical and finishing works.

RJ President/CEO Hussein Dabbas, who signed the agreement on behalf of RJ with Haddadinco Vice President Salim Haddadin, expressed satisfaction with the fact that the bid was won by this leading contracting company for the second time during the project phases, as Haddadinco was the executor of the second phase, which involved the skeleton of the new headquarters.

Dabbas said that the implementation of the third phase will last 400 calendar days, starting with December 1 this year.

Haddadinco Vice President Salim Haddadin said that the company pledges to execute the electromechanical and finishing works according to the high standards and quality.

He also thanked the companies that participated in completing the second phase, which are Projacs International and Arabtech Jardaneh.

The project, located in the heart of the capital Amman, near the 5th Circle, comprises two buildings: one that consists of eight floors, and the other of three floors, in addition to three basement floors. The two buildings are connected by a number of bridges and a special internal main spine (atrium). It curves around 15 degrees outwards to reflect an aviation-related construction.

The overall built-up area will be constructed on 7,000 m2 of land, with the remaining 2,000 m2 allocated for landscaping. It will be distinctive with its outstanding façades, glass louvers and stone, reflecting a mixture of modern and traditional Jordanian culture.

[yazm1991]

RJ helps visually impaired to achieve dream

Royal Jordanian sponsored a program whereby visually impaired Jordanian Mazen Qutaishat was granted, at the end of last year, a fully equipped travel and tourism office in Abdali area. President/CEO Hussein Dabbas launched the office in the presence of several travel agents, local media representatives and some of the RJ management members.

Royal Jordanian gave Qutaishat the opportunity to have the first travel office in the country equipped with the Braille system.

Dabbas said Qutaishat deserved to be supported because of his great desire and ambition, and that Royal Jordanian will continue to sponsor and support him.

This initiative was taken because the airline believes in its responsibility to interact with and service various groups of the community, especially people with special needs, Dabbas stressed.

Over the past year, Royal Jordanian trained Qutaishat at home on the Galileo system, to be able to work in a travel agency. It also adapted the reservation system to Braille, for him to be able to book and issue tickets like any other travel agent in Jordan.

At the ceremony, which saw Dabbas cut the ribbon, signaling the opening of the office, Qutaishat gave a presentation, using Braille for reservation. Dabbas expressed satisfaction and pride in his ability and skills, stressing that Royal Jordanian supports all travel agents who are partners in the field.

Qutaishat warmly thanked Dabbas and the management and expressed appreciation for the technical and financial support provided by the airline, which, he said, helped him achieve a dream.

Qutaishat plays 16 instruments and is apt at using modern communication techniques, including the Internet and the cellular phone.

He makes no mistake in booking, despite the precision required by the endeavor, because he translates whatever he hears in his own hand, to effect booking accurately and quickly.

[yazm1991]

Originally Posted by yazm1991

BREAKING NEWS

Royal Jordanian plans airline merger

Royal Jordanian’s new CEO has said that the airline will merge with another carrier within the next two years, in order to expand and grow its operations.

Speaking to arabiansupplychain.com, RJ CEO Hussein Dabbas, who succeeded Samer Majali in June, said that because of the impact of the economy on the aviation market, consolidation was the only way forward for the airline.

“We need to merge with another airline in order to grow, and we will explore this option next year.”

Dabbas did not rule out the possibility of Royal Jordanian merging with a European airline.

“We would like to find an airline that fits our ambitions. It is too early to say and we would need to see which airlines would be interested, but we would consider merging with a European carrier.

“In order to grow we need to create synergies, and share operational costs, such as fuel sharing and catering costs, etc.”

Although Dabbas was playing his cards close to his chest on the finer details of the merger plan, he did say that the airline would need to move fast on setting up a viable alliance with another carrier, as regional airlines were facing stiff competition from mergers that had occurred this year.

“Lufthansa is buying basically all of central Europe’s airlines and it will be a formidable competitor to all carriers in the Middle East.

“Consolidation is the future and we will use alliances as a means of facilitating travel.”

More recently...

Royal Jordanian plays down merger talk

Royal Jordanian Airlines' new president and chief executive, Hussein Dabbas has said that reports of merger plans with another airline within two years, have taken certain remarks out of context, Aviation International News website has reported. The airline, while enjoying its 'OneWorld' alliance grouping, 'is open to suggestions.' if a stronger alliance is needed in the Middle East or other markets, Dabbas said.

[eastwest]

Originally Posted by yazm1991

More recently...

Royal Jordanian plays down merger talk

[yazm1991]

Dec.15 marks 46 years of establishing the national carrier of Jordan

Dec. 15, 2009 marks the 46th anniversary of Royal Jordanian, a company etablished by a decree issued by His Majesty King Hussein in 1963 to be the national carrier, with the aim of contributing to developing and promoting services, creating better ties with the world, promoting interaction with other cultures and establishing relations with other nations.

For the last decades, this leading company has continuously progressed, living up to its role as the country’s flag carrier, maintaining its identity, history and culture. RJ still performs this role, under the invaluable guidance and directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, who spares no effort in lending his support to the airline. Thus, RJ continues its strides by renewing its fleet and expanding its route network and operations, enabling it to contribute to boosting the position of Jordan as the main gateway to the Middle East.

Comparing the results of the first year of its establishment and those estimated for 2009, it can be seen that the number of passengers increased from 87,000 in 1964 to an estimated 2.667 million at the end of this year. The number of flights grew to reach 35,628 this year, in comparison to 4,193 in 1964. Moreover, the number of aircraft rose from two to 29, and RJ’s destinations from three to 56.

Financially, the company's revenues were JD1 million in 1964, expecting them to reach JD574 million in the 2009 fiscal year. A large increase could be observed in employees’ productivity, from JD4,000 in the year of establishment to JD134,000 per employee this year.

Royal Jordanian was transformed into a public shareholding company fully owned by the government on Feb. 5, 2001. Its capital rose to today's JD84.4 million.

In December 2007, the Jordanian government floated around 60% of the shares for underwriting, representing 71% of the total issued share capital, keeping 29% of the shares. RJ shares started trading on the Amman Stock Exchange on Dec. 17, 2007. At that time, Jordanians owned approximately 56.2% of the shares which increased to today's 68%.

Nowadays, RJ employs 4,300 people in Jordan and at its outstations around the world, distinguished through their professionalism and expertise. They operate a modern fleet of aircraft, including Airbus A310, A319, A320, A321, A340, Embraer 195 and Embraer 175 aircraft.

In March 2009, Royal Jordanian concluded the modernization program of its short- and medium-haul fleet, whereby RJ introduced 19 newly manufactured airliners and designated names of Jordanian cities on the new aircraft as part of its mission of promoting Jordan to the world.

In this year, a new commercial service was introduced on two Airbus A319s to enable RJ passengers to stay connected while in flight, using mobile phones to make and receive calls, exchange text and multimedia messages. It also allows passengers to send e-mails and access the Internet through smartphones or any other mobile phone equipped with the GPRS service.

Regarding the modernization program of the long-haul fleet, the airline selected the wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner as a replacement aircraft for its long-range Airbus A340s and A310s operating to the United States, Canada and the Far East. It placed its order to introduce about 12 Boeing 787s under the airline's long-haul fleet modernization program.

The first B787 was scheduled to join the fleet in 2010 however it was delayed until the beginning of 2013, a Boeing decision. Negotiations are going on with Boeing to compensate RJ for this delay.

Networkwise, the airline opened new services to Brussels and Benghazi in 2009, bringing the airline's destations to 56, and it will add Madinah Munawwarh in Saudi Arabia next April. In order to cater to the demand, RJ is considering expanding its route network by adding new destinations during the coming three years.

In view of its reputation and international level of competitiveness, Royal Jordanian officially joined the oneworld airline alliance in 2007. RJ is thus the first Arab and regional air carrier selected to join any of the three global airline alliances.

RJ's membership in oneworld, along with the other 10 members and their 20 affiliates, represent 8,500 daily flights operated to more than 750 points in 150 countries. The oneworld member airlines operate 2,500 aircraft, carrying around 330 million passengers yearly. They attain annual revenues reaching USD100 billion.

In light of the airline's modernization and development policy, RJ introduced several advanced, state-of-the-art systems, linking up with the oneworld airline members; the most significant are the electronic ticketing and the departure control systems, the Internet booking, the frequent flyer program (Hitit), the revenue management system (PROS) and a new group revenue management and the revenue accounting (Sirax) systems.

Other IT systems were also implemented to make it easier for passengers to deal with all travel procedures, like the advanced boarding pass and Common Use Self Service check-in system (CUSS). Additionally, the airline opened a 24/7 Call Centre, which offers RJ customers from all over the world reservation services, information regarding the frequent flyer program, flight schedules, luggage and ticket fares. Royal Jordanian provides competitive ticket prices and valuable offers to give wider choices to passengers.

In recognition of the RJ achievements in the last few years, Royal Jordanian won six world-class awards, five of which are granted to the air transport industry and one national. It was awarded the Merit Award for the Airline Turnaround of the Year 2006 at the 3rd Annual Asia Pacific and Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit, and the Phoenix Award presented by Air Transport World magazine (ATW).

RJ was nominated the winner of the Airline Strategy Award in the technology category organized by Airline Business magazine in 2007. At the beginning of 2008, Royal Jordanian was granted the “Airline of the Year 2007” award, following a study performed by Air Finance Journal. And in April this year, the airline was awarded the Air Cargo Award of Excellence in the Air Carrier category.

It also won King Abdullah II Award for Excellence in the large service organizations category. The award is considered the most prestigious reward for excellence at national level, for all sectors.

[yazm1991]

Originally Posted by yazm1991

Dec.15 marks 46 years of establishing the national carrier of Jordan

Networkwise, the airline opened new services to Brussels and Benghazi in 2009, bringing the airline's destations to 56, and it will add Madinah Munawwarh in Saudi Arabia next April. In order to cater to the demand, RJ is considering expanding its route network by adding new destinations during the coming three years.

Great to see another new destination!

[yazm1991]

Originally Posted by yazm1991

Dec.15 marks 46 years of establishing the national carrier of Jordan

Regarding the modernization program of the long-haul fleet, the airline selected the wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner as a replacement aircraft for its long-range Airbus A340s and A310s operating to the United States, Canada and the Far East. It placed its order to introduce about 12 Boeing 787s under the airline's long-haul fleet modernization program.

The first B787 was scheduled to join the fleet in 2010 however it was delayed until the beginning of 2013, a Boeing decision. Negotiations are going on with Boeing to compensate RJ for this delay.

It looks like RJ is going to be compensated with some 777's!

If so they will look amazing in the RJ colour scheme.

[yazm1991]

Time traveller

Royal Jordanian CEO Hussein Dabbas maps out the company's future.

With 30 years experience at Royal Jordanian under his belt, you would think that Hussein Dabbas would be oozing confidence in his new position as president and CEO. Having worked in nearly every department at RJ since joining the airline in 1979, he was the obvious choice to take over from current Gulf Air chief, Samer Majali.

The handover took place in June this year and at the time, Dabbas saw the job offer as a great opportunity, but fast forward five months and he remains realistic as to the challenges that lie ahead.

by Sarah CowellThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Friday, 18 December 2009

Royal Jordanian CEO Hussein Dabbas maps out the company's future.

With 30 years experience at Royal Jordanian under his belt, you would think that Hussein Dabbas would be oozing confidence in his new position as president and CEO. Having worked in nearly every department at RJ since joining the airline in 1979, he was the obvious choice to take over from current Gulf Air chief, Samer Majali.

The handover took place in June this year and at the time, Dabbas saw the job offer as a great opportunity, but fast forward five months and he remains realistic as to the challenges that lie ahead.

"It was my luck to have been chosen by the board, but I believe I am taking over during very difficult times; difficult times for the entire airline industry. I need to work very hard to adapt the business to withstand the economic challenges we face."

Despite his anxieties, Dabbas is well-prepared to deal with any unexpected surprises. In 2002, he was part of the team that built the airline's current strategy; low-cost, high yield routes that have established the airline's form of travel we are familiar with today.

"We focus on a three-pronged approach - the home market, the support market and the external market. Home is the Levant; Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and this is the core of the operation." Back then, RJ changed the whole concept of air travel in the region by offering multi-frequencies - small airplanes covering small airports - "this is why we opted to get the Embraer aircraft added to our fleet," Dabbas explains. "Back then, multi-frequency routes were almost unheard of in the Middle East, but by increasing frequencies we generated new business, and continue to do so today."

The airline now operates multi-frequency routes to destinations such as Beirut, Dubai, Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh, but it is by operating services to Iraq where it has established itself as the market leader.

In 1970, RJ's inaugural flight to Baghdad left its home base at Queen Alia International Airport. Since then, it has launched scheduled services to three additional Iraq destinations; Basra, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, and the airline is busy conducting market research to begin operations to Musel.

But 2009 has been a year for rival airlines to re-enter the Iraqi market. Ironically it has been Gulf Air, under Majali's leadership, that has implemented the most aggressive re-entry programme into the country. To date, the Bahrain-based carrier has launched flights to three Iraq cities in as many months, and two more destinations are expected to be announced before the end of the year. So is Dabbas worried by his former boss's latest moves?

"Look, it helps the market to grow when new airlines enter markets. It is part of the business. It makes life more difficult, but keeps us on our toes."

He is also quick to point out that RJ maintained its services to Iraq when other airlines were swiftly exiting the market. "If you don't take risks then you don't do business. It was an expensive risk. At the beginning, we were not even allowed to operate our own planes, so we had to wet-lease planes to operate. This was during the times when the Iraq operation was very foggy and we didn't know how secure the passengers would really be."

But all that has changed and RJ has been instrumental in establishing Iraq as a key destination. "We used Jordan as a gateway to the country and brought about a major transformation in the quality of services, timings and rates," Dabbas explains.

IBA Group aviation expert Usman Ahmed says the airline should continue on this path.

"By connecting local and regional destinations it can tap into both the transit and tourism market.

"Royal Jordanian has one distinct advantage; that it can save passengers up to two hours by transiting through Amman."

But, while Iraq remains of importance to RJ's business, its new CEO is currently scrutinising other segments of the company too.

In 2004, RJ began to make a profit. Under Majali's leadership the airline had been privatised and the good times were to continue until 2007. But 12 months later, the airline incurred a net loss of JD3.8 million (US$5.4 million) due to its fuel hedging policy.

"Last year, most airlines took a slap from their fuel hedging policies," Dabbas explains. "All indications were it would rise to $200 barrel, but when it was $145 we were all running around like headless chickens trying to find solutions.

But, while Iraq remains of importance to RJ's business, its new CEO is currently scrutinising other segments of the company too.

In 2004, RJ began to make a profit. Under Majali's leadership the airline had been privatised and the good times were to continue until 2007. But 12 months later, the airline incurred a net loss of JD3.8 million (US$5.4 million) due to its fuel hedging policy.

"Last year, most airlines took a slap from their fuel hedging policies," Dabbas explains. "All indications were it would rise to $200 barrel, but when it was $145 we were all running around like headless chickens trying to find solutions.

"But we anticipated the crash of the oil prices and the level we have now is very feasible for both the consumer and the airline." Add to that a struggling economy and the airline has done well to record a net profit of JD25.5 million ($36 million) in the first nine months of this year, helped, in part, to a 20% reduction in operational costs.

"We cut capacity and frequency on some flights and sent airplanes to hangars for C-checks, but when demand dropped we had to see what could be done to ensure seats were being sold at the right price." But, unfortunately, many airlines did the same, and RJ was forced to slash its ticket fares, leading to a 14% drop in passenger yield.

"The Middle East has remained particularly strong throughout this year and the market was, and still is, vibrant. Where we took a beating was on the Far East routes. Yields fell through the floor, and it was the same story for North Atlantic routes."

But cutting capacity is just one method to bring the airline into order, says IBA Group's Ahmed. "Royal Jordanian needs to assess other areas of operations; such as ground operations, network, services contracts, suppliers, lease contracts and maintenance operations. These must be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the best possible deal. Most importantly RJ needs to achieve high levels of staff efficiency to stay above the water in the current economic conditions."

So, what about job cuts? On his exit, RJ's former CEO, Majali admitted that he had made some 500 employees redundant in his last remaining weeks. But Dabbas, it seems, does not have the same methodology. "I'm not here to chop heads and deprive people of livelihoods. I have not initiated any job cancellations since I took over as CEO, although we are not hiring new staff either. But I have told employees that I am here to improve the business productivity and I encourage people to save paper and turn off lights."

So where to next? Dabbas says the airline has exhausted the region in terms of new route launches, and he will continue to re-examine the airline's strategy.

"We have to look at where we want to be by 2012, 2015 and 2020; we need to be creative, assess our successes and change what is lacking."

But the business strategy doesn't end there. Dabbas has concerns that the current expansion project at Queen Alia International Airport will not fulfill his ambitions for RJ.

With just 14 bridges opening in 2013, the infrastructure falls far short of the 26-28 bridges Dabbas anticipates will be needed. As a consequence, he plans to fully exploit the airlines affiliation with the oneworld alliance and the airline will soon be codesharing with Cathay Pacific, and on routes to London with British Airways. But it is merger plans that Dabbas is keen to discuss.

"We need to merge with another airline in the region in order to grow, and we will explore this option next year."

But Ahmed warns that mergers can bring many challenges.

"Internal management needs to adapt to complement working ethics. In addition, fare structures and network optimisation can become key issues.

"The biggest challenge for any airline will always be its competition. At least by merging, RJ will have one less competitor and gain a partner." And when it comes to finding a partner, Dabbas says he would consider looking to airlines in Europe.

"We would like to find an airline that fits our ambitions and we would not rule out the possibility of partnering with a European carrier.

"We have had our peaks and valleys and I won't deny that the economic slowdown has made us think that we cannot carry on the business alone, but consolidation is the future and we will use alliances as a means of facilitating travel."

[yazm1991]

Great interview with Hussein Dabbas. It seems he has big plans for RJ!