Royal Jordanian considers Boeing compensation deal

25 September 2008
Royal Jordanian has confirmed it is in talks with the US' Boeing over a range of potential compensation packages to cover delays in the deliveries of new 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Samer Majali, president and chief executive officer of Jordan's national carrier, says the details of any compensation deal will not be finalised with the US manufacturer until early next year.

Boeing is to make a new assessment of likely delivery dates, following the first flight of the new fuel-efficient aircraft in November or December. Production is currently running 27 months behind schedule.

Royal Jordanian has 12 planes on order, including firm orders, leases and options.

Speaking to MEED in June, Majali said the airline would be seeking a compensation package of cash and replacement aircraft. The airline is now considering a number of more detailed options (MEED 6:6:08).

“The delay to the 787s is not the only gap we have to fill," he says. "We also have to look at how to mitigate the problem of operating our older [Airbus] A340s and A310s.

“We could bring in [Boeing] 777s or [Airbus] A330s, or look at the third option of upgrading the interiors of the A340s. We will make a decision early next year.”

The 787 is the most popular aircraft launch of all time, with some 950 on order worldwide, including around 150 from carriers in the Middle East and North Africa.

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