easyJet will be flying to Amman, the capital of Jordan and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, three times a week from London Gatwick. Flights will go on sale on 16th December.
Carolyn McCall, easyJet Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that easyJet will be starting flights between London and Amman in March 2011. Jordan has a rich history and a diverse range of attractions, including the ancient city of Petra. When coupled with easyJet’s low fares and customer service I’m sure this new route will be a great success.”
Jordan’s Minister of Transport, His Excellency Alaa Batayneh stated: “We are very pleased to welcome easyJet to Jordan, as the European low fares sector is of key strategic importance to the continued development and diversification of Jordan’s air transport industry. Jordan has made significant progress in liberalising its air transport policy over the last several years, including negotiation of the comprehensive Open Skies agreement with the European Commission, further improving the Kingdom’s competitive position in the region.”
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, His Excellency Mr. Zaid Goussous said: “We welcome the start of regular easyJet flights as good news for Jordanian tourism. This is derived from the importance of easyJet as a leading European carrier, and the importance of the United Kingdom as a source tourism market.” His Excellency Mr. Goussous added; “the new flights would help boost tourism from the UK, which is the second biggest European market for Jordan.”
Airport International Group’s CEO, Curtis Grad, commented: “The introduction of easyJet to the Jordan market will further propel Amman’s phenomenal growth, which has witnessed a 40% rise in passengers and a 65% growth in weekly flights over the past three years, ranking Amman as one of the fastest growing airports in the region. With our new terminal coming online in 2012, we will be well positioned to serve the new demand stimulated by easyJet, further sustaining this strong growth trend.”
This announcement coincides with the European Union signing today’s historic Open Skies agreement with Jordan.