AIR CARG O WEEK


WEEKLY NEWS


AMMAN: THE MIDDLE EAST’S NEW CARGO GATEWAY


BY Anastasiya SIMSEK


EXPANDING cargo access to complex markets like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon demands more than just strong air networks—it requires smart, bonded multimodal solutions that can adapt to operational and security challenges on the ground. With growing demand for resilient logistics routes across the Middle East, new cross-border strategies are reshaping how goods move between air hubs and hard-to-reach final destinations. Amman is increasingly emerging as a key player in this transformation,


offering an agile gateway for both regional and international cargo flows. “We are offering the market a solution based on air plus bonded


trucking to Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon,” said Khaled Alkhawaldeh, director cargo commercial at Royal Jordanian. “We are seeing strong demand, and we believe this will continue.” In a region often underserved by air cargo networks, Royal Jordanian's


multimodal approach offers a rare level of flexibility, with Amman positioned as a crucial transhipment point linking Europe, North America, and Asia to complex Middle Eastern markets.


Building Amman's cargo gateway At the centre of Royal Jordanian’s cargo expansion strategy is a major infrastructure investment. The airline is planning a state-of- the-art cargo terminal at Queen Alia International Airport, set to open by 2026. “Today, we have 8,000 sq m of cargo terminal capacity,” Alkhawaldeh


explained. “By 2026, we will have 30,000 sq m. Our ambition is to become the preferred transit hub for cargo in the region.” This new terminal will


cater to the rising demands of


pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce, and specialised cargo, offering enhanced cold chain capabilities and faster


throughput


times. It reflects the airline’s intent to capture a larger share of the booming airfreight market between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The expansion also aligns with Jordan's broader ambition to


solidify its role as a regional logistics centre amid shifting global trade routes and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.


Fleet renewal Royal Jordanian’s commitment to cargo growth is further reinforced by its fleet renewal strategy. The carrier is taking delivery of next-generation aircraft to boost both bellyhold cargo capacity and operational flexibility. “We are growing the fleet with new types of aircraft that will give


us an advantage for cargo operations,” Alkhawaldeh said. The airline’s upcoming fleet includes Airbus A320neos, A321XLRs for medium-haul services, and Boeing 787-9s for intercontinental flights. These aircraft offer improved cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, and


extended range, allowing Royal Jordanian to strengthen key routes and open new city pairs across the globe. The move positions Royal Jordanian to handle increased volumes across multiple verticals, from general cargo to pharma, perishables, and e-commerce shipments, ensuring competitive offerings for both scheduled and ad-hoc cargo movements.


Climate advantage In the highly competitive and heavily regulated pharmaceutical logistics sector, Royal Jordanian is leveraging a natural geographic advantage — its climate. “We believe Jordan is one of the best places in the world to handle


pharmaceutical products,” Alkhawaldeh said. “The weather in Jordan is moderate, meaning that the temperature doesn’t vary much, and that reduces the risk of damage.” The country’s stable temperatures provide a consistent environment


for cold chain shipments, reducing the risks associated with temperature excursions. Combined with the upcoming advanced facilities at Amman Airport, this positions Royal Jordanian to capture a growing share of the lucrative pharma logistics sector. With pharmaceutical exports expected to rise significantly across the Middle East and North Africa,


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the airline’s focus on this segment could pay major dividends. As global cargo giants continue to scale, Royal Jordanian sees


its competitive edge in agility and personalised service — qualities increasingly valued in a fast-moving logistics world. “We are very agile,” Alkhawaldeh emphasised. “We can make decisions much faster than the big carriers — sometimes within one or two days.” This speed gives Royal Jordanian a unique advantage when partnering


with freight forwarders, logistics companies, and shippers who require tailored solutions or urgent cargo movements. The carrier’s customer- centric approach allows it to respond quickly to market shifts and operational challenges. Alkhawaldeh stressed that the company’s smaller size relative to


multinational competitors is not a disadvantage, but a strategic asset: “Being agile is extremely important in this business. When customers need answers fast, we deliver.”


Strategy amid regional complexities Operating in the Middle East is not without its challenges, but Royal Jordanian is embracing the complexities head-on. The airline’s strategic focus on offering bonded trucking into Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon reflects both a bold commercial opportunity and a commitment to regional development. “We are witnessing strong demand,” Alkhawaldeh said, adding that the


multimodal model — combining air and secure bonded ground transport — provides customers with viable options where direct air service may be limited or impractical. Royal Jordanian's expansion is not limited to the Middle East. The airline


is actively working to grow its footprint in Europe and North America, leveraging its central location at the crossroads of East and West. “We believe in partnerships,” Alkhawaldeh noted. “We are working


closely with forwarders and GSAs to create a strong network and efficient transit model.”


7 JULY 2025 ACW


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