The airline was incorporated on December 9, 1963. Its operations commenced on December 15, 1963 in pursuance of a royal decree by the late King Hussein.  Initially founded with capital from private shareholders, subsequently the Jordanian Government acquired Alia (Royal Jordanian predecessor) as Jordan's national carrier.

After successful privatization and restructuring, in 2001 RJ became a public shareholding company. In December 2007, the company's shares were listed on the Amman Stock Exchange at a capital of JD84.4 million at that time

Jordanians presently hold 68% of the shares, of which 26% held by the Jordanian government, 10% Jordan's Social Security Corporation and 3% to the Jordan's Armed Forces Fund. Additionally, shares were allocated to RJ employees. Staff member are approx 4,300.