Petra Airlines

Historical Profile: Petra Airlines (Jordan)

Petra Airlines was a privately owned Jordanian carrier based in Amman, established in 2005 as a subsidiary of the RUM Group. Named after Jordan’s iconic “Rose City,” the airline initially focused on the charter market before evolving into a scheduled low-cost operator. Its history is marked by its strategic role in connecting Jordan to regional tourism markets and its eventual transition into a major regional franchise.

Operational Evolution

• Charter Origins: Although founded in 2005, the airline officially commenced flight operations in 2010. It initially served tour operators, providing specialized charter flights for religious tourism (Hajj and Umrah) and leisure travel to the Red Sea.
• Transition to Scheduled Services: In 2012, the airline upgraded its license from the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) to become a scheduled carrier. This allowed it to compete directly on popular regional routes from its base at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
• The Air Arabia Merger: In January 2015, Sharjah-based Air Arabia acquired a 49% stake in Petra Airlines. This landmark deal led to the rebranding of the company as Air Arabia Jordan, which served as the group’s fifth global hub until it ceased operations in 2018.

Fleet and Technical Profile

Petra Airlines maintained a streamlined fleet aimed at high-utilization regional flying:

1. Airbus A320-200: The airline operated a small but efficient fleet of A320s, a choice that facilitated its later integration into the Air Arabia Group’s all-Airbus ecosystem.
2. Configuration: The aircraft were typically configured in a high-density, all-economy layout (approx. 165 seats), optimized for the charter and budget-conscious travel segments.
3. Bases: While primarily based in Amman, the airline also utilized King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba as a focus city to support the coastal tourism industry.

Network and Destinations

During its peak as Petra Airlines, the carrier served several key regional markets:

• Turkey: Frequent charters and scheduled flights to Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum.
• Saudi Arabia: High-capacity seasonal flights to Jeddah and Madinah.
• Egypt: Connecting Amman with leisure destinations like Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.
• Levant & Gulf: Limited scheduled operations to nearby capitals, providing an alternative to the national carrier.

Key Data (Historical)

Historical Note: Petra Airlines is often remembered as a pioneer of the private aviation sector in Jordan, helping to liberalize the market and providing a foundation for the low-cost carrier model in the Levant.