Royal Jordanian CE in talks about strategic airline partnership

Royal Jordanian Airlines said it’s in discussions about a strategic partnership with a larger carrier that could one day lead to an equity investment. The talks aren’t yet limited to a single airline, CE Stefan Pichler said Monday. Asked if he is seeking investment, Pichler said he takes the view that Royal Jordanian “will in the medium-long term be part of a consolidation that will take place in the Middle East.” Royal Jordanian currently has basic code-share deals with a dozen carriers, mostly via the Oneworld grouping. One such ally, Qatar Airways, has shown the benefits of partnership by opening up a global network including several new destinations in Asia, Pichler said. Beyond Oneworld, Royal Jordanian has code-shares with major international operators including Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines. <br/>