British Airways expands Jordan presence with new sales centre opening

British Airways, the UK’s flagship carrier, has celebrated 65 years of services to Jordan by opening a new sales office in the country’s capital, Amman.

Following hot-on-the-heels of British Airways’ appointment of AlShamel as its general sales agent (GSA) in Jordan earlier this year, the new sales office will cater to the growing demands of the country’s travellers for premium products and access to more European and North American destinations.

Inaugurated under the patronage of H.E. Edward Oakden CMG, the British Ambassador to Jordan, British Airways’ latest sales centre opening symbolises the carrier’s regional expansion, and represents a key milestone in its history of connecting the region with the UK and its global network of more than 200 destinations. Having launched its first route to Jordan in 1952, the airline now operates a daily flight between Heathrow and Amman, operated by the Airbus A321.

“Today is an incredibly important move during our 65-year history of flying to Amman,” said Paolo De Renzis, British Airways’ Commercial Manager Corporate, Europe, Africa & Levant. “The Jordanian market continues to play an important role in the airline’s global network and we continue to receive positive feedback from our customers in Amman for our more premium products and services.”

“Trade between the UK and Jordan increased by 57% between 2013 and 2016,” said British Ambassador to Jordan, Edward Oakden. “Having first class air links between our two capitals is a vital part of this growth, and I’m proud of British Airways’ contribution and commitment to seeing it grow further. My team and I are committed to stimulating even more trade between our countries, as more deals with the UK means more economic growth and more jobs for both the UK and Jordan.”

Attended by several industry professionals and customers, the opening officially saw AlShamel’s commencement as British Airways’ official GSA in Jordan and operator of the sales centre.

“Alshamel Travel has the experience and the knowledge to successfully distribute and market British Airways. We look forward to working closely with the international carrier and believe this opportunity with also yield an increase for Al Shamel’s market share here in Jordan. One of our key strengths is our ability to build and maintain strong long-term partnerships,” said Mr. Mazen Hamad, CEO of Alshamel International Holding.

Alshamel Travel’s General Manager in Jordan, Mr. Ihsan Sughayer added, “We are proud to represent one ofthe leading global airlines. Our team will strive to turn this opportunity into a win-win partnership.”

With the bond between British Airways and Jordan continuing to grow, the daily Airbus A321 service between London Heathrow Terminal 5 and Amman gives the airline’s customers from Jordan access to an array of premium products at its state-of-the-art hub.