Exclusive interview with Paolo De Renzis, British Airways Commercial Manager

Why has British Airways chosen Al Shamel as its representative in Jordan?

We constantly review our services and when assessing our partners in Amman, Alshamel provided us with a strong value and network proposition as one of the leading agencies in the Middle East, not just in Jordan. Their team of professionals, experience and existing network showed us they would be the right GSA partner for British Airways in Jordan – our customers are at the heart of our operations and we believe Alshamel understand all our products and can offer exceptional travel solutions to all our customers.

What does Jordan represent for British Airways? And what is the nature of the relationship between them?

 British Airways, the UK’s flagship carrier, has celebrated 65 years of services to Jordan – we launched our first route to Jordan in 1952, the airline now operates a daily flight between Heathrow and Amman, operated by the Airbus A321. The Jordanian market continues to play an important role in the airline’s global network and we have witnessed positive feedback and demand for our premium products.

What are the challenges facing British Airways in Jordan and what is the impact of the recent developments in the region on your operations here? How do you see the competition in the Jordanian market and do you have any cooperation between you and the Royal Jordanian Airlines?

The Middle East is a region that is home to airlines that are really making their mark in the aviation industry, while it is also very competitive from other European carriers too. We are very comfortable competing with both, and I am proud to say that we compete well. I strongly believe that this is because we have stayed true to what we believe and what we are here to do:  To Fly. To Serve.

British Airways now operates more flights than ever to and from the Middle East. Our aim is to give passengers the ‘best of British hospitality’ experience by providing a smooth, discreet, attentive and seamless service from start to finish. We achieve this through our highly trained cabin crew and customer service staff as well as our award-winning products and great connections through our hub at Heathrow Terminal 5.

We have a longstanding heritage in the Middle East, having flown to the region for over 85 years, and I am proud to say that we are competing well with both regional and other European carriers. British Airways is always adapting to and anticipating consumer needs to remain a premium carrier of choice for both business and leisure travellers.

What is the best destination for Jordanian passengers?

British Airways is extending its network, launching 22 new routes in 2017, giving business and leisure customers more choice, thanks in part to the Trans-Atlantic Joint Business. We have seen growing interest in both point-2-point travel and onwards to Europe and North America. Our last survey conducted in Jordan revealed that exotic destinations were becoming a favourite with residents in Jordan with Barbados in the Caribbean and the Almafi Coast in Italy jointly receiving the most amount of votes. London placed second as a top favourite destination with Miami in third place.

Has British Airways considered updating its Jordan current a321 fleet?

We constantly review our aircraft routes and services and are investing for our customers in new aircraft, products and services.

How do you see the future for British Airways in Jordan?

The Jordanian market continues to play an important role in the airline’s global network; we have witnessed positive feedback for our premium services and our extensive network.