With over four decades of experience in aircraft electrical engineering at the Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Company (JORAMCO), I have witnessed Jordan’s aviation sector grow from modest beginnings into a respected regional leader. The sector today stands on the strength of its skilled workforce, strategic location and a proven record of safety and reliability.

 

His Majesty King Abdullah’s recent visit to Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) highlighted Jordan’s ongoing progress in aviation. During the visit, His Majesty inaugurated two major projects set to shape the Kingdom’s role as a regional aviation hub: the opening of JORAMCO’s state-of-the-art Hangar 7, expanding maintenance capacity to 22 lines, and the laying of the foundation stone for Royal Jordanian’s new air cargo operations centre. Together, these initiatives underscore Jordan’s ambition to become a leading centre for logistics, training and aircraft maintenance in the Middle East.

 

His Majesty King Abdullah’s wise leadership in ensuring that Jordan remains a safe and secure haven for all has encouraged airlines worldwide to bring their aircraft to the Kingdom, even during times of regional instability. This environment provided JORAMCOwith a valuable advantageand the opportunity to expand globally.

 

Building a cargo and logistics powerhouse

 

Air cargo is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global aviation, driven by the boom in e-commerce, just-in-time supply chain and the demand for quick delivery of high-value goods. Royal Jordanian’s new $40 million Cargo operations centre is a strategic response to this trend. Currently, Royal Jordanian provides airfreight services to 54 destinations, particularly for sensitive cargo such as pharmaceuticals, perishables and electronics.

 

The expansion of this centre will not only strengthen Jordan’s position as a logistics hub, but also enhance the Kingdom’s role as a strategic transit point. With the support of modern customs systems, integrated logistics solutions and a focus on sustainability and customer service, this project is set to elevate Jordan’s standing in the global logistics and air cargo sector.

 

JORAMCO: A model of execution and excellence

 

The aviation sector’s achievements extend beyond cargo. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) has become one of Jordan’s greatest strengths. JORAMCO, in particular, has transformed itself from a regional provider into a globally recognised brand.

 

At the heart of this transformation is leadership. The vision and relentless efforts of CEO of DAE Engineering Jeffrey Wilkinson in promoting excellence have given JORAMCOa clear edge over its competitors. Under his leadership, the company has expanded capacity, introduced advanced technologies and nurtured a high-performance culture. Today, JORAMCOserves more than 60 international airlines and lessors, proving itself as a trusted partner in quality and reliability.

 

The new Hangar 7 facility, built with a $30 million investment, expands JORAMCO’s annual maintenance capacity to 240 aircraft of different sizes. Combined with JORAMCOAcademy’s Bachelor’s programme in partnership with the University of Jordan, these developments create opportunities for young engineers and technicians to build long-term careers in the sector. JORAMCOAcademy, a well-establishedacademic hub in the area is also one of the latest contributions to JORAMCO’s bright future.

 

Challenges and opportunities

 

The region is dynamic, with neighbouring countries making significant investments in aviation infrastructure and attracting global operators. Jordan’s continued focus on delivering world-class services, maintaining competitive costs, and supporting a robust regulatory environment will further strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub.

 

Equally important is the focus on sustainability. As the aviation sector worldwide moves toward reducing its environmental footprint, integrating green technologies, energy-efficient facilities, and sustainable aviation fuels will help ensure Jordan remains aligned with international standards.

 

A national strategy with global reach

 

The projects inaugurated by His Majesty the King are part of a broader strategy to position Jordan as a regional hub, not just for passenger traffic, but also for maintenance, training, logistics and trade. For young professionals, this translates into valuable career opportunities. For businesses, it means access to new markets. As forJordan, it demonstrates resilience, adaptability and diversification of the economy.

 

As someone who has dedicated a lifetime to the aviation sector, I view these new investments as both a continuation of Jordan’s progress and a signal of its future. Jordan has the expertise, the location and the infrastructure. What matters now is consistent execution, international collaborationand continued commitment to quality and sustainability.

 

With these elements in place, Jordan is poised to secure its place as a true regional hub—where QAIA serves not just as an airport, but as a gateway to opportunity, growth, and global connectivity.

 

Zeid Sharafeddin is an electrical engineer and aviation maintenance expert