Taking into account the strategic guidelines of the Rum Group that instigate the delivering of integrated comprehensive services; and with a long term vision that takes into consideration Jordan’s gateway possibilities and its potential in attracting multitude number of tourism, Rum, as a an active member of Zuwar for Investments company is proceeding with the establishment of Petra Airlines.

A business plan undertaken by a reputable firm has been finalized in 2008, and in early 2009, Zuwar received from the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority an Economic Operating License (EOL), which is the first step towards an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). With the successful undertaking of this major task, Zuwar is currently studying the aircrafts options and routing possibilities.

With a vision of becoming the premier flexible provider for inbound and outbound tourism into and from the region, the proposed Petra Airlines aims to start by providing charter services with main involvement in inbound tourism to Jordan and the surrounding countries from Europe and the Middle East.

As Jordan is scheduled to become an open sky destination, with Aqaba already being as such and Amman following suite in February 2010, Petra Airlines stands to seize the precise moment of opportunity and embarks into an operation that can serve Jordan’s strategic source markets in Europe and the Middle East.

Historical trends show tourism to Jordan and the Middle East to be a growing sector with huge potentials. At 6 - 7% annual growth, the region is developing at rates higher than the world average and according to the World Tourism Organization, the personal and business travel sectors are both set to double over the next ten years.

Petra Airlines, with a five years strategic proposal in place, is planning to grow simultaneously with the inbound business offering competitive, timely and reliable services to its business partners and its end users. On the other hand, it is not only the charter business that Petra Airlines is considering.

Becoming Jordan’s first Low Cost carrier (LCC) is a strategic opportunity that is currently being addressed. With around 30 % market penetration in North American and West Europe the Low Cost Carriers have proved to be a competing alternative to regular services. This new service is expanding into Asia and the Middle East, however still at an entry level in the latter with only 1% market penetration; thus the huge potential lying ahead.