JORDANIAN AIRLIFT SUPPORT FOR OEF

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 001424

SIPDIS

DOD FOR OSD - DR. KEITH DUNN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/10/2004
TAGS: EAIR MOPS JO
SUBJECT: JORDANIAN AIRLIFT SUPPORT FOR OEF

REF: AMMAN 1251

Classified by Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm. Reasons 1.5 (b)
and (d).


1. (sbu) In a March 10 letter to the embassy Royal
Jordanian Airlines (RJ) CEO Samer Majali confirmed RJ's offer
to provide uplift support for OEF operations in the region.
The text of the letter, including approximate hourly rates
for passenger and cargo charter flights, is transmitted
below. In a phone conversation with ECON/C, Majali noted
that these rates were subject to discussion.


2. (c) The Ambassasdor also raised potential RJ uplift
support to the coalition with Foreign Minister Marwan
al-Muasher on March 9. Muasher confirmed that the Jordanian
government would welcome such activity, especially given RJ's
difficult financial circumstances (see reftel).


3. (sbu) Begin text of Majali letter.

Reference our discussions regarding the operation of charter
flights, it is my pleasure to confirm to you RJ's interest in
operating charter flights based on the following generic
(appoximate) rates per block hour:

A340 Aircraft: US$7,900 (23 J/class and 223 Y class)
A310 Aircraft: US$5,900 (17 J/class and 181 Y class)
A320 Aircraft: US$3,900 (11 J/class and 127 Y class)
A310 Freighter: US$5,900
B707 Freighter: US$4,900

Please note that the above rates are based on current
insurance and fuel rates and will be subject to change if
insurance or fuel rates increase. In addition, the above
rates are net to RJ and it include all operational expenses,
but excluding any royalties or taxes, if to be paid to
foreign authorities.

Finally, the above rates are based on large number of flights
and that we will operate a series of flights, not one or few
charter flights.

I hope you will find the above rates satisfactory, and please
do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further
information.


4. (sbu) Majali's contact numbers are as follows: Direct
phone: 962-6-567-8160, Main RJ number: 962-6-568-8925. Fax:
962-6-567-9243.


5. (sbu) Embassy point of contact is Econ Chief Tom
Goldberger: office phone 962-6-592-7956. office fax:
962-6-592-7653. IVG 8-978-2556. Mobile/afterhours:
962-79-560-8995.
GNEHM