United Airlines launched a new service creating a direct link between Amman and Washington, DC, as the first flight arrived into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman on Friday, May 6.

This makes United Airlines the first North American airline company to launch a nonstop flight between the Jordanian capital and the American capital, as it begins its largest transatlantic expansion in history.

Although the US Embassy in Jordan still has not resumed routine visa operations after they were stopped in 2020, United’s flights will operate three times per week on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft from Queen Alia International Airport to Washington Dulles, according to a statement published by the airline.

Jordan Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Al-Fayez, said that this is a major step for tourism in the country, as creating direct flights between Amman and Washington will encourage American travelers to live and enjoy the experience of traveling to Jordan.

Additionally, US Ambassador to Jordan Henry T. Wooster said, “We’re always happy to see stronger connections between Jordan and the United States that strengthen our two countries’ economies and partnership.”

On Thursday night, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority celebrated the inauguration of the service as CEO, Jack Potter said, “Amman, Jordan, is the 39th global capital city to be directly connected to the Washington, D.C., region via Dulles International Airport.”

“These capital-to-capital connections are important to our nation and our region, and we are grateful that our partners at United Airlines provide 26 of these 39 connections,” Potter added.

Similarly, United’s Senior Vice President International Network and Alliances, Patrick Quayle, said, “It is so wonderful to arrive in Amman on our Boeing 787 Dreamliner today.”

“As the only US airline flying from Jordan direct to the US, our new service strengthens our international route network and provides our customers from Jordan with convenient one-stop connections via our Washington Dulles hub to destinations across the Americas,” he added.

Notably, United seeks to expand by 25 percent this summer in comparison to 2019.