Oman Air Receives Fifth Delivery of New Boeing 737 MAX

Oman Air has announced the delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 from CDB Aviation. The aircraft is the last in a series of five deliveries contracted as part of a sale and leaseback transaction with the global aircraft lessor, which is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing). Designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, the 737 Max 8 is equipped with the CFM Leap 1B27 engines and configured with 12 Business and 150 Economy Class seats to support the carrier’s expanding network. Oman Air has been introducing routes throughout the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as several cities in Europe, South Asia, and Africa, in recent years and is focused on growing additional connectivity to North and South America and Australia through strategic codeshares with its partner airlines. Eng.Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “As air travel demand continues to grow post-pandemic, Oman Air has the opportunity to expand progressively. The latest addition to our fleet will serve both domestic and short-to-medium international sectors, further extending our seamless connectivity to a growing number of destinations.” He added, “We are glad to have CDB Aviation as our partner in growth and continue to place ourselves at the forefront of aviation technology, enhance our operational efficiency, as well as provide our guests with an exceptional on-board experience.” Paul Boyle, CDB Aviation’s Head of EMEA, also said, “We are very pleased to build on our relationship with Oman Air and to expand our presence in the Middle East with this sale and leaseback transaction. These new technology, fuel-efficient aircraft will support the airline’s ongoing recovery efforts, providing the airline’s passengers with greater connectivity and a wider choice of destinations from its hub in Muscat.” The addition of the 737 MAX now brings Oman Air’s fleet up to 52 aircraft, including 10 Airbus A330s, 33 Boeing 737s and nine Boeing 787s. The airline’s exciting fleet and network expansion programme has already seen the launch of two new routes in 2022, with more planned in the coming months. Meanwhile, Oman Air continues to invest in its award-winning on-board experience that includes world-class in-flight entertainment, premium amenities and its distinctive Omani hospitality.

Oman Air Ranked Most Punctual Airline in Middle East and Africa for 2022

Oman Air has been named top in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) for punctuality. As per the results of the 2022 On-Time Performance Review by global aviation analytics leader, Cirium, the airline’s on-time arrivals stood at 91.38%, almost 5% ahead of the region’s second highest ranking airline. The annual Cirium On-Time Performance Review is considered the global gold standard for airline and airport performance, its results based on data collected from more than 600 sources of real-time flight information. It defines on-time flights as those that arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival. Captain Nasser bin Ahmed Al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer at Oman Air, said, “During 2022, the global operational environment has been challenging, with many airports affected by disruptions and resource challenges, as well as the lingering effects of Covid-19. Despite such a backdrop, we have continued to maintain an excellent service record. To have achieved this recognition for on-time performance against some of the world’s most reputable airlines is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all Oman Air staff across our global network. As we enter into 2023, we look forward to continuing to pursue excellence in all elements of our guest experience, from punctuality to convenience, our products and services, and of course our signature Omani hospitality.” Continuing to position itself as a major international carrier, Oman Air has set several benchmarks for quality, comfort and hospitality in the last year, earning itself the 2023 Five-Star Major Airline rating by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), among others. Evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly shifting market, the airline has made increasing investments in its products and services, offering guests innovative cabin design, exceptional hospitality, and a growing range of destinations from its hub in Muscat.

Oman Air partners with Omantel to distribute co-branded Tourist SIM Cards on board to Oman-bound travelers

Oman Air has inked an agreement with Omantel, a leading telecom operator, to provide passengers flying to Oman with Tourist SIM Cards on board their flight. The one-year partnership aims to offer guests a hassle-free and efficient digital solution that enriches their travel experience, as well as attracting more tourists to come to Oman. Abdul Rahman Nasser, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, said, “We are delighted to once again join hands with Omantel, and we will all benefit from the spillover effect of this great buzz happening around the region. I am confident that our year-long partnership will be a success, and it will bring convenience to our passengers and save them time and effort upon arrival.” Eng. Aladdin Baitfadhil, Chief Commercial Officer at Omantel, said, “We are thrilled about our partnership with Omar Air, and we are all set to provide passengers flying to the Sultanate of Oman with seamless and hassle-free connectivity even before landing, while we increase our customer base.” The two companies also have another partnership involving their respective loyalty programmes, enabling Omantel’s customers to convert their Makasib points to Sindbad Miles. With a growing number of partners, Oman Air continues to find new and innovative ways to elevate its guest experience and build on its reputation as an award-winning airline, while promoting Oman as a must-visit destination.

Oman Air offers more space, comfort and convenience

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, is now offering “My Space”, an option which gives Economy Class guests the opportunity to ensure that the seat next to them is vacant. The airline’s program makes it simple to travel with even more comfort and convenience. When guests check in online 48 hours before their departure, they can select their seats via an interactive seat map and choose the option to ensure at least one seat next to them is vacant. If the option is not available for guests’ chosen seats, they can select another seat that does have adjacent vacancies. More information is available at omanair.com. Guests can choose “My Space” until 3 hours before their flight’s departure time. Oman Air CEO Abdul Aziz Al Raisi said, “We are committed to providing a safe environment for our guests while offering options that will increase their comfort”. While the airline offers this choice, which is convenient and safe, it also continues to maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey, to ensure that guests fly confidently. Oman Air Senior Vice President - Revenue Management, Pricing & Distribution Umesh Chhiber said, “Our guests appreciate flexibility and choices while they are travelling. In cooperation with our trusted partner, Plusgrade, we are giving them the opportunity to fly with more space around them”. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to increase safety and a number of other steps have been taken to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to depart from Oman should ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements, which are provided at omanair.com, as well as the requirements at their destinations. Guests planning to travel to Oman should ensure they are aware of all requirements, which are posted at the Civil Aviation Authority website, paca.gov.om .

Oman Air named world's best airline for Economy Class service

Oman Air has earned international recognition from a popular media outlet for providing the world's best Economy Class experience. The site, thepointsguy.com, recently ranked airlines across the globe for their Economy Class service, based on hundreds of flights taken and ranked by their journalists. The site, which debuted in 2010 to provide information about airlines' frequent flyer programmes, has become one of the world's most popular sites for travel news and content, attracting over 10 million unique visitors per month and over 3 million followers across social media platforms. In establishing the scores for Economy Class service, reviewers considered a number of factors including seat comfort and space, meal and beverage service, in-flight entertainment, cabin crew service and aircraft cleanliness. Earning praise for all facets of the flight, Oman Air outscored airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Delta, a large U.S.-based carrier. The review noted that Oman Air provided excellent seat comfort and legroom, along with high-quality food and beverage service, world-class in-flight entertainment, an amenity kit and first-rate service throughout a 787 Dreamliner flight connecting London and Muscat. The crew “were the icing on the cake of this top-class economy flight with Oman Air”, the site said. Their reviewer” woke up to find bottles of water at his feet after a nap, one of which was replaced after waking up a second time. That’s the kind of service you’d expect in First Class, not Economy”. In closing, the review said, “This Economy experience with Oman Air definitely deserves the top spot”.

Oman Air Offers More Flights, Convenient Timings to Bahrain and Doha

Oman Air has announced the expansion of its flight services to Bahrain and Doha, offering passengers increased convenience and flexibility. As of this month, the airline is operating 11 flights per week between Muscat and Bahrain, while flights between Muscat and Doha will increase from 21 to 35 a week on 24 June. Part of its summer schedule, the airline is offering a range of convenient timings, from early in the morning to late at night, enabling guests to seamlessly plan business trips, weekend getaways and even daytrips. Connecting Muscat to major cities across the GCC, Oman Air also offers 35 flights a week to Dubai, 21 flights a week to Riyad h and Jeddah, and 14 flights a week to Kuwait . Meanwhile, it continues to cater to the increasing number of Muscat-based travellers who are choosing to holiday in the region . Wherever the destination , the enhanced flight schedule allows travelers to optimi s e their plans and enjoy a smooth and seamless travel experience .