Oman Air is passing a major milestone this month with the occasion of its 30 th anniversary, a journey which began in March 1993 with a single flight between the cities of Muscat and Salalah. The route, operated by Boeing 737-300, marked the launch of the airline’s domestic network, which was followed shortly after with its first international flight between Muscat and Dubai. Over the past three decades, the airline has gone from strength to strength and now flies to over 45 destinations as far as Europe and the Far East, with a strong international presence and a reputation for providing high quality products and outstanding customer service. “Thirty years as Oman’s national airline is a milestone to be proud of,” said Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air. “In that time, Oman Air has grown from a small regional carrier connecting Omanis across the country to an award-winning airline connecting visitors from around the world to Oman’s diverse natural beauty and rich culture. Despite the challenges of the last few years, our goal continues to be to serve our country by enabling Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions, whether through job creation, supporting the tourism and logistics industries, or increasing inward investment. With three decades of experience and expertise to build on, we’re looking to the future with renewed optimism.” A cornerstone of Oman’s socio-economic development, since its maiden flight, Oman Air has carried millions of passengers into the country, providing them with an authentic introduction to Omani hospitality and culture. It has laid the foundations for a tourism industry that has increased ten-fold over the last 30 years, contributing to the creation of hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It has transformed the local aviation industry, not least by bringing training in-country with its state-of-the-art Flight Training Centre, as well as running a number of successful graduate training programmes. Meanwhile, it has maintained a steady rise in Omanisation, which now stands at 94% (excluding female cabin crew). Keeping pace with the rapid development of the aviation industry, the airline continues to operate a fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, while driving its commitment to operational excellence. In 2022, Oman Air was ranked most punctual in the Middle East and Africa, 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%, making it one of the best performing airlines globally. At the same time, its on-board products have attracted international acclaim, most recently earning the 2023 5-Star Major Airline rating by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), as well as the World's Leading Airline - Business Class and World's Leading Airline - Customer Experience at the World Travel Awards 2022. As it looks to the coming years, Oman Air is working towards joining the oneworld Alliance, which will see it broaden its network’s global reach and provide guests with huge benefits and greater travel options, while further strengthening its leading position in the Middle East by focusing on agility, efficiency, and new market opportunities. Oman Air supplement: https://www.omanair.com/storage/assets/Oman-Air-Supplement.pdf

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, recently hosted the Gulf Flight Safety Association (GFSA) meeting at the Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat, in association with Boeing. In attendance were delegates from Boeing, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Oman Transport Safety Bureau (OTSB), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Oman Air, Royal Flight Oman, Presidential Flight AD, Royal Air Force, Royal Oman Police, Air Navigation Services of Oman, Petroleum Development Oman, Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), Minerals Development Oman, Middle East Airlines, Gulf Air, Saudia Airlines, Emirates, Oman Airports, Transom, Flynas, Al Sharqiya Aviation, Unified Aviation, Salam Air, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Skyart, Aerogulf Services, and MB Group. The first day of the meeting involved workshops, pres entations and discussions on various relevant topics with the participation of working groups from Flight Operations, Flight Data Forum, Ground Operations, Cabin Safety and Helicopters. The workshops allowed participants to present, share and discuss best practice and safety related matters in a confidential environment. Additionally, the y provided an opportunity to network, exchange information and experience s , as well as discuss safety matters specific to the post-COVID era . The second and final day of the meeting included presentations from each subgroup covering their key focus areas , includ ing ‘ Global Aerospace Safety Initiatives ’ by Boeing ; and ‘ Global Data Management Program, Incident Database Analysis, Flight Data Exchange Analysis, Benefits to Ope rat ors and Safety Enhancement Initiatives ’ by IATA. Captain Fahd Cynndy, the GFSA Chairman and CEO of SAEI , presented ‘ MRO Safety and its Relationship with the Aviation Ecosystem ’ . Meanwhile, Captain Waheed Al Subhi, Sen ior Manager - Safety and Emergency R esponse Planning , presented Oman Air ’s fleet, achievements, and safety challenges. An engaging panel discussion was conducted on the challenges of Safety Management System implementation, safety leadership, and change ma nagement. Captain Nasser Al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer at Oman Air , welcomed the delegates and emphasised the importance of such meetings , as well as e xpress ing his appreciation t o the GFSA Chairman, Captain Fahd Cynndy, for the opportunity to hold the prestigious event in Sultanate of Oman. The Gulf Flight Safety Association was originally founded in Oman in 2004 by a group of Gulf-based safety professionals from va rious aviation companies located within the GCC region. The group meets quarterly to discuss safety improvement initiative s, as well as coordinating with international bodies like IATA and ICAO. Captain Waheed Khalfan Al Subhi concluded the event by thanking the attendees, Boeing, and the management of GFSA for ensuring the success of th e meeting. The GFSA Chairman also exte nded his thanks to Oman Air for their hospitality . Learn more about the GFSA at www.GFSA.me