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Oman Air continues its ascent; 28pc rise in passenger revenue

By Bader al Kiyumi MUSCAT -- With a whopping 28 per cent growth in net passenger revenue in the first five months of this year, and with highly promising passenger and cargo figures for the same period, the future seems to be bright for the national carrier Oman Air . Over the same period, total number of passengers flown increased by 19 per cent compared to a full-year rise of 16 per cent in 2011 and tonnage of total cargo shot up by 33 per cent compared to that during 2011. The total cargo revenue shot up by 47 per cent compared to a year-long increase of 28 per cent.

Addressing a press conference, Wayne Pearce, Oman Air 's Chief Executive Officer, also announced the ambitious growth plans of the carrier that has a high pace of growth among the regional carriers. "The scene for continued growth has already been set with the announcement of a new service from September 1 between Muscat and Tehran and the anticipated delivery of two new Embraer E175 regional jets in Q3 and Q4 of this year. "In addition, six new Boeing 737s are on order, with two being delivered in 2014 and four in 2015. Six new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will also be delivered from 2015," Pearce said.

Oman Air 's success has not, however, relied solely on expansion. The airline's commitment to quality in every aspect of its operations and genuine value for passengers has resulted in significant customer loyalty.
Competitive pricing and regular special offers, both online and in partnership with travel industry partners, have attracted many new customers, whilst e-booking and web check-in - which also allows passengers to choose their preferred seat, book their choice of meals and check in their luggage up to eight hours before departure - build on Oman Air 's reputation for easy connections, reliable performance and high-quality service.

The carrier which places Omanisation on top has two more Embraer E175s to join its ever-expanding fleet by Q3 and Q4 of this year. Its current fleet comprise 26 aircraft, including: 15 x Boeing 737, 7 x Airbus A330, 2 x Embraer 175, 2 x ATR42. Six Boeing 737s on order - delivery: 2 in 2014, 4 in 2015. Furthermore, six Boeing 787 Dreamliners are on order - delivery: 2 in 2015, 1 in 2016, 1 in 2017, 2 in 2018.

Oman Air currently flies to 41 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa and its 42nd destination, Tehran will begin on September 1, 2012. Adfditionally, new Oman Air lounges at Muscat and Bangkok were opened in 2011 while taking part in the two major events, Muscat festival and Salalah Festival actively by carrying the largest number of visitors to the country.

At Oman Air , participating in the major events and supporting important events has been a part of the corporate social responsibility. It has been a key part of the Oman Football Association as key partner for the Oman national team, and official carrier of the Oman Football Association. In the Extreme 40s series in the third consecutive year, sponsorship to Ahmed al Harthy and Oman Air racing Team, Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship third year in the series are other ones. The national carrier has distributed 41 computers in 41 district schools across Oman during the Oman First 41st anniversary celebrations last year.

The carrier's reputation has been further enhanced with the receipt of a range of international awards and accolades. Last year, the independent airline quality experts Skytrax named Oman Air as an Official 4-Star Airline just weeks before the World Airline Awards presented the carrier with the 'Best Business Class Seat in the World' and 'Service Excellence, Middle East' awards. Last month, Oman Air was named 'Best Business Class Airline, Middle East' at the Business Destinations Awards, bring to 24 the total number of awards received over the last two years.

© Oman Daily Observer 2012

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