NATIONAL carrier Oman Air is looking at more Indian destinations, including Mangalore, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Goa. "We are looking at destinations like Mangalore, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Goa. These are all high density areas for us. We are seeking permission from Indian government for new routes," said Abdulrazak al Raisi, Senior Sales Manager of Oman Air.
Addressing the media here to mark the launch of services to Bangalore, Al Raisi said that with the addition of the latest flight, Oman Air carries 11,555 passengers a week in Oman-India sector. Al Raisi said that Oman Air is planning to commence services in Muscat-Kuala Lumpur, Muscat-Amsterdam and Muscat-Yemen sectors during the current year. "However, I am not sure whether we will be able to commence services in all these sectors this year. It all depends on the availability of aircraft," he noted.
Oman Air operates five times a week in Muscat-Bangalore sector using a Boeing 737 plane. The Oman Air flight, with a capacity of 154 seats, leaves Muscat every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. In return direction, the flight leaves Bangalore every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. "Now we are operating to ten destinations in India from Muscat. Aviation places a big role in Oman-India bilateral relations," he added. He noted that it would further strengthen economic relations between Oman and India.
"Bangalore is considered yet another gateway for the national carrier of Oman to offer its unmatched timeless traditions and legendary hospitality," he added. Al Raisi added that the route expansion strategy of Oman Air not only benefits the airline and its passengers, but also the economies of both countries. "It is my hope that this operation will stimulate increased trade between two nations, since there are so many ways in which Oman and India can enjoy mutual benefits," noted Al Raisi.
Usama bin Karim al Haremi, Head of Corporate Communications and Media Department, said that the airline is carrying out a major expansion with Oman government taking full ownership in the airline. "Oman Air operation is witnessing a rapid growth," he added. Al Raisi said that two Boeing 737-800s would join Oman Air fleet this year. Also, the airline will be acquiring another five Airbus 300s, which will join the fleet from next year onwards. Al Haremi said that Oman Air already enjoys good load factors on all its routes to India, which has promoted the company to open its tenth destination.
In a move to promote the newly launched Bangalore sector, Oman Air is offering holiday packages to visit Bangalore as a tourist destination. It is also encouraging medical tourism. "We also have special fares for students," Al Raisi said. The airline expects full load in Bangalore sector. Al Raisi said that Gulf Air had operation in Muscat-Bangalore sector. Oman Air started operation in Muscat-Bangalore sector after the government withdrew from Gulf Air.
Darwish bin Ismail al Balushi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance and member of the board of Oman Air, stated that the launch of new service follows a memorandum of understanding between Oman's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Meteorology, and the Indian civil aviation authorities, which included new destinations like Bangalore and Calicut.
The MoU also allowed Jet Airways of India to raise its flights to Muscat. Oman Air operates in 27 destinations, including 12 destinations in the Indian sub-continent. Oman Air, in cooperation with its GSA in Bangalore, organised a grand cultural programme yesterday to mark the launch of Bangalore flight. Artistes performed various south Indian dance programmes, including Bharathanatyam, Kuchupudi, Mohiniattam, Kathakali and Kalaripayyatu.
The evening programme, which was attended by Mohammed al Toobi, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Mohammed Salim al Balushi, Country Manager of Oman Air, officials from the GSA and travel agencies, concluded with a raffle draw, wherein four winners were given free air tickets to various destinations.
By A E James from Bangalore
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
