OMAN Air, the flagship carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, based in Muscat, has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire six Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft from ALAFCO Aviation Lease And Finance Company headquartered in Kuwait, according to an airline statement.
The craft are expected to be delivered in 2012, 2014, and 2015 and will upgrade the airline’s existing fleet, as well as provide for fleet growth to meet its future aggressive expanding plans, the statement said.
“The 787 will certainly open for us new market opportunities, and will enable Oman Air to expand its route network, provide excellent operating efficiencies, and cost savings. Boeing's 787 uses modern technology in ways that our customers regionally and internationally can feel serve,” said Ziad Bin Karim Al Haremi chief executive officer of Oman Aviation Services (Oman Air).
“By expanding our fleet with long-haul twin-aisle airplanes, we will offer our customers many more choices for far-away destinations. The 787, scheduled for entry into service in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience, and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner.”
The 787 is a family of airplanes carrying 200 to 300 passengers on routes between 6,500 to 16,000 kilometres, and offers airlines unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance.
The airplane will use 20 per cent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane. It will also travel at speeds similar to today's fastest wide bodies. The 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings, with up to 45 per cent more cargo revenue capacity.
Passengers will enjoy an innovative new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats, and aisles, and larger windows, greatly improving the overall flying experience.
The airline is set to begin non-stop services to London this month, providing its first direct link between Muscat and the UK. Oman Air will commence scheduled services from London Gatwick airport (North Terminal) to Seeb International Airport, Muscat.