DURING the first quarter of this year, Oman Air, the national carrier, has carried 445,923 passengers, compared to 297,391 passengers last year, recording a substantial increase of 50 per cent over the same period last year.
Abdulrazaq Bin Juma Alraisi, senior manger sales Oman Air, said that this achievement was accomplished despite the sturdy competition within the aviation industry worldwide, and sales had grown considerably- as much as 103 per cent due to a number of factors. These include a successful operational strategy, good service, fleet efficiency and an increase in the number of Oman Air scheduled flights in the first quarter of this year. The number of flights reached 1,860 as opposed to 1,373 flights in the same period in 2007.
Flights between Oman and other destinations in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent had particularly good connections, and the fact that nine destinations were inaugurated during the past year also helped to increase the number of passengers to Oman, said Alraisi.
He added that Oman Air was geared up for further growth. “We vow to provide an exciting experience for all our valued travellers on board our flights that reach so many destinations worldwide, thus establishing Oman Air as a major player in the region.”
He noted that the management was seeking to provide more distinct services, and to increase destinations, with a view to make available more opportunities for passengers.
A spokesperson from corporate communications and media, Oman Air said that the year 2008 witnessed a new era for Oman Air after introducing a new slogan, in addition to the company employing more sophisticated systems and programmes as well modernising the fleet with the introduction of more wide bodied aircraft, to operate globally.
Oman Air communications spokesperson added that the company plans to increase its market share by strengthening promotions and improving its service quality, in addition to raising the marketing awareness of the product. The company has reported profits surpassing $10 million by the end of fiscal year 2007.
Fleet expansion remains constant, with company fleet consisting of 15 Boeing 737/800 by the end of January 2009, and seven Airbus 330 (some 200 and 300 series) to be delivered as from 2009. In addition, a commitment for six Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be delivered as from 2012 would make Oman Air the first airline in the region to acquire this type of aircraft.
Oman Air flights take off from its hub Muscat to 25 destinations, including 10 international destinations in the Middle East: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Beirut, Cairo, and Amman, plus internal flights to Salalah and Khasab.
It also operates 10 destinations in the Indian subcontinent: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur; Karachi in Pakistan, Chittagong in Bangladesh.
A free night in Salalah
Fly with Oman Air Holidays and enjoy one free night in either The Hilton or the Crowne Plaza resorts for every two nights booked. The two five star beach resorts are nestled between banana and coconut plantations. This package is valid until July 14 and includes economy class airfare, airport transfers, and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Terms and conditions apply. Contact a local Oman Air Holidays office for tailor made package prices.