OMAN Air, the national airline of the Sultanate, has posted a record growth of 28 per cent in net passenger revenue in the first five months of the year, as compared to a full-year increase of 28 per cent in 2011.
Passenger numbers saw a steady growth by 19 per cent, compared to full-year growth of 16 per cent in 2011, while cargo revenue increased by 47 per cent, up from a full-year increase of 28 per cent last year. Cargo tonnage saw an increase of 33 per cent, as against a full-year increase of 13 per cent in 2011.
Oman Air’s chief executive officer Wayne Pearce said: “I am very pleased to say that Oman Air has generated greater revenues, carried more passengers and transported more cargo between January and May 2012 than at any equivalent time in the airline’s history.
“These excellent figures build further on the year-on–year increases we have achieved over the last two years and confirm Oman Air’s continued ascent as a world-class international airline,” he added.
The scene for continued growth has already been set with the announcement of a new service, from September 1, 2012, 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.
Oman Air’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.
Oman Air’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 four-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.