January 31, 2024
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3min

As part of its ongoing transformation to improve the company’s overall financial performance and fortify its position in an increasingly competitive market, Oman Air has announced several strategic changes to its network, including route expansions and new service offerings.

These include the addition of a new route, Sialkot, as well as the cancellation of operations to Islamabad, Lahore, Colombo and Chittagong. Additionally, the airline will also be reducing frequencies to certain markets while increasing capacity to two current destinations.

 




 

 

In addition to the year-round destinations, three more will be operated on a seasonal basis: Trabzon during the summer season, and Zurich and Malé during winter.
Oman Air has also introduced measures to optimize its schedule, starting this summer. To better cater to the Omani market and serve key flows in and out of Oman, flight times have been revised for several of its destinations. There is an emphasis on more favorable slots to offer greater convenience for direct passengers and maximize connection windows, providing enhanced travel flexibility.

Meanwhile, the airline is continuously evaluating its strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and identify additional opportunities. This includes maintaining alignment with government stakeholders including the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Oman Air remains committed to supporting the economic and social objectives outlined in Oman’s 2040 Vision while striving for growth and development.

More News about Oman Air

Source: Times of Oman

 




 

 


October 11, 2021
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4min

 




 

 

Oman Air, the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has appointed Najma Al Naamani as the Commercial Manager overseeing the territory of Sri Lanka. She is an experienced aviation professional, having garnered expertise in multiple domains across Oman Air since 2013.

“It is indeed an honour and a privilege to represent my beloved country, the Sultanate of Oman, managing key operations of our National Carrier, Oman Air, in the beautiful and serene country Sri Lanka, which has been an important market for our network”, stated Al Naamani.

The Aviation industry is recovering from the immediate effects of the pandemic, with airlines across multiple markets adopting various measures to address the downturn. Nevertheless, Al Naamani remains highly optimistic about the recovery of the industry and the growth plans of Oman Air.

She further stated, “Aviation is going through one of its most challenging phases with the pandemic which has hit all commercial activities across the globe, with the airline industry being one of the first to be adversely impacted. However, we feel that it would also be one of the first to recover, which we see now with the opening of borders and the reduction in restrictions by many countries.”

Oman Air’s objective is to gradually strengthen the current network by reintroducing services, which have been minimised since March 2020 due to pandemic related restrictions. The company progressively commenced operations in late 2020 with charter flights to many countries to transport Omani nationals stranded across the globe and to repatriate international guests in Oman to their home countries. The repatriation operations were followed by the reintroduction of regular flights complying with travel protocols of different countries.

Currently, more relaxations are expected by nations to enhance the experience of guests who travel in compliance with regulations, which tend to vary regularly. Therefore, the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Air are ready to make necessary changes in their policies towards global recovery.

Commenting on Oman Air’s operation in Sri Lanka, Al Naamani stated, “I am incredibly excited to be here in Sri Lanka and look forward to making a difference whilst pursuing all opportunities to spread awareness of Oman and our national carrier. The warm welcome I received on arrival in Sri Lanka from our General Sales Agent, Hayleys Aviation, the aviation arm of Hayleys PLC, has been very encouraging. Over the following months, I plan to meet more of our partners and customers to better engage with them and work towards achieving excellence in our service offering. I have no doubt that these collaborations will bring prosperity to both nations as Oman and Sri Lanka are well known for their warmth and hospitality.”

 

 

 



 

 

 


July 28, 2021
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2min

 




 

 

Wednesday 28th July 2021, Colombo: Gihan Karunaratne – Dip MOM (CIM-UK) has announced his retirement from Oman Air after serving 18 years with the airline, 11 years of which as the Country Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives.

Over his tenure, Gihan has been instrumental in Oman Air’s success as a result of the wealth of experience and knowledge he brought to the role.

He has worked for 43 years in the Tourism, Travel and Aviation industries starting with Aitken Spence Travels, Thomas Cook Group (Colombo & Dubai), Emirates Group (Dubai & Oman) and Oman Air (Oman, Bangladesh, Maldives & Sri Lanka) while also working in international markets such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt & Jordan.

Gihan was educated at Ananda College Colombo and was an outstanding sportsman – representing the school in Cricket, Tennis and Rugby. He also represented Sri Lankan Schools in Cricket and Rugby and played in the premier club competitions for these sports.

Presently, he serves in the capacity of Treasurer for the Board of Airline Representatives where he has been an active member in the subcommittee involved in post Covid-19 activities impacting the industry. With his passion for sports, he is also a member of the Sri Lankan Rugby Executive Committee.

Gihan has an outstanding reputation in the Aviation Industry in Sri Lanka for always being friendly, approachable and helpful in his role as Country Manager, Oman Air.

 

 

 



 

 

 


April 20, 2018
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5min

Oman Air, the national airline for the Sultanate of Oman, started its operations from the New Passenger Terminal at the Muscat International Airport from 20 March 2018. All incoming and outgoing flights were transferred from the current terminal to the new passenger terminal.

The new passenger terminal opening has been eagerly anticipated and, as a key stakeholder, Oman Air is proud to be operating up to 200 flights per day from the new state-of-the-art new terminal.

The new passenger terminal has been designed to be a shining symbol of the modern state of Oman being built by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The hub will be a significant boost to Oman’s already flourishing travel sector as it will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers per year and its runway will be able accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, the Airbus A380, and independent parallel operation. The airport also boasts a number of excellent facilities including 6,000 square metres of Duty Free shopping, 96 check-in counters, 8,000 parking spaces and a 90-room airside hotel.

The new terminal will allow Oman Air to offer a thoroughly enhanced service; the check-in process will be seamless for all guests and Premium Class guests will be able to avail themselves of designated check in areas and entrances.  Entrance A is for all Business Class passengers and allows Oman Air guests’ access to the airline’s dedicated First and Business Class check-in lounge.  Entrance B is for Oman Air’s Economy Class guests and entrance C for all other airlines’ Economy Class guests offering access to the Economy Class check in area.

 Once in the airport there are designated check-in areas for Premium Class Oman Air guests. First & Business Class guests will be served separately through 12 check-in counters and three supervisor counters.   Oman Air will offer premium concierge services at check-in with seating and soft drinks provided, as guests complete the check-in process.  There are a further 24 counters in total exclusively for Oman Air economy class guests.

Oman Air First & Business Class guests can enjoy the unique Omani hospitality at the stylish Premium Lounges which offer an oasis of calm, located above Muscat Duty Free and next to the airside hotel. The beautiful interiors created in the lounges have been influenced by the unique terrain found in Oman. The elegant and tranquil surroundings are enriched by the abundance of natural light which floods the spaces.

The First Class lounge offers exceptional services, including a personal chef, limousine service from the lounge to the aircraft and relaxation rooms. The Business Class lounge offers an extensive array of snacks and full dining options, a quiet lounge area, shower rooms, a children’s play area, wireless internet access and a business centre. Gold members of Oman Air’s Sindbad frequent flyer programme will also be welcome to use the Business Class lounge. Guests who have previously used Oman Air’s existing lounges will be impressed further still by the new facilities.

The opening of the new Passenger Terminal has long been anticipated and is a momentous occasion in the Sultanate’s history.  Oman Air is confident that this new development will allow it to offer its valued guests a new level of service that is sure to exceed their high expectations. In 2018 Oman Air has already announced the arrival of new aircraft, new routes to Istanbul, Casablanca and Moscow, as well as an expansion of existing services.

Oman Air has been very closely involved in this exciting and important new project for the Sultanate and looks forward to warmly welcoming all its valued guests to the magnificent new airport.  The opening of the new terminal will further facilitate the airline’s exciting fleet and network expansion programme, which will see Oman Air operate up to 66 aircraft to around 60 destinations by 2022.


December 19, 2017
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2min

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has been awarded “World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class” at the World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards were presented last week at a gala dinner held at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam. The national carrier was also awarded the ‘World’s Ultimate Service Award in Hospitality’.

The awards were received by Hamad Al Harthy, the Acting Regional Vice President – Far East, on behalf of Oman Air. 2017 has been a stellar year for Oman Air; the airline has been presented with a multitude of awards and accolades from renowned organisations around the globe, including four World Travel Awards.

Earlier this year, Oman Air was named the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline, Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline, Economy Class’ in the World Travel Awards Middle East 2017.

Acting CEO of Oman Air Abdul Aziz Alraisi said: “This is a fantastic way for Oman Air to conclude the year; winning four World Travel Awards, along with various other awards in 2017. These awards set the standards for the travel industry and it is testament of our quality services and product offering that we have consistently been voted the best.  Oman Air is a successful, sustainable company and it is immensely rewarding to be recognised for our unique products and on board experience, in all classes.”

2017 award wins are not just limited to exemplary service; the airline was recently awarded the prestigious “Pay it Forward” award by PAX International magazine for its Taiseer Initiative.

Other recent award wins include Oman Air being named “Asia’s Top Outstanding Airline” by leading travel magazine, NOW Travel Asia and “Inflight Retailer of the Year 2017”, together with Muscat Duty Free.

For further information on Oman Air, visit www.omanair.com


October 12, 2017
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1min

12th October 2017, Colombo: Oman Air recently facilitated a group of 78 pilgrims from Sri Lanka to fly to Madinah for Ummrah in the New Islamic Year. This was the first Ummrah pilgrim group to arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Madinah) from any country in the world in the New Islamic Year, making it a milestone for the airline. The flight departed on 1st October 2017, carrying the first Ummrah group for the holy pilgrimage. Oman Air partnered with The Traveller Global Pvt Ltd in this historic event, since the travel agency specializes in organizing Ummrah tour groups from Sri Lanka as part of its services.

Sri Lanka is an important destination in Oman Air’s route network in the region and over the last few years the airline has increased flights between Colombo and Muscat. Oman Air now operates double flights daily between Colombo and Muscat. The airline currently offers flights from Colombo to a variety of destinations around the world and also many countries in the Gulf region.


October 7, 2017
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1min

04th October 2017, Colombo: Oman Air recently facilitated a group of 78 pilgrims from Sri Lanka to fly to Madinah for Ummrah in the New Islamic Year. This was the first Ummrah pilgrim group to arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Madinah) from any country in the world in the New Islamic Year, making it a milestone for the airline. The flight departed on 1st October 2017, carrying the first Ummrah group for the holy pilgrimage. Oman Air partnered with The Traveller Global Pvt Ltd in this historic event, since the travel agency specializes in organizing Ummrah tour groups from Sri Lanka as part of its services.

Sri Lanka is an important destination in Oman Air’s route network in the region and over the last few years the airline has increased flights between Colombo and Muscat. Oman Air now operates double flights daily between Colombo and Muscat. The airline currently offers flights from Colombo to a variety of destinations around the world and also many countries in the Gulf region.



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