Commencing operations in March 1993 with a Boeing 737-300 flight between Muscat and Salalah, Oman Air is celebrating their 30th anniversary this month. The first domestic flight was followed shortly by the carrier’s first international flight between Muscat and Dubai.
On Wednesday (March 29, 2023), Oman Air announced the celebration of their 30th anniversary this month. The carrier’s inaugural flight in March 1993 was between Muscat and Salalah with a Boeing 737-300, which was followed by their first international flight between Muscat and Dubai. Expanding over the last three decades, the carrier now serves over 45 destinations, including routes to Europe and the Far East. As a cornerstone of Oman’s socio-economic development, Oman Air has carried millions of passengers into the country, providing an authentic introduction to Omani hospitality and culture.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said,
“Thirty years as Oman’s national airline is a milestone to be proud of. In that time, Oman Air has grown from a small regional carrier connecting Omanis across the country to an award-winning airline connecting visitors from around the world to Oman’s diverse natural beauty and rich culture. Despite the challenges of the last few years, our goal continues to be to serve our country by enabling Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions, whether through job creation, supporting the tourism and logistics industries, or increasing inward investment. With three decades of experience and expertise to build on, we’re looking to the future with renewed optimism.”
Over the last 30 years, Oman Air has transformed the local aviation industry, including bringing training in-country with their state-of-the-art Flight Training Centre, along with a number of successful graduate training programs. The company has also maintained a steady rise in Omanisation, which now stands at 94 percent, excluding female cabin crew. In 2023, Oman Air achieved a 5-Star Major Airline rating by APEX. The carrier is also working towards joining the oneworld® global alliance to broaden their network’s global reach.
Oman Air is the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. The multi-award winning carrier maintains the highest standards of performance in all aspects of operations, and currently serves over
45 destinations in more than 20 countries and territories. The airline’s ultra-modern and fuel efficient fleet are renowned for their bespoke interiors and innovative inflight entertainment (IFE) systems. Oman Air continues to invest in the latest technologies, propelling the carrier to the forefront of modern aviation. Oman Air operates a fleet of 47 aircraft, including seven Airbus A330s, nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 20 Boeing 737NGs, and 11 Boeing 737-8 MAX airplanes.
Source: Oman Air