Oman Air, the National Carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced it will launch flights from its home base of Muscat to Dammam in Saudi Arabia from 1st September. Passengers will be able to fly in Business Class on the two-class Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
Oman Air CEO Peter Hill says: “Saudi Arabia is a very important market for Oman Air, and with the launch of our third service to Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah, we are confident of further reinforcing our position within the GCC region. This bustling city that epitomises the graceful blend of modernity while keeping the traditions intact is sure to add value to our rapidly expanding network.”
Oman Air hopes that the flights will help to boost trade between Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as open a range of short and long-haul connection options for air travellers in Saudi Arabia flying via Muscat. Dammam is the largest city in the Eastern Province and third largest in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah. It is a major oil producing and exporting area as well as a commercial and shipping centre, meaning it is a popular destination for business travellers.
Oman Air’s fleet consists of Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A330s and during 2010/2011, a further two A330s will be delivered. In addition, Oman Air recently signed a contract with Embraer for the purchase of five Embraer 175 aircraft from the E-Jets family, with purchase rights for another five. The first delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. For the future, Oman Air has ordered six Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are scheduled for delivery from 2014.
Oman Air unveiled its First Class Mini Suite in October last year. Oman Air’s daily, non-stop direct flights between Muscat and London Heathrow offer First Class with lie-flat seats, direct aisle access and à la carte dining. Oman Air’s First Class Mini Suite offers the longest lie-flat bed available on any commercial airliner and is set within a 87-inch pitch. The suite is equipped with a 25.5-inch wide seat, built-in 8 point massage system, stowage for hand luggage, dedicated space to hang a coat and a huge 23-inch video monitor. With just 6 seats within the First Class cabin, together with a luxurious lounge area, the travel experience is said to be like flying in a private jet.
Last year the carrier unveiled its new, lie-flat Business Class seat which is fitted on all the new Airbus wide-body fleet. The Business Class cabin offers 20 lie-flat seats, each within a pitch of 82 inches and fitted in a four-abreast, on-two-one configuration. A wide seat, ample stowage space, a privacy screen and a sizeable 17-inch monitor ensure that Oman Air’s Business Class seat is on par with some other airlines’ First Class offering.
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