Oman Air said it has entered into a codeshare agreement with British airline bmi to help its customers book flights from capital Muscat to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Belfast or Manchester, via London Heathrow.

Under the deal, bmi’s customers too will be able to book flights from any of the airline’s UK departure points through to Muscat. Customers will also be able to book flights through either Oman Air or bmi outlets.

Welcoming the agreement, Oman Air’s chief executive officer, Peter Hill, said 'We are delighted to be joining with bmi to offer customers even greater choice, value and convenience.'

'Both Oman Air and bmi offer outstanding service and this codeshare partnership will not only extend the range of options open to each airline’s customers, but will also encourage visitors to Oman and the UK and promote tourism between the two countries,' he noted.

“Visitors to the UK will now be able to combine Oman Air’s legendary hospitality between Muscat and London with bmi’s excellent service and range of final destinations.'

'Customers flying to Oman from the UK will be able to choose the most convenient airport for their departure and enjoy their flight with bmi, secure in the knowledge that their welcome to the Sultanate will start as soon as they board the aircraft,' Hill added.

Using luxurious new Airbus A330 operate on the route, Oman Air is the only airline to fly non-stop from the UK to Oman, departing Heathrow Terminal Three.

Joerg Hennemann, bmi CEO, said, “Our customers enjoy extensive connectivity at Heathrow with many partner airlines to destinations around the globe. Our new codeshare with Oman Air further extends our global reach and will enable seamless and convenient travel connections for customers of both airlines between the Sultanate and key regional cities of the UK.”