A positive future and continued expansion was the focus for Oman Air, as the airline started the year with their major global conference in Muscat, under the theme “To Become the Best”.

The conference was officially opened by Maitha Bint Saif Bin Majid Al Mahruqi, under secretary Ministry of Tourism and Deputy Chairman of Oman Air and hosted by Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air.

Up to 400 staff drawn from throughout Oman Air’s growing international network gathered in the Omani capital on January 21. Following a briefing on the airline’s established vision, objectives and values, and an update on the results for 2015, they heard about the airline’s outlook for the coming year. Delegates were invited to contribute their own views and ideas about how Oman Air’s products and services can be best delivered in 2016.

Oman Air’s vision, objectives and values were put in place following Paul Gregorowitsch’s appointment in 2014. They have been integrated into all areas of Oman Air’s organisation since then and have underpinned the very positive results achieved last year.

The airline’s theme set in 2014, ‘To Become the Best’, has set the tone for all Oman Air’s activities. Its implicit emphasis on the highest quality standards provides a clear focus for the delivery of Oman Air’s objectives.

First among those objectives is the continuation of Oman Air’s over-riding commitment to safety. This enables delivery of the carrier’s second objective: to remain the airline of first choice. Further to the positive financial developments of 2015, the third objective is to make money and to achieve an operational break-even point in Oman Air’s finances by December 31 2017. Achieving the third objective will, in part, be facilitated by the fourth, to cater for growth – a crucial part of Oman Air’s work, as it continues its expansion programme. Improved financial performance will, in turn, enable Oman Air to achieve its fifth objective and to make a positive financial and economic contribution to the Sultanate of Oman.

Significantly, Oman Air’s financial results for 2015 saw a major reduction of 42 per cent in the airline’s loss per passenger. This was largely due to changes in fuel prices. In addition, the Government of Oman’s financial support for Oman Air was reduced from OMR130 million ($336.8 million) in 2014 to OMR54 million ($139.9 million) in 2015.

Over the coming year, Oman Air will build on these positive outcomes. A further 45 per cent reduction in the loss per passenger will be achieved, and government support will be further reduced to OMR40 million ($103.6 million) in 2016.

Additionally, Oman Air’s ambitious fleet and network expansion programme, which was launched in the fourth quarter of 2014, will continue apace in 2016.

A second frequency will be added to the carrier’s current daily non-stop service between Muscat and London Heathrow. Oman Air’s Muscat to Paris service will also be increased to offer daily flights throughout the week.

Furthermore, a new service from Muscat to China will be launched in July and services to India will be increased following a recent extension of Oman Air’s entitlements to fly to the country. Services between Muscat and Iran will also be developed further in 2016.

The national carrier’s role in bringing increased numbers of visitors to Oman will be enhanced in 2016 through its increased capacity, its expanded network and even closer co-operation with the Omani Ministry of Tourism.

Oman Air’s joint venture with Luxembourg-based freight specialists Cargolux will see further growth over the next 12 months, increasing both airlines’ contribution to the development of Oman as a global cargo hub.

The launch of new destinations, increased frequencies and expanded cargo operations will be supported by the arrival in 2016 of more new aircraft. Two new Boeing 787-800s will bring Oman Air’s Dreamliner strength to four aircraft and the addition of four new Boeing 737-800s will further enhance the airline’s short and medium haul capacity and support flexible network planning.

Beyond Oman Air’s expansion programme, the carrier’s pledge to achieving sustainable profitability and contributing to the economic, social and cultural life of the nation has been reaffirmed.

Its Shape and Size programme will remain in full effect throughout 2016, supporting increased efficiency and ongoing cost reductions throughout the company. In addition, Oman Air will increase the percentage of Omani citizens it employs from 62 per cent in 2015 to 63 per cent in 2016, in line with its commitment to the Sultanate’s policy of Omanisation. Supporting enhanced employment opportunities in Oman will also be achieved through Oman Air’s continuing investment in the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises and support for national sustainability programmes. Meanwhile pilot training and career development will be enhanced following the opening of Oman Air’s own simulator building later this year.

Paul Gregorowitsch added: “As 2016 unfolds, we will offer even more choice and convenience for our customers. We will work more efficiently and make greater savings. We will make an even greater contribution to the Sultanate of Oman. And we will retain our focus on delivering the highest standards of quality in every aspect of our work.

“So, 2016 promises to be exciting, productive and successful year, as Oman Air continues its journey to ‘become the best’,” he said. – TradeArabia News Service