Flag carrier Oman Air marked the sultanate’s 46th National Day with the arrival of a new Boeing 737- 800 to its fleet on November 18.

This was the sixth brand new Boeing 737-800 joining the young Oman Air fleet this year as part of the airline’s expansion plan. Oman Air has operated B737s for many years and the aircraft provide the backbone of the airline’s long and medium haul fleet.

The new aircraft was deployed to Bahrain on November 19 for its first commercial flight, which exemplifies Oman Air’s experience in swiftly introducing new aircraft into operations as soon as they join the fleet.

With the addition of the new Boeing 737 – 800, Oman Air’s fleet stands at 46. Currently Oman Air’s fleet consists of four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330-200s, five Boeing 737-900s, 22 Boeing 737-800, one Boeing 737-700 and four Embraer 175s. Three more Boeing 737 – 800s are scheduled to join the fleet next year.

Clearly guided by the vision of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman Air is well on its way ahead with a growth strategy that brings the fleet size to 70 aircraft and 75 destinations by 2020.

Oman Air’s contribution to the national economy stands at OMR415 million ($1.07 billion) that is achieved by creating employment opportunities to Omani nationals, bringing tourists to the sultanate, building global connections, and through supporting small and medium enterprises. It is also pertinent to note that the financial support that Oman Air was receiving from the government has been reduced over the last two years from over OMR100 million ($259.1 million) to just OMR34 million ($88 million) in 2016. - TradeArabia News Service