Oman Air and Menzies Aviation, a global provider of passenger, ramp and cargo handling services, have formed a joint venture partnership which will see ground handling services provided at all airports across the sultanate.

The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) confirming their intention to work together. They will now enter a period of due diligence and focus on regulatory requirements, with the aim of forming the joint venture within the last quarter of 2016.

The move is the latest step by Oman Air towards reconfiguring its handling businesses.

Oman Air’s chief executive officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, said: “We are pleased to have signed a MoU with Menzies Aviation which will see us form a joint venture partnership by the end of this year.

“Menzies Aviation is a highly professional, global company with a proven track record. Our partnership will enable us to access new technology, improve training and achieve the highest standards with regard to ground handling operations.”

Forsyth Black, president and managing director at Menzies Aviation, said: “We’re very excited by the opportunity to work with Oman Air. There is a great tradition of co-operation between British and Omani partners; we hope to add this new joint venture to that list.” - TradeArabia News Service