Oman’s first budget airline Salam Air has appointed ex-flynas chief executive François Bouteiller as its new CEO, said a report.

Bringing 30 years of experience to the new role, Bouteiller  will take the lead in guiding the new carrier to its highly anticipated launch in the fourth quarter of 2016, said a report in Muscat Daily citing a statement from Salam Air's parent Asaas.

He will be in charge of managing the airline's operational and business strategies to cater to the sultanate’s traffic demand which is expected to grow 40 per cent by 2019, it said.

Eng Khalid al Yahmadi, CEO of Asaas and chairman of Salam Air, said, “Bouteiller’s wealth of knowledge in operational efficiency and experience in managing commercial and budget airlines makes him a most qualified person for this position at this critical stage of the airline’s journey.”

“Salam Air is history in the making, and I am very proud to be part of it,” said Bouteiller. “Given the proximity to 80 per cent of the world’s population, the Middle East is one of the fastest growing regions in the aviation industry, with Oman well positioned for growth. I look forward to harnessing the sultanate’s full potential as a premier and affordable destination at the crossroads of continents.”