SalamAir to get six new aircraft
The Sultanate’s first budget airline is expected to get delivery of the first customised plane this year and lease of the remaining five others by the first quarter of next year
Times News Service
MUSCAT: SalamAir has announced the addition of six brandnew Airbus A320neo aircraft to its growing fleet in a move aimed at expanding its network of 12 destinations and meeting the growing demand for budget travel in the Sultanate and the region.
Oman’s first budget airline is expecting the delivery of one purchased Airbus A320neo by the 4th quarter of 2018 and five leased Airbus A320neos by the first quarter of 2019.
The new A320neos are specifically customised for SalamAir to seat 180 guests, resulting in more space and boosting comfort levels.
“We are very excited to be among the pioneer airlines that operate the in-demand A320neo in the region,” said SalamAir CEO Captain Mohamed Ahmed.
“This is by far the market’s most efficient short-and medium-haul aircraft in terms of fuel efficiency, resulting in lower CO2 emissions and offering an improved carbon footprint.
“The A320neo engine is significantly quieter in comparison with the A320, which is a key SalamAir proposition to our guests when it comes to offering high levels of customer service, convenience, and comfort.”
Plans
SalamAir plans to increase the number of flights to some of its current popular destinations, including Salalah, Multan, Sialkot, and Shiraz.
The airline also wants to launch new routes throughout the GCC, including Kuwait City and Riyadh, as well as additional routes throughout the larger MENA region, including Khartoum, Egypt, and Iraq.
The Indian sub-continent continues to be a key market for the airline, which is currently exploring various destinations such as Dhaka, Katmandu, and various cities across India.
“As a home-grown brand, SalamAir has demonstrated huge potential by addressing Oman’s demand for affordable travel options,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
“The new Airbus A320neo is the best in the industry and will allow the carrier to achieve lower operating costs, greater fuel efficiency, and offer the highest standard of passenger comfort.”
“The Middle East is one of the fastest growing regions within the aviation industry today and we at SalamAir want to open the skies for more guests, making it easier and more affordable to fly,” said Ahmed.
“We have developed a strategic expansion plan and are committed to meeting the set benchmarks that will contribute to our overall growth and in turn contribute to the growth and development of Oman’s aviation sector.”
Additional services
SalamAir flies to 12 destinations, including Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Shiraz, as well as the newly-introduced Tbilisi and Baku routes. Passengers on all routes can choose from three easy fare options: Light, Friendly & Flexi.
A cost-conscious menu of additional services, which includes extra luggage allowance, seat selection, and priority check-in, is also available to passengers.
Guests can start planning their next holiday and book their tickets on www.SalamAir.com.