AVIATION SECTOR

Ripe for investments COMPETITIVE: Flying taxis expected to bring great benefits to private sector

With the announcement of first flying taxis connecting all major cities and governorates in the country, Oman’s aviation sector is “ripe for local as well as foreign investments”, according to the promoters.

The taxi service was initiated by Salalah Air, the country’s first private airline. It will soon start domestic charter operations and add other regional and wider operations in due course.

The airline has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for the purchase of two aircraft for the purpose.

The two aircraft are a Phenom 300 and a Legacy 450.

“The flying taxi service is competitive and creates a lot of opportunities for investment. It will bring great benefits to the private sector in line with an in-depth and well-planned vision,” Shaikh Ali bin Masoud Keshob, member of the board of directors of Salalah Airlines Company, said.

“The new service will focus on the movement of businessmen between various industrial areas and tourist resorts,” he said, adding: “The future is bright for Oman’s private aviation sector.”

“Aviation is one of the complex areas that need a lot of discipline, organisation and accuracy and this is what we are keen on since the establishment of the company,” said Keshob.

Salalah Air also signed an MoU a few months ago with Canadian company Viking Air Ltd for the purchase of two mixed-use aircraft with a maximum passenger capacity of 19.

Oman’s first budget airline, SalamAir was launched last year with operations to Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Earlier, Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS) signed an agreement with Oman Air for the development and construction of a Crew Reporting Building at Muscat International Airport at a cost of RO 7.6 million.