Oman Air expands long-haul fleet
Oman Air has placed a firm order with Airbus for three new A330-300 aircraft, as it seeks to expand its long-haul operations.
The Muscat-based national carrier currently operates seven A330s – four smaller A330-200s, seating 216 passengers, and three larger A330-300s offering 230 seats. The new A330-300s are likely to be configured in a similar cabin layout to the existing aircraft, with six flat-bed seats in first class, 20 in business class and 204 seats in economy. All Oman Air’s A330s come equipped with personal in-flight entertainment systems, USB ports and power sockets.
“The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330’s already make the pillar of Oman Air’s long-haul operations,” said the airline’s CEO, Wayne Pearce. “This additional order will allow us to continue our strategy of growth with an aircraft we know to be both reliable and profitable, and in addition offering the highest levels of passenger comfort.”
In addition to the three A330-330s, Oman Air has outstanding orders for six Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are expected to be delivered in 2015. The delivery of all nine new long-haul aircraft would enable the carrier to significantly expand its flight network in Europe, where it currently flies to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Milan and Munich, and in the Far East, where it currently serves Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Manila.
The value of the latest Airbus deal is around US$667.5 million, at current list prices.