Oman Air is the latest airline to become part of TRUEngine, qualifying all 33 CFM56-7B engines in its fleet for the program.

The TRUEngine designation serves as a method for identifying engines with CFM-approved content and facilitates product support of the engine system. Moreover, industry stakeholders can use the knowledge of engine content to evaluate engine value and re-marketability.

Oman Air, which was formed in 1993 as the designated carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, became a CFM customer in 2001, when it became the first airline in the Gulf region to order CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft

"Qualifying our CFM56 fleet in the TRUEngine program is a natural extension of our maintenance philosophy," said Wayne Pearce, chief executive officer of Oman Air. "We understand and appreciate the benefits we gain from working with a world-class manufacturer like CFM. By confirming engine content, TRUEngine streamlines the support process and ensures the applicability of CFM's extensive fleet knowledge."

Since the program was launched in 2008, CFM has continued to enhance the program to bring added customer value. One such enhancement includes the addition of cumulative lease days that qualify customers for complimentary annual spare engine support from the CFM lease pool in the event a TRUEngine qualified engine has an unscheduled removal.

"Oman Air has an exemplary reputation and exacting standards for its fleet," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. "They are a great addition to the TRUEngine family and will certainly reap the benefits of this program."

TRUEngine has continued to achieve broad-based industry acceptance. Currently, more than 7,000 CFM56 engines in service with nearly 75 operators worldwide have been qualified for the TRUEngine program.

The TRUEngine program is available for all CFM56 engines. To qualify, a customer submits a declared list of compliant engine serial numbers, along with engine maintenance records, to CFM for evaluation to ensure the engine content, overhaul practices, and repairs are consistent with CFM requirements for that engine model.

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced that it is this year's Official Carrier and Main Sponsor of the Salalah Tourism Festival. The Festival, which takes place between June 21st and July 18th, is a cultural extravaganza which celebrates the unique heritage of Oman's most southerly Governorate.

Wayne Pearce, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air, says: "We are delighted to be playing a leading role in supporting the Salalah Tourism Festival, which draws people from all over the world to join in celebrating the rich history, culture and traditions of this beautiful area of Oman. Moreover, the Festival coincides with the Khareef (monsoon season) which, whilst the rest of the Gulf is basking in intense summer heat, brings cooling rains, lush greenery and bright flowers to the area."

Over 1.8 million visitors are expected at the Salalah Tourism Festival, which is held in the town also known as 'Arabia's Perfume Capital'. A host of attractions, including dolphin shows, an international circus, concerts and Omani folk shows will showcase the finest entertainment that Oman has to offer. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Heritage Village, and a special Shopping Fair will run alongside the main Festival, offering a glimpse into Omani fashion, and displaying both traditional Omani and imported products.

As a special incentive, Oman Air Holidays has joined forces with a number of hotels in the area, in all price brackets, to offer a range of special promotions, including discounted rates, free iftar dinners and free extra nights' stay.

To assist the thousands of additional visitors to the area, Oman Air is also adding more flights to its current schedule of 82 flights per month from Muscat to Salalah. From June 13th-30th an extra 38 flights will be offered, and 148 extra flights per month will be operated from July to September.

Wayne Pearce adds: "Oman Air is honoured to have supported the Salalah Tourism Festival since its inception, and this is a reflection of our commitment to celebrating Oman's diversity, showcasing Salalah as a unique and authentic destination and developing greater levels of in-bound tourism.

"I invite everyone to visit www.omanair.com and make the most of our latest, great-value promotional packages, to come to Oman and experience our renowned hospitality, and to learn about what this wonderful country has to offer."

The Salalah Tourism Festival demonstrates the Governorate's commitment to becoming both a tourism and industrial hub, and an ambitious programme of regeneration of the area is currently underway.

Oman Air has been more successful over the first five months of 2012 than at any time in its history.

Between 1st January 2012 and 31st May 2012:

• Net passenger revenue grew by 28%, compared to a full-year increase of 28% in 2011.
• Passenger numbers grew by 19%, compared to a full-year increase of 16% in 2011.
• Cargo revenue increased by 47%, compared to a full-year increase of 28% in 2011.
• Cargo tonnage increased by 33%, compared to a full-year increase of13% in 2011.

Announcing the airline's findings, Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pearce, said:

"I am very pleased to say that Oman Air has generated greater revenues, carried more passengers and transported more cargo between January and May 2012 than at any equivalent time in the airline's history.

"These excellent figures build further on the year-on–year increases we have achieved over the last two years and confirm Oman Air's continued ascent as a world-class international airline.

"Our staff, in every department and throughout our 41-destination network, have worked extremely hard to improve efficiency and to raise awareness amongst customers both of Oman Air as the carrier of choice and of Oman as the ideal destination for business and leisure travellers. I would like to thank each of them for their commitment and I look forward to working together to deliver even greater success over the coming months and years."

The scene for continued growth has already been set with the announcement of a new service, from 1st September 2012, between Muscat and Tehran and the anticipated delivery of two new Embraer E175 regional jets in Q3 and Q4 of this year. In addition, six new Boeing 737s are on order, with two being delivered in 2014 and four in 2015.Six new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will also be delivered from 2015.

Oman Air's success has not, however, relied solely on expansion. The airline's commitment to quality in every aspect of its operations and genuine value for passengers has resulted in significant customer loyalty. Competitive pricing and regular special offers, both online and in partnership with travel industry partners, have attracted many new customers, whilst e-booking and web check-in – which also allows passengers to choose their preferred seat, book their choice of meals and check in their luggage up to eight hours before departure – build on Oman Air's reputation for easy connections, reliable performance and high-quality service.

Oman Air's reputation has been further enhanced with the receipt of a range of international awards and accolades. Last year, the independent airline quality experts Skytrax named Oman Air as an Official 4-Star Airline just weeks before the World Airline Awards presented the carrier with the 'Best Business Class Seat in the World' and 'Service Excellence, Middle East' awards. Last month, Oman Air was named 'Best Business Class Airline, Middle East' at the Business Destinations Awards, bring to 24 the total number of awards received over the last two years.

The Oman Air Training Centre has been awarded a much-coveted place in IATA's Middle East 2012 Top Ten Authorized Training Centre listing for the second continuous year. This confirms the high standards of Oman Air's training and staff development which not only caters to the needs of the staff, but also attracts people from other organisations to utilize the resources provided at the Oman Air Training Centre.

The centre runs a range of courses for which accreditation has been granted by the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, IATA, Swiss Air and Lufthansa.

IATA, the International Air Transport Association, bestowed the top-ten placing in recognition of an outstanding contribution by the ATC (Authorized Training Centre) in developing human capital for tomorrow's air transport industry.

Abdulaziz Alraisi, Chief Officer Management Affairs, Oman Air, said: "IATA accreditation is a major milestone for us and IATA's subsequent recognition of the quality of our training is a credit to all our trainers and to all employees who have used what they learned in their jobs with best results. As Oman Air has evolved from a regional airline to an international luxury carrier, we have invested significantly to ensure that the Oman Air Training Centre delivers the highest possible quality and meets our strategic aims, as well as those of our commercial clients and individual trainees."

Wayne Pearce Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer said: "We are delighted that Oman Air has been recognised by IATA for the second consecutive year, which confirms the high standards of our training and staff development. We look forward to consolidating our role as a global leader in aviation training and to promoting business excellence, not just within Oman but in the entire region."

In conclusion Wayne Pearce said: "We work in close coordination and partnership with the national directives of the country set through the Ministry of Manpower and various other government bodies. Our commitment is to continue achieving an all-round development that reaches far and wide and in all the aspects of aviation, tourism and hospitality industries."

The Oman Football Association is pleased to announce that Oman Air is coming on board as the Key Partner for the Oman national team, and as the official carrier of the Oman Football Association.

With Fridays' 2014 FIFA World CupTM qualifier against Australia just a few short days away, this new partnership is sure to be greeted with enthusiasm, as further signs of the whole country getting behind the campaign to qualify for the World Cup finals.

The new Muscat-Tehran route will be operated using Oman Air's new Embraer 175 regional jets, which offer superb levels of comfort in both Business and Economy Classes. The airline took delivery of two of these much-acclaimed aircraft in 2011 and two more will enter service later this year.

Nic Cartwright, OFA's Commercial Director noted, "Our focus at the OFA is on working with Omani companies. We represent the country and we want to do with pride and with fellow Omani partners. Oman Air were our top target for the national team as we believe there are great synergies for us both to help each other and the Sultanate. We are very happy to have them on board and we look forward to going on our 2014 FIFA World CupTM journey with them."

Oman Air is the Sultanate's designated national carrier and the airline has continued to witness rapid growth over the last few years. This has seen significant increases in the size of the airline's fleet, major expansion of its network to include more than 40 destinations and the introduction of a range of new products and services. Oman Air will be working with the national football team on their 2014 FIFA World CupTM journey and both parties are looking forward to be working together.

Wayne Pearce, Oman Air's CEO commented, "We at Oman Air are proud to be the main Key Partner and official carrier for the Oman Football Association and the national team via our sponsorship agreement being concluded today. We recognise the great strides the team has accomplished in recent years. The next 12 months will be an exciting time to be involved with the team and their numerous planned activities. Having gone through an ambitious expansion plan ourselves, we are proud to be a major sponsor of the Oman national team and the main partner of Oman Football Association."

The OFA's Chairman, Sayyid Khalid, was grateful to the support being provided by Oman Air, "We are honored to launch this new partnership with Oman Air and we would be proud to show their emblem on the national team jersey. It is always refreshing to get such strong support from local Omani companies who are keen to get behind the national team and support them through their 2014 FIFA World CupTM journey."

The first game for Oman Air's sponsorship of the national team will be against Australia this Friday, June 8, at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex with a 17:00 scheduled kick off.

After the successful launch of the OFA's Sharik card – which provides each card holder with free access to every home game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ together with all the friendlies taking place in Muscat general tickets are now on sale for the June 8 match priced at just 2 OMR per ticket .The tickets and Sharik cards are available from OFA's marketing partners so log on to www.ofa.om/worldcup/en for more information.

Oman Air will launch a new daily service between Muscat and the Iranian capital Tehran from 1st September 2012.

Flights will depart Muscat for Tehran at 0200 (3 days per week) and 0930 (4 days per week) and return from Tehran at 0610 (3 days per week) and 1240 (4 days per week) all times local, offering good connections to onward destinations within Oman Air's network. Tickets can be booked immediately through www.omanair.com or local travel agents.

The new Muscat-Tehran route will be operated using Oman Air's new Embraer 175 regional jets, which offer superb levels of comfort in both Business and Economy Classes. The airline took delivery of two of these much-acclaimed aircraft in 2011 and two more will enter service later this year.

Announcing the new service, Wayne Pearce, Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are extremely pleased to be launching our new service between Muscat and Tehran and to be offering customers the opportunity to travel aboard our outstanding Embraer 175 regional jets. Tehran offers visitors the opportunity to gain insights into not only Iran's unique culture, but also its rich and ancient history. Furthermore, Tehran is a major business hub and we anticipate strong demand from both business and leisure passengers.

In addition to giving travellers from Oman and beyond the opportunity to visit Iran, Oman Air's new service will offer Iranian visitors the chance to fly non-stop to Muscat and to experience the hospitality, rich culture and unique landscapes of the Sultanate.

The addition of the new service to Tehran continues the rapid growth of Oman Air over the last 30 months. This has seen significant increases in the size of the airline's fleet, major expansion of its network to include more than 40 destinations and the introduction of a range of new products and services, including the pioneering of complete cellphone and wi-fi connectivity aboard Oman Air's Airbus A330 aircraft. Over the same period, revenues and passenger numbers have increased dramatically, with customers showing their approval of the airline's combination of quality and value by not only booking further flights, but also voting for Oman Air in a series of awards. As a result, Oman Air was presented with the 'Service Excellence, Middle East' and 'Best Business Class Seat in the World' prizes at the World Airline Awards 2011, which are organized by Skytrax, as well as the 2012 Business Destinations Travel Award for 'Best Business Class Airline, Middle East'.

Captain Manin bin Khalifa bin Said Al-SaidOman Air has appointed Janab Al Sayyid Captain Manin bin Khalifa bin Said Al-Said to the new position of General Manager, Quality and Safety. The role, which includes responsibility for Emergency Response Planning, was previously included within the duties of Oman Air's Chief Officer, Flight Operations.

Welcoming Captain Al-Said to Oman Air, the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pearce, said:

"I am extremely pleased that we have been able to appoint Captain Manin to the role of General Manager, Quality and Safety and everyone at Oman Air offers him a warm welcome. He brings with him a wealth of experience gained over many years within the aviation industry and the position he is now taking up is vital to Oman Air's continuing success.

"The safety of our customers is the over-riding concern of Oman Air and Captain Manin's undoubted and proven expertise in this area will serve us well. Furthermore, Oman Air's considerable international reputation has been built on, amongst a range of factors, the high quality of our products and services. We look forward to working with Captain Manin to reaffirm our commitment to quality and to deliver the best possible passenger experience for all our customers."

Janab Al Sayyid Captain Manin bin Khalifa bin Said Al-Said responded:

"I am delighted to be joining Oman Air and to be bringing the experience I have gained over 35 years in aviation to the benefit of Oman's national carrier. I very much look forward to working with the team in Muscat and across Oman Air's network of more than 40 destinations to deliver the highest standards of quality and safety within all areas of the airline's operations."

Captain Al-Said began his career in aviation in 1970 and was commissioned into the Sultan of Oman's Air Force in 1974. He joined Gulf Air in 1979, initially as a pilot, and subsequently rose to the position of Head of Flight Safety and Quality Assurance. His most recent role prior to joining Oman Air included being an IOSA Qualified Auditor/Consultant with Aviation Quality Services in Frankfurt, carrying out IOSA and company audits on a range of airlines. Furthermore, Captain Al-Said was the co-founder and first Chairman, from 2005 to 2007, of the Gulf Flight Safety Committee, which now has more than 100 aviation industry, corporate and airline members.

Captain Al-Said joins Oman Air following the airline's emergence over the last 30 months as an international airline with a deserved reputation for comfort, luxury and value. Oman Air was assessed in 2011 as an Official 4-Star Airline and was awarded Best Business Class Seat in the World by SKYTRAX at the 2011 World Airline Awards. In the same year, Oman Air was named Airline of the Year at France's Lauriers d'Or du Voyage d'Affaires and, more recently, Best Business Class Airline, Middle East, at the Business Destinations Awards. The acclaim has recognised the growth of Oman Air's fleet, including the introduction of luxurious Airbus A330 and Embraer 175 aircraft, the expansion of the airline's network to include exciting destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa, and the unveiling of an array of new products and innovations, including the pioneering of inflight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity.

Captain Ali Hassan Sulaiman has been appointed Acting Chief Officer Flight Operations for Oman Air, following the decision by Captain Patrick Rotsaert, Chief Officer Flight Operations, to retire from the company.

Captain Sulaiman, an Omani national, brings more than 30 years of professional experience in civil aviation to his new role. He began his career as a student pilot at 1981 and is experienced in flying a range of aircraft, including the TriStar, Boeing 737 and 767, and Airbus A320, A330 and A340.

In 2008, he held the position of Senior Manager Training and Standards, where his extensive acumen and commitment helped to enhance effectiveness and outcomes, and in 2009, he piloted Oman Air's first Airbus A330 from the factory in Toulouse, France, to Muscat International Airport. His most recent role has been Deputy Chief Officer Flight Operations.

Captain Sulaiman commented: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this position, Flight Operations being central to Oman Air's dynamic growth. I trust the extensive expertise that I have gathered over the last three decades will prove very useful and I very much look forward to play my role in ensuring that Oman Air passengers enjoy an outstanding flying experience. Oman Air is a great success story and it is an honour to have been chosen to be taking part in helping the airline to sustain that success."

On the appointment of Captain Ali Hassan Sulaiman, Wayne Pearce, Chief Executive Officer commented: "I am truly delighted with the appointment of Captain Ali. I am positive he will make an invaluable contribution to the achievements of Oman Air.

"As part of the development of our airline, we are fully committed to continue raising the bar and recognizing local talent, and filling key positions with highly competent senior managers whose proven track record constitutes a solid basis for the future of our company."

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has been awarded 'Best Business Class Airline, Middle East' in the prestigious Business Destinations Travel Awards 2012.

The Business Destinations Travel Awards are voted for by readers of Business Destinations magazine, which is published in the UK every other month. The magazine has a worldwide readership of more than 100,000 and is distributed in premium aircraft cabins and airport lounges, to travel professionals and is sold through retail outlets.

Wayne Pearce, Oman Air's CEO, says:
"We are delighted that Oman Air has been named as 'Best Business Class Airline, Middle East' in the Business Destinations Travel Awards. This follows on from last year's win by Oman Air of the 'Best Luxury Airline, Middle East' category, so we are extremely pleased that the quality of our premium service has been recognised for the second year running. My thanks go to Business Destinations' readers and to all our staff, throughout Oman Air, who have played a vital role in transforming the airline into the luxury carrier it is today, and ensuring the success of our outstanding and internationally-recognised business class offering."

The award follows the introduction over the last two years of a brand new fleet of Airbus A330s to the airline's long haul routes, the launch from March 2011 of Embraer 175s on short haul routes, the pioneering of onboard mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity and the unveiling of superb new business class and first class lounges at Muscat International Airport. A state-of-the-art new Business Class lounge was also opened in Bangkok.

Oman Air's Business Class provides a luxurious travel experience for every passenger, rivalling many other airlines' first class offering. With seats in a 1-2-1 configuration which offers every passenger direct aisle access, they convert to an 82-inch long, fully lie-flat bed at the touch of a button. Each seat also has a 17-inch video screen offering the latest in-flight entertainment packages with a great selection of movies, music, games and live satellite TV, as well as USB ports and iPod sockets which allow passengers to personalise their entertainment choices. Award-winning amenity kits, extensive wine lists and delicious a la carte menus, served by highly-trained crew attired in Balenciaga-designed uniforms, add that extra touch of refinement.

Web check-in, generous luggage allowances, first and business class limousine services, fast-track departures and some of the finest lounges in the world ensure that the Oman Air experience reaches the same heights on the ground as in the air.

experience reaches the same heights on the ground as in the air. Oman Air Business ClassOver the last two years, Oman Air has won an average of one international award per month, including: 'Best Airline in the World' at France's leading travel show IFTM Top Resa in September 2011; 'Best Business Class Airline Seat in the World' and 'Service Excellence, Middle East' at the World Airline Awards 2011; 'Most Promising Newcomer' at Malaysia's KLIA Awards 2011 and 'Best In-flight Connectivity and Communications' at the APEX Passenger Choice Awards 2011. In addition, in April 2011, Oman Air was ranked Official 4 Star Airline in Skytrax Airline Quality Audit.

Wayne Pearce concludes:

"Oman Air's aim is to continue to ensure an outstanding travel experience for all our passengers and, as this award again confirms, our Business Class cabins offer the ultimate in comfort, space and service. Whatever your destination, Oman Air's competitive rates ensure that Business Class style and luxury are surprisingly affordable."

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced its backing for Oman Wild Art, a unique initiative aiming at showcasing Omani creative talent to an international audience.

Held between 5th and 10th May and launched at the Cultural Club in Qurum, Muscat, Oman Wild Art is a juried exhibition, organized in association with the Omani Society for Fine Arts, which will provide the opportunity for the Sultanate's painters of natural history subjects to display their work and have it assessed by internationally-recognised judges.

Winning artists will then have their work exhibited throughout July at the Nature in Art Museum in Gloucester, England.

Oman Air's support for the initiative takes the form of sponsorship and continues the airline's strategy of promoting Omani creativity and supporting local artists to achieve their full potential.

Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pearce, commented:

"We are very pleased to be providing support for Oman Wild Art, which will bring Omani creativity and achievement to a wide international audience. Our involvement has two goals: building on our commitment to Omani talent, and strengthening links between the Sultanate and one of the key destinations within Oman Air's growing network: the United Kingdom. I look forward to viewing what promises to be a superb exhibition at the Cultural Club in Qurum."

Oman Wild Art is expected to be one of the most highly-anticipated events in the international natural history and art world calendars, with publicity being provided in Gulf Region newspapers and magazines and on TV, as well as on international museum websites and mailing lists. Additionally, exhibited artworks will be featured in the top US publication, Wildlife Art Journal.

Judges of Oman Wild Art include: Maryam Al-Zadjali, artist and Director of the Omani Society for Fine Arts; Dr Mehdi Ahmed Jaaffar, Vice President of the Environmental Society of Oman; Simon Trapnell, Director of the Nature in Art Museum, UK; Todd Wilkinson, Managing Editor of the Wildlife Art Journal and environmental journalist, USA; Julie Askew, international wildlife and landscape artist.