Oman Air Boosts Economic Development with Launch of New Muscat - Jaaluni Charter Service
Date: 20 Nov 2012
- The sector will shorten distances, save time, effort and money, as well as accelerate the pace of development of both Duqm and Al Wusta Governorate alike.
- Oman Air will operate 3 flights weekly between Muscat and Jaaluni.
- The Royal directives to link infrastructure and social development are evidently carried out through such steps.
The inauguration of Oman Air’s direct flight between Muscat and Jaaluni airport at Al Wusta Governorate located on the southern coast of Oman, took place on Monday 19 November 2012, on the sidelines of 42nd National Day celebrations will have H.E. Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of the Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm as the chief guest.
H.E. Yahya bin Said Al Jabri was accompanied by a high-level delegation of high-ranking dignitaries from various ministries and government offices in Oman, senior officials of Oman Air, OAMC and representatives of various media outlets within Oman. The flight was preceded by a cake-cutting ceremony at Muscat International Airport.
On the announcement of the launch of this direct air route, H.E. Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm said: “The launch of this direct air route between Muscat International Airport and Jaaluni is the result of the continuous cooperation and coordination between the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm, Oman Air and various state agencies working for the development of Duqm. Certainly, this air route will link Al Wusta Governorate with the rest of the Sultanate, and will furthermore assist citizens, businessmen and investors to save up to five hours of travel time, as currently the only route to reach Jaaluni from Muscat is by road and takes about 6 hours, while the flight between Muscat and Jaaluni takes approximately one hour thirty minutes. Also, the current frequency of 3 flights a week to Jaaluni airport is adequate for the time being.”
H.E. Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, added saying: “The integration process between infrastructure and social development, as directed by His Majesty, is evident in such steps and projects, as shipping lines and domestic flights usually shorten the length of time between destinations, and hence save time, money and other resources.”
“We consider the operation of this sector between Muscat and Jaaluni as adding to the series of successful undertaken initiatives that are aimed at promoting and developing the infrastructure in the region. This will be followed by similar steps that will accelerate the completion of the infrastructural development of the Special Economic Zone of Duqm, as well as the rest of the wilayats of Al Wusta Governorate, not to mention the indirect impact of these initiatives on the various sectors of tourism, investment and industry, beside the direct positive effect on the lives of citizens of the Al Wusta Governorate, as well as individuals, whose work and interests are associated with the governorate.
Announcing the new service, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pearce, said: “We are pleased to be launching a new charter service between Muscat and Jaaluni from 19th November. This will provide an important boost for the economic development of the city, which is currently undergoing a major transformation.
“In addition to providing a much-needed air transport link with Muscat, the new service underlines Oman Air’s commitment to supporting economic growth and increased prosperity throughout the Sultanate.
“This is also a vital step in the expansion of Oman Air’s domestic routes, enabled by the creation of new airports.”
The new charter service is being launched following an agreement between Oman Air and DSEZA and will help to boost investment in this key industrial centre. With a land area of 1771 km2 and 80 km of coastline along the Arabian Sea connected to the Indian Ocean, the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZAD) offers an attractive package of investment incentives and tax cuts that aim at enhancing the business environment for the private sector and improve its competitive standing. (SEZAD), a financially and administratively independent government entity plans, designs, and implements long-term strategy for infrastructural development.
A number of projects have been completed including the dry dock, a new world-class port which is almost complete, as well as various tourism projects including construction of hotels and other tourism ventures. Also, construction works of Duqm airport, internal road network, electricity and water projects are underway. The master plan of the area includes zones for light and medium industries, petrochemical complex, oil refinery and fishing port and residential and commercial facilities.
