Oman Air, The Sultanate of Oman flagship carrier based in Muscat, have signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire six (6) Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft from ALAFCO Aviation Lease And Finance Company headquartered in Kuwait. Oman Air would be the first airline in the Gulf region to undergo such move to obtain the Dreamliner aircrafts, which are expected to be delivered to the carrier in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Oman Air said the 787 would upgrade its existing fleet, as well as provide for fleet growth to meet its future aggressive expanding plans.
Corporate Communications and Media Department of Oman Air explained that the B787 is a family of airplanes carrying 200 to 300 passengers on routes between 6,500 to 16,000 kilometers. The 787 will provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane. It will also travel at speeds similar to today's fastest wide bodies. The 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings, with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity.
Ziad Bin Karim Al Haremi Chief Executive Officer of Oman Aviation Services (Oman Air) said, “Today marks a milestone in Oman Air’s proud history, and will move about the company closer to the realization of our ambitious growth plan. Looking to our plans for future growth, we see the greater economics and unique passenger comfort features of the 787, bringing even superior recognition to Oman Air as we fulfill our commitment to provide world-class service to our passengers. He said The 787 is an excellent match for many of our necessities for its efficiency, operational performance, and passenger comfort. It is evidently a phenomenon of an all-new, technologically advanced and environmentally progressive airplane. The 787 will certainly open for us new market opportunities, hence with its new technology, B787 Dreamliner will enable Oman Air to expand its route network, provide excellent operating efficiencies, and cost savings. Boeing's 787 uses modern technology in ways that our customers regionally and internationally can feel serve. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space, and improved lighting. With a modern, mixed fleet of Boeing jets, the airline will serve its customers well and enhance its capability for growth and success.” He said.
Mr. Al Haremi stated that the strategic decision to get hold of Boeing's revolutionary twin-aisle jet positions the airline to achieve its plans for continued growth and increased profitability. By expanding our fleet with long-haul twin-aisle airplanes, we will offer our customers many more choices for far-away destinations. We are eager to enter this new chapter in our proud history. This move demonstrates our commitment and a purposeful strategy to establish first-rate commercial aviation service in Oman. This shift will be a tool for prosperity and will help Oman Air offer an all-new passenger experience to its customers, moreover will enhance our capability for growth and success that contributes directly to Oman’s economic development. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for entry into service in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience, and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. ” said Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer.
He further added that the super-efficient 787 Dreamliner with its new passenger-pleasing features fits perfectly into our fleet strategy, and offers Oman Air the opportunity to reach out across the globe. Passengers will enjoy an innovative new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats, and aisles, and larger windows, greatly improving the overall flying experience where people to experience the wide-open spaces and friendly charm found here in Oman. These new aircraft are important to Oman Air’s growth plans over the next decade. Today, we continue the program that is setting the airline's course of the future. The 787 will allow airlines to offer more of the comfortable point-to-point travel that passengers want, he finally concluded
