Oman Air was recently announced as the Official Airline Partner to the Extreme Sailing Series as part of the Sultanate's national carrier's plans to expand its network into China and across the world. This major agreement with series organisers OC Sports was unveiled on the opening day of Act 3 of the Extreme Sailing Series in Qingdao, China, where Oman Sail's high performance Extreme 40 sponsored by Oman Air, skippered by Britain's Stevie Morrison and featuring Omani sailor Ali Al Balushi, UK sailors Ed Powys, Nic Asher and Ted Hackney from Australia, was preparing for four days of hard and fast racing.
China represents Oman Air's 49th destination, explained Mr Abdulrahman Al Busaidy, Chief Operating Officer and the partnership represents an important platform for further growth.
"We are excited to announce Oman Air as the Official Airline Partner of the Extreme Sailing Series. It is especially significant to make the announcement in China, which will become our 49th destination as we continue to invest in our fleet and expand our network.
"The sport of sailing provides an exciting platform to gain global exposure, share the Sultanate's unique heritage and hospitality with the world and promote our award-winning services.
"As the Sultanate's national carrier we have an opportunity to unite the seafaring past with its future as a high-end tourist destination and promote the Sultanate of Oman to new audiences. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with the Extreme Sailing Series, both on and off the water."
Oman Air is playing a major role in increasing the number of travellers to the Sultanate of Oman and providing a thriving gateway for business and tourism. The airline's commitment to quality, comfort and a seamless passenger experience has resulted in international acclaim, including Best Business Class Seat in the World for the second year running.
Andy Tourell, Extreme Sailing Series Event Director, welcomed Oman Air on board and said it was an honour for their world-class sailing event to be associated with a world-class airline.
"The importance of securing a new partner is testament to the commercial value the Series can offer as the only annual global circuit in sailing.
"For the Extreme Sailing Series it is an exciting step to bring Oman Air onboard as partner and highlights the huge value Oman Air received with the team and reinforces that commitment to the Series.
"Oman Air is a luxury global brand and joining the Extreme Sailing Series as a partner complements and strengthens the position of the other Series partners as global brands."
The first day of Extreme racing in Qingdao, which was home to the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, had to be cancelled when thick fog enveloped the race track on Fusan Bay reducing visibility to less than 5m and rendering racing unsafe.
