Oman Air is celebrating at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM), as it marks the first anniversary of the launch of its fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft. The airline is also marking the success of the first six months of its pioneering inflight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity package.
With a huge, brand new exhibition stand, featuring the airline’s extra-long, lie-flat Business Class seat and Omani racing driver Ahmad Al Harthy’s Oman Air-branded Porsche Carrera, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman is set to make a powerful impression at the world’s leading travel trade show.
Speaking at WTM, Peter Hill, CEO of Oman Air, said:
“We are delighted to be participating once again at WTM and to be further increasing awareness of our superb aircraft, expanding network and outstanding value. Working alongside our colleagues at Oman Tourism, we will also be promoting the Sultanate of Oman as a wonderful destination for both business and leisure travellers.
“Our new stand will be a great focus for agents and operators who want to find out more about how we can work together to offer the very best in air travel and build on the remarkable success of the last 12 months.”
Despite extremely challenging economic conditions, over the last year Oman Air has continued to increase the number of passengers carried, including a rise of over 200% on its daily direct Muscat to London route.
The rise in passenger numbers follows the launch in November 2009 of Oman Air’s new A330 fleet, which features sumptuous new First, Business and Economy Class cabins, the unveiling of 13 new routes, the introduction of the world’s first inflight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity package and a range of remarkable special deals to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Commenting on Oman Air’s inflight connectivity service, Peter Hill added:
“The use of mobile phones, smartphones, laptops and a range of other personal devices is, of course, commonplace on the ground and introducing full connectivity inflight means that business and leisure customers need no longer suspend their normal lives while they are travelling. We pioneered connectivity because we wanted to offer our customers innovatory inflight services that would increase convenience and complement the benchmark-setting comfort, space and luxury we offer onboard our aircraft. Usage has continued to increase and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
One such customer was Andrew Brown, a Frankfurt-based businessman who recently flew with Oman Air. He said:
“On my recent flight to Muscat, I was able to deal with emails as they came in and make and take calls whenever I needed to. I actually arrived at my destination more relaxed, because I knew there wasn’t the usual avalanche of things to deal with as soon as I got to the hotel.”
Peter Hill concludes:
“Our in-flight entertainment and connectivity are important elements of a wholesale transformation that has taken place at Oman Air over the last year. By focusing on quality, service, comfort, choice and innovation, we have created our own space within the market, as well as given other carriers a very serious run for their money. The last 12 months have been breath-taking and we are looking forward to the next 12 with a sense of genuine anticipation and excitement.”