Oman Air has been named Best Luxury Airline, Middle East 2011 in the prestigious Business Destinations Travel Awards. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman triumphed despite stiff competition from some of the biggest names in the industry.
The award recognises the highest standards of comfort, space, services and hospitality that Oman Air offers both in the air and on the ground, together with its expanding network of exciting, high quality destinations.
Peter Hill, Chief Executive of Oman Air, commented on the airline's achievement, saying:
"We are extremely proud that Oman Air has been named as Best Luxury Airline, Middle East in the Business Destinations Awards. This award confirms the outstanding quality of our services and is testament to the extraordinary commitment of our staff, throughout Oman Air, who have played a vital role in transforming the airline into the luxury carrier it is today.
"Our new aircraft, spacious and comfortable cabins, pioneering technology and world-class hospitality deliver a superb passenger experience and I am delighted that we have been able to return a real sense of pleasure to air travel."
The award follows the introduction of a brand new fleet of Airbus A330s to the airline's long haul routes and Embraer 175s to short haul routes, the pioneering launch of onboard mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity and the unveiling of superb new business class and first class lounges at Muscat International Airport.
Furthermore, Oman Air has launched new onboard products, including economy class seats with adjustable head and leg rests, 10.4-inch individual video screen and extra leg room; wide business class seats that offer every passenger direct aisle access, a 17-inch video screen and which convert to 82-inch long, fully lie-flat beds; first class mini-suites that offer extraordinary levels of comfort, space and privacy, a 23-inch video screen and which convert to 87-inch long full lie-flat beds. The latest in-flight entertainment package is available in every class and offers a great selection of movies, music, games and live satellite TV, as well as USB ports and iPod sockets, allowing passengers to personalise their entertainment choices. Award-winning amenity kits, award-winning 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 before and after flying reaches the same heights on the ground as in the air.
The Business Destinations Best Luxury Airline, Middle East 2011 award comes just a month after Oman Air was awarded Official 4-Star Airline status by Skytrax, who also named the airline's Business Class seat as one of the best three in the world.
The Business Destinations 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.
