Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, is proud to be taking part at Expo 2012 Yeosu in Korea, which runs from May to August 2012. Expo 2012 Yeosu is a world fair with a focus on the importance of balancing the preservation of ocean and coastal areas with economic development.

Senior Oman Air representatives attended the opening of the Expo, joined by 20 Omani students, drawn from a range of higher educational institutions, to meet and greet guests at the Oman Pavilion, an area dedicated to showcasing the Sultanate's culture and environment.

Wayne Pearce, Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Oman Air's participation at Expo 2012 Yeosu highlights our commitment to promoting Oman as a wonderful tourist destination at every level. Its excellent hotels, rich culture and superb hospitality, coupled with awe-inspiring landscapes, untouched coastline and year-round sun make it the perfect choice for visitors from around the world. Flying with Oman Air is the ideal way to get there.

Khalid bin Abdul Wahab Al Balushi, Manager Government Affairs, Oman Air added:

"The Omani students who joined us at the opening of Expo 2012 Yeosu were excellent ambassadors for Oman and played a considerable role in successfully planning and supervising a range of related activities. Their presence was welcomed by all and their reflection of Omani culture and historical heritage gained the appreciation and admiration of visitors from around the world."

Oman Air's senior staff and the 20 students were based at the Oman Pavilion, which is located within a dedicated 786 square meter area and showcases Oman's famous rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Divided into six sections, it features a reception area, displays outlining the challenges to Oman's marine environment, and displays about Oman's marine history and culture.

A separate area is dedicated to highlighting the investment and development potential of Oman's coastal areas, with a focus on maritime activities, nautical sports and ports, as well as offering insights into the Sultanate's work to conserve its maritime environment.

Participation at Expo 2012 Yeosu comes at an exciting time for the airline which, over the last few years, has seen significant increases in the size of the airline's fleet, major expansion of its network to include more than 40 destinations and the introduction of a range of new products and services, including the pioneering of complete cellphone and wi-fi connectivity aboard Oman Air's Airbus A330 aircraft. As a result, the airline is carrying many more passengers than ever before, supporting the unprecedented growth in the numbers of visitors to Oman. Over the same period, customers have shown their approval of the airline's combination of quality and value by not only booking further flights, but also voting for Oman Air in a series of awards. As a result, Oman Air was presented with the 'Service Excellence, Middle East' and 'Best Business Class Seat in the World' prizes at the World Airline Awards 2011, which are organized by Skytrax, as well as the 2012 Business Destinations Travel Award for 'Best Business Class Airline, Middle East'.