Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate, officially launched its new destination Tehran, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which commenced operation early last month. An official ceremony was held at Esteghlal Hotel in Tehran under the patronage of HE Dr. Salim bin Nasser al-Ismaili, Chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) in the presence of HE Hamid Reza Pahlavani, Chief of Civil Aviation and Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban, Sheikh Yahya bin Abdullah al-Araimi, the Sultanate's ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran. HE Dr. Al-Ismaili said that the Sultanate and Iran are linked with historic relations, describing the Omani-Iranian relations as "Strong and growing rapidly”. He wished that these relations would flourish during the upcoming period to cover all economic, cultural and social fields, as well as other areas of the common concern, pointing out to the ancient history of the Sultanate and Iran as the Sultanate is mentioned in a number of historic books and linked with many human civilizations, particularly the Phoenician civilization.

In his speech during the launching ceremony, PAIPED Chairman expressed his hope that Oman Air will play pivotal role in promoting the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and increasing the communication between the people of these nations, as well as facilitating a greater business development.

He explained that Oman Air is witnessing a balanced growth as its fleet comprises modern aircrafts and provides best services, pointing out that Oman Air has been launching new destinations as Tehran is its 42nd destination. On his turn, Hamid Reza Pahlavani, Chief of Civil Aviation and Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban hailed the good feelings the people of Oman have for the Iranian counterparts, explaining that the Iranian strategy is based on enhancing its relations in the region, and pointing out that the bilateral air transportation agreement between the Sultanate and Iran was signed 11 years ago. He stressed the importance of improving the level of exchange between the two friendly countries in all spheres including the air transportation services, pointing out that Muscat-Tehran-Muscat route will enhance the relations and open new horizons between the two countries.

The launching ceremony was attended by a delegation of Oman Air officials headed by Abdul Razzaq bin Juma al-Raisi, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air, in addition to representatives of travel, tourism and medical sectors and trade partners. Abdul Razzaq bin Juma al-Raisi, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air explained that launching the Muscat-Tehran-Muscat route will enable Oman Air to continue disseminating the Omani traditions and hospitality as it will also contribute in expanding aspects of cooperation, furthermore promoting the economy in the two friendly countries. During the press conference which was held at Esteghlal Hotel, he expressed his hope that the new route will activate the trade movement between the Sultanate and Iran, besides other channels that ensure the continuity of achieving joint interests for the two sides. Al-Raisi also reiterated that Oman Air will continue playing its pivotal role in making Muscat a major centre for air traffic in the Middle East and supporting all tourist and business activities.

He explained that Oman Air will continue exerting efforts to open new destinations and expanding its current airlines network. On his turn, Mohammed Baqir, Agent of Oman Air in the Islamic Republic of Iran said that the deeprooted historical Omani-Iranian relations are now growing rapidly. He commended the step taken by Oman Air to launch a direct route between Muscat and Tehran that will reflect positively on the economy, trade and tourism activities in the two countries. On the sidelines of the press conference, a documentary on the Sultanate's tourism and economic potentials was screened, in addition to a promotional film about Oman Air’s products and services. Oman Air operates Muscat-Tehran-Muscat daily flights by using Embraer 175 jets, which offer superb levels of comfort in the 11 Business class seats as well as the 60 Economy Class seats.