Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has on the 1st of September launched a brand new service between the Omani capital of Muscat and Tehran, the ancient capital city of Iran. In celebration of the inaugural flight, every passenger was presented with a rose and the aircraft was greeted by Oman's ambassador to Iran, Iran`s ambassador to Oman and a number of other dignitaries. A traditional cake-cutting ceremony was then held at the Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran. The Omani delegation was received at the airport by a team consisting of HE Captain Hamid Reza Pahlevani, Deputy Minister of Roads and Housing and Head of Civil Aviation, Iran, Mr Morteza Dehghan IKA, Director General of Airport, and other high-ranking officials.

Utilising Oman Air's latest Embraer E175 regional jets, which offer outstanding levels of space, comfort and amenity, the new service confirms and strengthens the historic links between Oman and Iran. Not only does it offer Omani and Iranian citizens the opportunity to discover the attractions of each other's countries, but passengers from further afield can now fly to Tehran whilst experiencing Oman Air's legendary hospitality. Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pearce, commented on the launch, saying: "We are delighted to have welcomed passengers to today's inaugural flights of Oman Air's new daily service between Muscat and Tehran. This new route, the 42nd within our ever-growing network, links two of the world's great cities and offers travellers between the two capitals the opportunity to experience Oman Air's unique passenger experience and to discover why Oman Air has attracted so many international awards.

"We are grateful that His Excellency the Omani Ambassador to Iran and His Excellency the Iranian Ambassador to Oman were able to join us in celebrating the launch of this new service and we look forward to it soon becoming one of Oman Air's most successful routes." The launch follows Oman Air's remarkable success at this summer's World Airline Award, where it not only won "World's Best Business Class Airline Seat", but also achieved top-ten positions in eight other categories, including "Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East". The new service will enable passengers to experience that service aboard Oman Air's brand new Embraer aircraft, which offer 11 business class and 60 economy class seats, each with personal seat-back inflight entertainment monitors which offer access to the latest range of music, movies, TV shows, games and information. Attentive hospitality and delicious inflight dining ensures that every passenger enjoys the very best of 21st Century air travel, whilst additional convenience is offered through web booking, online check-in and, for business class customers, a complimentary door-to-door limousine service. Business class customers can also make the most of Oman Air's superb new premium lounge at Muscat International Airport.