Oman Air gets ready for 2018

Oman’s national airline is not looking at expansion but a sustainable growth with focus on the corporate segment, the religious and tour packages.

TT BUREAU

The year 2017 has been a challenging year for Oman Air with lots of variables such as increased capacity in the market and lower demands. Ihab A. Sorial, Senior Vice President-International Sales, Oman Air, says, “The growth was small but nimble so we have to accordingly change as per the market situation. We managed to enhance our capacity well and harness our focus on premium segmentation and diversification of business. This helped us a lot in maximising the revenues.”

Oman Air has seen a growth of 20 per cent in terms of capacity and it outgrew this in terms of revenue as well without compromising on the yields. These figures are for international sales that comprises the Indian subcontinent, Europe and the Far East.

“The corporate sector has been our major source of business which has given us higher yields than any other segment. Religious packages are also important for us”

Talking about the new year, Sorial says, “We are getting ready for 2018 and have planned a few initiatives to make sure we are competing well in the market. We are making sure that all incentive schemes and corporate deals are signed and ready by the start of January 2018. Our focus is on segmentation again. The corporate sector has been our major source of business which has given us higher yields than any other segment. Religious and tour packages is also another important segment for us.”

He adds that the airline is currently not looking at expanding but rather at having sustainable growth. “We are working on developing products like seats, menus, onboard and on-ground services, training of staff, etc. We will launch promotions for our 47th National Day which will promote Oman Air and Oman as a destination as well,” Sorial adds. Oman Air has recently increased its frequency from Muscat to the port town of Duqm in central eastern Oman in response to growing demand.

• Number Game
  Oman Air has seen growth of 20 per cent in terms of capacity