Oman Air orders 20 Boeing 737s

Of the order Analyst Saj Ahmad said: “Oman Air has been one of the more quieter Arabian airlines in terms of its growth plans, but they've carved out a unique niche in the GCC and their development matches a less aggressive expansion policy versus its regional neighbours at Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways. 

“With the impending arrival of its fuel efficient 787-8s later this year, Oman Air is keen to increase its fleet size as well as its international footprint and the new order and lease deal for current generation 737s as well as the replacement in the 737 MAX will help to drive down costs, keep pilot, crew and engineering commonality and enhance synergies as the airline looks to stay in the black going forward.” 

Ahmad added: “Oman Air wants to capitalise on the available capacity at Muscat International Airport, which is less busier than the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, giving the carrier a competitive edge on market share and pricing - the move to increasing its fleet size with a bigger emphasis on widebody airplanes suggests that Oman Air is primed to expand at a much faster rate than before and increase its portfolio of routes from the 40-plus cities it serves at present.