Upward mobility As it adds 737s, Oman Air is poised for greater success By Saffana Michael Won expansion—vertically. “able to operateThe 737 isPerhaps that’s only fitting for an airline based in Muscat,ith a growing fleet of Boeing jets, Oman Air is focused nestled against the Hajar Mountains that dominate the landscape effectively in of this country on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Vertical expansion—adding flight frequency, not more routes— very hot climates.” continues to be key to growth for Wayne Pearce, the man who took – Wayne Pearce, Oman Air CEO the reins of Oman’s national airline as chief executive earlier this year. PHOTO: OMAN AIR “We want to further enhance the operations of our current fleet by adding more flying hours to each aircraft,” said Pearce, who expressed satisfaction with the operating economics of the senior manager of Development Engineering for the airline. He airline’s 737-800s. Oman Air operates—through lease and direct joined Oman Air in 1994 as an apprentice and has completed purchase—a fleet of 13 737-800s and two 737-700s and has a course in Renton, Wash., where the 737 is assembled, for six more 737-800s on order. his B1 aircraft maintenance license. The 737 is able to operate effectively in very hot climates, “This airplane has the minimum entry-into-service issues,” Pearce said, adding that the Boeing jet has “proved itself with its Al Sheibani said of the 737. “I just want to thank the people up dispatch reliability, ease of maintenance and safety record.” at Renton for assembling such a great airplane.” Keen to play an active role in promoting tourism in Oman, a Al Sheibani is part of the airline’s campaign to encourage more country known for its stunning natural landscapes, architecture and Omanis to join the aviation sector. Pearce noted that 57 percent history, the airline also plans to gradually expand its regional and of the airline’s pilots are Omanis, and many more will soon start international destination network, especially after it takes delivery working for the airline. of its six 787s that were ordered at the Dubai Airshow in 2011. “We want to be prepared when we get our new 737s and “The operating economics of the 787 and enhanced passenger 787s,” Pearce said. experience will not only allow us to continue pursuing our vertical For Al Sheibani, it’s a matter of national pride. growth strategy,” Pearce said, “but will also enable our plans “Even today,” he said, “one of the most gratifying moments to expand our network, while increasing business and leisure is to see our airplanes take to the skies and know that our traffic into Oman.” engineering crew have ensured the safety and comfort of our The airline operates a fleet of 26 airplanes and flies to 41 destina- passengers, which is of paramount importance to us.” n tions worldwide. It has won both praise as a Four Star airline (named saffana.michael2@boeing.com by SKYTRAX) and the title of “World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat” for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012 World Airline Awards). PHOTO: An Oman Air 737 lands at Oman International Airport. Perhaps few Omanis are bigger fans of Boeing airplanes— With a current fleet of 15 737s, the airline has six more 737-800s especially the Next-Generation 737s—than Adil Al Sheibani, on order. OMAN AIR 36 BOEING FRONTIERS / AUGUST 2012
Frontiers August 2012 Issue
To see the actual publication please follow the link above