Oman Air

Oman Air goes live with Internet and Mobile OnAir

Marking a pioneering milestone in the history of aviation, Oman Air has become the first airline in the world to offer both mobile and Internet connectivity on board its flights.

Offering in-flight connectivity is part of our ongoing drive to continuously enhance the travel experience of our customers and to offer them innovative services keeping up with the latest technology.

With Oman Air’s Go Live OnAir service, guests in any cabin on our brand new Airbus A330 fleet can receive and make calls, check voice mail, send and receive text and multimedia messages and access emails and websites, thus staying in touch during their flight as they would normally do on the ground.

Mobile connectivity will be available at all times except take off and landing, allowing guests to make and receive calls and text messages. As soon as the 'No Mobile' sign is off, the OnAir name will appear on the mobile screen as the network connection is obtained.

When using mobile phones on board, the services will be of a roaming nature, as on a foreign network. Users must then dial the full international numbers. Onboard communications will be charged by the home mobile service provider at international roaming rates, as is the case when one uses their mobile phone abroad.

With the WiFi network access, logging onto the Internet is like going online from any public WiFi hotspot. The services that customers can avail in this context are Internet access, Webmail to retrieve and send emails from a web-based email account and Webchat to exchange instant messages.

The rates for Internet connectivity are fixed as follows:

Passenger price plan for Internet on laptops (WiFi) would be (pilot pricing) US$29.95 (11.6 Rials) for 26 MB per flight. Additional usage would be at $0.006 (2.32 Baisas) per KB, for Webmail (only body copy) would be at $9.95 (3.85 Rials) and for the attachments it would be $0.006 (2.32 Baisas) per KB (per flight). For Webchat, the rate would be $4.95 (1.91 Rials) for unlimited usage (per flight).

OnAir is presently available onboard our new Airbus A330-300 flying on the Muscat-London Heathrow route and will be soon rolled out across our entire Airbus A330 fleet flying to the long-haul destinations of Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Bangkok, Maldives and Colombo.

In launching in-flight mobile connectivity and Internet service, Oman Air has also become the first commercial widebody operator to enter service with Airbus' ALNA v2 platform over Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband (SBB) aeronautical service, which can support data rates of up to 432 kbps per channel.

Oman Air to offer WiFi & mobile phone connectivity onboard A330 fleet

Oman Air will be the first airline in the world to offer a full connectivity suite — Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir — on our commercial widebody aircraft when we start to unroll full WiFi and mobile phone connectivity across our new Airbus A330 fleet next month.

The move will allow our customers in First, Business and Economy Classes to make and receive mobile phone calls, send and receive SMS, access email and internet, and also keep up to date with social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Launching the new service, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Hill says: “We are delighted to be leading the field by bringing the digital age to in-flight passenger communications. From mid-February, we will be unrolling full connectivity across our Airbus A330 fleet. This service will enrich the passenger experience and complement the stunning new cabins we are offering in all three classes of travel.”

“For many travellers, the ability to communicate via phone, SMS, email or internet is a vital part of everyday life and staying in contact with friends, family or colleagues will constitute huge benefits for our customers. People are increasingly expecting internet and mobile connectivity ‘anywhere, anytime’,” he added.

Availability of the service will be controlled by the crew to ensure a minimum of disturbance to passengers during, for example, the quietest periods of overnight flights.

Oman Air’s A330 fleet has been fitted with the Airbus ALNA V2 system, using Honeywell’s SwiftBroadband (SBB) solution. This supports both mobile phone and internet in-flight communication, ensuring that whatever devices passengers choose to use, they will receive a swift and effective service.

Click here for more details on the service, including tariffs and usage information.

Fly higher with Oman Air in 2010

Happy New Year & welcome to 2010!

2009 was an exceptional year for Oman Air. Our milestones such as commencement of flights to 5 new destinations (Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Maldives and Colombo), the arrival of our state-of-the-art Airbus A330 fleet, the launch of industry redefining First, Business and Economy Class cabins, introduction of new designer uniforms and launch of various travel products and services reflected our constant endeavour to be an airline that sets new standards of excellence.

The year ended on a high note with the launch of our luxurious three-class service on brand new Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the Muscat-London Heathrow route, our recent deal to acquire 5 Embraer 175 aircraft and increased general baggage allowances for all cabin classes.

This year, we will build on these achievements while continuing to work towards making flying with us an experience that is truly a class apart. We will be launching more routes, expanding our fleet and adding more services in the months to come, offering you an enhanced travel experience.

2009 also marked the beginning of our engagement with social media with a presence on Twitter, Facebook and this blog. In 2010, we look forward to more conversations with you and developing online initiatives that are of greater value to our customers.

On behalf of the entire team at Oman Air, we extend to you our heartiest wishes for a happy, prosperous and successful 2010. We thank you for your continued patronage and look forward to welcoming you aboard an Oman Air flight soon.

Experience our luxurious new three-class service to London Heathrow

Travellers flying between Muscat and London Heathrow can now experience an elevated standard of luxury, comfort and service with our newly launched three-class service.

This service is offered aboard our brand new A330-300 aircraft and features new First Class, Business Class and Economy Class cabins, together with state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and delicious new menus.

Oman Air’s daily, non-stop direct flights between Muscat and London Heathrow offer a smooth and hassle-free journey. With lie-flat seats, direct aisle access and à la carte dining for every passenger in First Class and Business Class, together with surprisingly comfortable and spacious Economy Class seats, enjoy an unmatched level of quality.

Our leading-edge in-flight entertainment system, including audio-video on demand and 6 channels of live TV; delicious new menus in every class and superb hospitality offered by specially-trained cabin crew attired in new, Balenciaga-designed uniforms underline our commitment to ensuring that our guests reach their destination relaxed, refreshed and ready to go.

Oman Air First Class

Oman Air’s First Class Mini Suite offers the longest lie-flat bed available on any commercial airliner and is set within a massive 87-inch pitch. Furthermore, with a 25.5-inch wide seat, and built-in 8 point massage system, stowage for hand luggage, dedicated space to hang a coat and a huge 23-inch video monitor, Oman Air’s First Class Mini Suite is in a class of its own.

With just 6 seats within the First Class cabin, together with a luxurious lounge area, the travel experience is akin to flying in an exclusive private jet.

Oman Air Business Class

Our Business Class cabin offers 20 lie-flat seats, each within a pitch of 82 inches and fitted in a four-abreast, on-two-one configuration. A wide seat, ample stowage space, a privacy screen and a sizeable 17-inch monitor ensure that Oman Air’s Business Class seat outshines most other airlines’ First Class offering.

Oman Air Economy Class

Our new Economy Class cabin offers 204 seats in a two-four-two configuration, each within a pitch of 34 inches. However, the innovative slimline design of the seats maximizes the available space and provides a degree of legroom more often associated with a 36-inch, premium economy pitch. Each seat has adjustable head and leg rests, together with a 10.4-inch seatback mounted in-flight entertainment screen.

With the introduction of our new three-class service on the Muscat-London Heathrow route, we look forward to being the airline of choice for customers travelling from the UK to Oman and beyond.

Fly daily non-stop between Muscat and London Heathrow and experience the finest three-class experience in the skies.

Click here to book your journey on Oman Air.

Destination Launch: Fly direct to Colombo

After launching our new destinations of Frankfurt, Munich, Paris and Maldives, Colombo here we come!

Fly direct to Colombo from Muscat, starting today. Take off 4 times a week (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) to Colombo. Experience an elevated standard of luxury, comfort and service on Oman Air.

Seductive beaches and tempting water sports, magnificent landscapes featuring lazy lagoons, fertile wetlands, imposing mountains, bounteous rivers and waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife, inspiring heritage sites from ancient cities to colonial forts, a vibrant culture including fine arts and crafts and grand festivals, and a people of diverse ethnicity and religious persuasion, charming and hospitable. Contemporary tourist attractions such as luxurious Ayurveda spas and broad-based shopping opportunities have evolved, and Sri Lanka has become one of the world’s most popular destinations to get married and enjoy a honeymoon. For more information, visit www.srilanka.travel.

To book your journey or for more information, visit www.omanair.aero or call +968 24531111.

Destination Launch: Fly non-stop to Maldives

Fly non-stop to Maldives starting today. After launching Frankfurt, Munich and Paris in the last couple of weeks, we are pleased to commence non-stop flights from Muscat to Maldives. We will fly 4 times a week (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) to Male operating our brand new Airbus A330-343 in a 3-class configuration. Experience an elevated standard of luxury, comfort and service on Oman Air.

Discover the sunny side of life in Maldives. Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that. For more information, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

To celebrate the launch of Maldives, Oman Air Holidays has a special inauguration offer for you. Click here for package details.

To book your journey or for more information, visit www.omanair.aero or call +968 24531111.

Oman Air unveils new Airbus A330-343, cabins, menus & uniforms in the skies

We launched our new 3-class Airbus A330-343 aircraft in style by hosting an exclusive press conference onboard the aircraft on the 6th of October 2009.

Our brand new First, Business and Economy Class Cabins along with new in-flight menus and airline uniforms from the house of Balenciaga were unveiled to guests at 39,000 feet who also experienced first-hand the luxury, comfort and distinctive service onboard our new Airbus A330 fleet.



CEO Peter Hill and other officials were at hand to interact with and familiarize the guests about our new products. Guests found the 2-hour ‘experiential flights’ over Muscat a unique and memorable experience.

During the 1st week of October, Oman Air organized 3 exclusive ‘experiential flights’ of our new Airbus A330-343 for local & international media, travel & trade community and Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme Gold Members.

In September 2009, we took delivery of our first Airbus A330-243 in a 2-class configuration. A high-profile ceremony was held at Muscat International Airport to welcome the arrival of the aircraft.

The event was graced by His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council & Chairman of Oman Air and other dignitaries.

The ceremony witnessed the fusion of tradition with modernity as Arabian horses and camels along with a traditional Omani band welcomed the aircraft.

By 2011, Oman Air will have a modern long-haul fleet of 3 Airbus A330-243s and 4 Airbus A330-343s.

Click here to view photos from our Airbus A330-343 launch press conference & experiential flight. Click here to view photos from the Airbus A330-243 welcome ceremony. You can also view photos by visiting our official Facebook Fan Page.

Oman Air goes for the Balenciaga look

A new age of flying certainly demands a new look and style. The cabin crew onboard your Oman Air flight and our ground staff are now attired in new uniforms designed by the house of Balenciaga. In their new designer uniforms, our friendly and attentive staff showcase a new era of sophisticated travel to the world while exemplifying the best traditions of Omani culture and hospitality. The uniforms, which are inspired by the Oman Air colours of turquoise blue, complemented by gold and silver accents, are designed to make a contemporary yet elegant fashion statement.

Take off to 5 new destinations in Europe & Asia

We are bringing the world closer by spreading our wings from Muscat to 5 new destinations – Frankfurt, Munich & Paris in Europe and Colombo & Maldives in Asia.

Starting 30 September 2009, fly 4 times a week non-stop (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday) to Frankfurt from Muscat.

Starting 1 October 2009, fly 3 times a week non-stop (every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday) to Munich from Muscat.

Starting 9 October 2009, fly 4 times a week non-stop (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday) to Paris from Muscat.

Starting 10 October 2009, fly 4 times a week direct (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Friday) to Colombo from Muscat and effective 25 October 2009, fly daily direct to Colombo from Muscat.

Starting 10 October 2009, fly 4 times a week direct (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Friday) to Maldives from Muscat.

Discover the future of air travel with an elevated standard of luxury, comfort and service on Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman.

For more information, contact your nearest Oman Air office or call our Contact Centre at +968 2453 1111. Click here to book your journey to any of these destinations.

Celebrate Change with the Airbus A330

Oman Air now brings you greater comfort in the skies with the addition of Airbus A330-200s and A330-300s to its fleet.

• Flatbed comfort in Business Class

Relax in the extra comfortable seat that converts to a complete flatbed in Business Class.

• Audio Video On-Demand Entertainment in every seat

Enjoy audio and video on-demand on the state-of-the-art Thales i5000 in-flight entertainment system with the latest blockbuster movies, world music, news and sports channels in every seat.

• Finest cuisines in the skies

Savour the finest cuisines and enjoy legendary hospitality.

Our A330-200 flies daily non-stop from Muscat to London Heathrow and 6 times a week to Bangkok.

Bon Voyage!!!