Oman Air is scouring the world for new aircraft following the government’s withdrawal from rival Gulf Air.
Struggling carrier Gulf Air was joint owned by the Bahraini and Omani governments until the latter recently pulled out. With the Omani government now focused on domestic passengers, Oman Air is under pressure to meet increased demand.
The airline’s latest aircraft orders will not arrive until 2009, forcing management to search globally for short-term leases.
Yasser Al Lazki, UAE country manager at Oman Air, told reporters that the airline is desperate to add new aircraft to its fleet.
But he also said the government will support the carrier’s move to secure planes on short-term leases.
Talks with businesses that own mid-size Boeing 767s and Airbus aircraft are ongoing. Meanwhile, Oman Air will meet with the government to develop a business plan, although Lazki refused to elaborate.
He also wouldn’t disclose the number of aircraft required or how many orders had been placed.
An official letter recently delivered by economy minister Ahmad Bin Abdul Nabi Makki to Bahrain finance minister Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Khalifa confirmed Omani government’s withdrawal from Gulf Air.
This is the third government exit from Gulf Air in five years. Qatar jumped ship in 2002 to set up its own airline, followed by Abu Dhabi three years later.
Oman Air flies to several destinations throughout the Middle East, Bangladesh, India and the Gulf. Its board is planning to launch flights to Columbo, Khartoum and Damascus and provide more services to current destinations.
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