DRNew Delhi: Brand new airport and world-class convention centre located close to the new airport is changing the game for Oman Air, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of commencing operations in India. Paul Starrs, Chief Commercial Officer, Oman Air, talks about the way forward for the airline globally, and India in particular.
What has been the initial response to new routes announced this year?
India is a hugely important market for us. We have announced four new routes in 2018. Two have taken off already. Istanbul on June 1 and Casablanca on July 1. Initial response has been fantastic. Flights are full. It is summer season and so the business is well. We have to continue to create demand as we move into off season.
What are you hoping to achieve with the commencement of the Moscow service?
This is our entry into Russia. The primary reason is to introduce direct flights for Russian travellers. They are a huge market for Oman. We have seen in the past that when we launch a direct service to a region or a country, tourism from that destination to Oman grows tremendously.
Why are you resuming services to Maldives?
Maldives is a world-class premium beach destination, highly sought-after by our European customers. Hence, resuming our service to Male helps us in serving our European network and customers very well. It will be a year-round schedule to Maldives and not just a summer season activity.
Tell us about your ambitious fleet expansion programme?
We are currently expanding our short-haul network with the Boeing 737 Max, which is a very flexible aircraft. Though narrow body aircraft, it gives a wide body feel. It can fly longer distance and suits our route very well. It can fly to Moscow, Istanbul, which are 5-6 hours away. On the long haul, we have Airbus A330-200, Airbus A3330-300 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. So we are replacing old aircraft with the Boeing 737 Max in the short haul and for the long haul the question is whether we go with Airbus A350 or the 787 Dreamliner. The 787 Dreamliner is a really fabulous aircraft. It is very quiet. The air quality is very different.
How is the new airport helping you create Muscat as a transit of choice?
The new airport which was opened in March 2018 is a game changer. From a bus service, we now have aerobridges. It looks like a five-star hotel. It’s a compact airport, so very little walking to do. With 28 departure gates, transit is much quicker and easier. Check-in experience is also great. Oman Air Premium Lounge is world class. You can drive, park and check in. Not many airports in the world allow that luxury.
Your Manchester direct service is celebrating its first anniversary. How has it been received?
Yes, it’s been a great addition to our network as well as connecting North of England to Oman. Also good for connecting traffic to India where many people living in Manchester have friends and family here. It has helped boost tourism to Oman and feeds the network growth in India.
What is the kind of route expansion being planned?
We are evaluating many destinations for travelling in 2018-19. With so many narrow-body and wide-body aircraft coming into our fleet, we can pretty much fly to any destination. We are seeing how to deploy additional capacity based on demand, and also rights. You will see a mix of increasing frequencies to some key existing destinations (Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Munich, Guangzhou are under consideration) and four new destinations are getting added (Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bali, Amsterdam, Tunis, Cape Town, and Johannesburg are under evaluation).
Where are you with the Indian bilaterals?
We have expressed an interest to fly into four new destinations in India – Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Mangalore and Kolkata. We have to see how those discussions progress with the Government of India. We have no time line on this.
