SalamAir has just expanded its fleet with the arrival of its 15th aircraft, a brand-new Airbus A321neo. This milestone marks a significant moment in the airline’s growth and Oman’s aviation sector. With the addition of this state-of-the-art aircraft, SalamAir is stepping up its efforts to enhance connectivity and support the country’s vision for economic development. The move comes as part of a larger strategy to boost the airline’s fleet and expand its presence in the region. This growth is in line with the company’s long-term plans to bring more affordable travel options to Oman’s residents and visitors. By investing in newer aircraft like the A321neo, SalamAir is not just adding more capacity but also focusing on efficiency and sustainability. The arrival of the 15th aircraft signals a new chapter in the airline’s journey, strengthening its role in the future of Oman’s aviation and tourism industry.
Oman’s Vision 2040 aims to diversify the economy, develop a sustainable tourism industry, and make Oman a connected regional hub. SalamAir’s latest addition to its fleet plays a crucial role in these ambitions. As Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Khonji, Chairman of SalamAir, shared in a recent statement, the airline’s growing fleet helps to position Oman as a key player in regional aviation, while directly contributing to economic diversification and tourism growth.
The addition of Barr Al Hikman is not just about expanding SalamAir’s fleet. It’s a strategic move that further aligns with Oman Vision 2040. Al Khonji emphasized that expanding the fleet would support the country’s aviation sector while creating a positive impact on Oman’s tourism. He pointed out that public-private collaboration is essential in achieving the country’s long-term goals, particularly with increasing tourism levels, enhancing the national economy, and creating job opportunities across the Sultanate.
One of the most significant elements of SalamAir’s expansion is the airline’s commitment to launching new routes, with a focus on previously underserved regions. With Barr Al Hikman joining the fleet, SalamAir is poised to open several new international routes, connecting Oman to key regions and enhancing travel options for both domestic and international travelers.
SalamAir has plans to introduce flights to several African countries in the coming months. This includes the much-anticipated launch of direct flights from Muscat to Nairobi, Kenya, starting in February 2025. This move will make it easier for travelers from Oman to visit Kenya, and vice versa, contributing to both tourism and trade between the two countries. Moreover, SalamAir’s growth will help reduce travel times and make air travel more affordable for regional customers, which is vital in expanding the airline’s presence in the competitive global market.
In addition to Nairobi, SalamAir is working to expand its footprint in East Africa. Upcoming services to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia are also part of the airline’s expansion plan. These routes will provide much-needed direct connectivity to underserved markets, making travel more accessible to residents in these countries, as well as providing travelers from Oman with more options for exploring Africa.
On top of expanding into Africa, SalamAir is strengthening its presence in the Middle East and beyond. This includes increasing its reach within Saudi Arabia by launching services to Abha, a major city in the southwest of the Kingdom. Moreover, SalamAir plans to resume flights to Beirut, which had been suspended for some time due to regional challenges, and launch a new route to Medan, Indonesia, known for its rich cultural and natural offerings.
The airline’s goal is to meet the growing demand for affordable travel between Oman and key cities, and to better connect Oman with international business and leisure hubs.
One of the key developments SalamAir is pursuing is the establishment of a new base in Salalah, a city located in the Dhofar region in southern Oman. This base will support regional development, particularly by attracting year-round tourism to the area, which is known for its natural beauty and cool climate, especially during the summer months.
Having a dedicated base in Salalah will allow the airline to serve the region more effectively, offering direct flights to and from Salalah, a vital area for tourism and trade. It will also create new employment opportunities, boosting the local economy and providing a significant boost to the overall tourism infrastructure in the region. By establishing this base, SalamAir is actively contributing to the economic development of the Dhofar region, ensuring a more balanced and sustainable approach to the nation’s growth.
SalamAir’s expansion is not just about new routes and aircraft; it is also creating new job opportunities for Omanis. With the addition of Barr Al Hikman to the fleet, SalamAir is set to increase its workforce by 24%, adding 182 jobs over the next 12 months. This increase in employment is a positive step toward reducing unemployment and enhancing local skills in the aviation and tourism sectors.
The growth in employment is expected to have a ripple effect on other industries as well, contributing to Oman’s economic diversification. By continuing to grow its operations, SalamAir is supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 goal of increasing private sector involvement in the national economy.
With the delivery of Barr Al Hikman, SalamAir is taking a giant leap forward in its mission to become a leading low-cost airline in the region. The airline’s expansion not only boosts Oman’s aviation sector but also strengthens the country’s position as a global tourism hub, providing increased access to new destinations, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth. As the airline works toward its goal of a 25-aircraft fleet by 2028, it continues to align its efforts with Oman Vision 2040, solidifying its role as a crucial player in the Sultanate’s economic and tourism development.
In the coming years, SalamAir’s continued growth promises to reshape Oman’s aviation landscape, offering more flight options, competitive fares, and greater connectivity across the region and beyond. As the airline progresses on this journey, its impact on Oman’s economy and tourism industry will be undeniable, helping to usher in a new era of travel for both Omanis and international visitors alike.
Image credit: SalamAir
