Oman Air Wins Double At World Travel Awards Middle East 2015

Oman Air has won two awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2015. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman came top in the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’ categories at a glittering ceremony which was held on 5th May 2015 at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai.

This is the second year in a row that Oman Air has taken the titles, which are voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide.

Abdulrahman Al-Busaidy, the Chief Operating Officer of Oman Air, said:

“It is particularly satisfying to receive these awards now. We are just a few months in to our ambitious programme of fleet and network expansion. This will see us increase the size of our fleet from 30 aircraft at the start of the programme, to 50 aircraft by 2018, and to 70 by 2020. Each of the new aircraft features newly-designed cabins, spacious and comfortable new Business Class and Economy Class seats and the very latest inflight entertainment technology.

Upon receiving the awards, Mohammed Al Shikely, General Manager Marketing of Oman Air, said:

“I am honoured to accept both these awards, on behalf of everyone at Oman Air. I am delighted that figures throughout the global travel industry have been so impressed by our Business Class and Economy Class services and I would like to thank them for voting for Oman Air.
“Oman Air has added a number of exciting new destinations to our network, increased frequencies on some of our established routes and improved connections at Muscat International Airport. As a result, many thousands more people will have the opportunity to experience Oman Air’s outstanding Business Class and Economy Class services.”

Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of the World Travel Awards, added:

“Many congratulations to Oman Air! These World Travel Award accolades recognise the commitment to excellence and continuing endeavours to improve products and services which Oman Air has demonstrated in the last twelve months.”

Oman Air’s new long haul business class cabin offers 24 seats, each of which converts to a 77-inch/196cm long fully lie-flat bed. The seats are fitted in a 2-2-2 configuration and, thanks to an ingenious cabin layout, provide direct aisle access for every passenger. In addition, each seat includes electrically-controlled backrest, leg rest and seat depth features, as well as a folding armrest for easy access. A one-piece meal table, cocktail table, reading light and mood light make dining or working a pleasure, and a buddy seat enables passengers to dine, work, or converse face to face with a friend or colleague.

The inflight entertainment (IFE) technology has also been upgraded. The new Thales AVANT in-seat audio video on demand (AVOD) system is accessed via a neat IFE handset and offers an expanded range of movies, music, games and information. Furthermore, the huge 17-inch/43cm personal monitor can also be used to screen the content of laptops or personal devices, and Oman Air’s ALNA connectivity system enables live in-seat internet connections via the onboard wireless network, as well as mobile (GSM) telephone usage.

The business class seats on Oman Air’s new short and medium haul B737s are also brand new. The backrest, leg rest and seat depth of each of the 12 seats in the business class cabin are electrically controlled, and the reading light, literature pocket and PC power outlet features have all been welcomed by customers. A 10.6-inch/27cm IFE screen offers access to the aircraft’s Thales AVANT in-seat AVOD system and its media content, which includes movies, music, games and information, is able to support the MPEG4 format.

Each of Oman Air’s new Economy Class seats provides exceptional comfort and features a one-piece composite seat back structure and a four-way adjustable headrest. Seat pitches reflect the length of flights each aircraft will be deployed upon, with the A330’s 265 seats offering 32 inches and the 737-900ER’s 171 seats offering 30 inches. The 10.6-inch seatback LCD screen offers access to the same IFE options as those enjoyed in Business Class. In addition, a USB port is mounted on the seatback screen, allowing customers to charge any mobile phone, and each pair of seats shares a PC power port.