Oman Air enters Thai market

Oman's national airline has been operating five direct flights a week between the two countries since last November 28. In that same month, Oman Air also launched flights between Muscat and London.

Usama Karim Ahmed al-Haremi, head of corporate communications and media at Oman Air, said the airline had chosen Bangkok as its base to expand to other Asian destinations due to the high passenger traffic. Al-Haremi said Oman Air would use Bangkok as a transit stop for other countries in the region, such as the Philippines, Indone-sia, Singapore and Malaysia.

"Most Omani people fly to Bangkok for leisure and medical treatment and some for business," al-Haremi said.

"Last year, 38,000 Omanis visited Thailand. We expect the number of tourists and business people from the two countries to increase from our expansion. Bangkok will be our base in this region, while London is our centre in Europe," he said.

The average passenger-load factor (PLF) for two months' operation is 70 per cent, while the airline enjoyed a 100-per-cent PLF two weeks ago due to the festive season, he said.

Before Oman Air entered the Thai market, Thai Airways International and other airlines operated direct and non-direct flights between the two countries.

"Oman Air's strength on this route is the frequency. We provide five flights per week, while Thai Airways International operates three flights per week. Besides, we have good management and offer punctual service. So, we believe that we can compete on this route," he said.

At present, Oman Air has a code-sharing agreement with Bangkok Airways to bring Omani passengers in transit to other Thai tourist destinations, such as Chiang Mai and Phuket. Thus, Oman Air has no plan to open other new routes in Thailand at the moment, he said.

Al-Haremi said the airline planned to open new routes to Kuala Lumpur in May, while other planned destinations were Paris, Frankfurt and some cities in the Middle East.

At present, Oman Air has 15 aircraft in its fleet. Next year, the airline fleet will consist of 12 Boeing 737-800s, seven Airbus A330s and a commitment to buy six Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation