Oman Air has been elected as the next airline to join the oneworld alliance, the third new addition in the space of five years following the entry of Alaska Airlines last March and Royal Air Maroc in April 2020.
Based out of Muscat, Oman Air will add new destinations to the oneworld network including Duqm and Khasab in Oman and Chittagong (Bangladesh). oneworld Emerald, oneworld Sapphire and premium cabin customers will also gain access to three Oman Air lounges at Muscat, Salalah and Bangkok.
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Launched in 1993, Oman Air is the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. From its roots as a domestic airline, it has transformed into an international carrier serving 41 destinations in more than 20 territories. It operates a modern fleet of more than 40 aircraft comprising Boeing 737s, 787s and Airbus A330s. Configured in a two or three-class cabin, Oman Air’s aircraft offer exclusive First Class Private Suites on longer-haul flights.
With its entry into oneworld sponsored by Qatar Airways, the third Middle Eastern airline in the network is expected to official integrate with the alliance in 2024, enabling the carrier to provide the full range of oneworld benefits to customers flying with the airline.
Members of Oman Air’s Sindbad frequent flyer program will be able to earn and redeem miles on all oneworld member airlines, with top-tier members receiving additional benefits including lounge access when travelling with other oneworld members.
Oman Air operates to five oneworld member airline hubs – Amman, Colombo, Doha, Kuala Lumpur and London Heathrow – and already codeshares with four oneworld member airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines. Joining oneworld will pave the way for additional codeshare opportunities, further enhancing global connectivity across the alliance’s network.
Akbar Al Baker, oneworld Governing Board Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Executive said: “Today marks a new milestone in oneworld, as our friends at Oman Air become a member-elect of our award-winning alliance. Passengers of Oman Air will be offered a seamless travel journey, connecting them to more than 900 destinations across 170 countries.
“As the Chairman of oneworld, we look forward to welcoming Oman Air into our alliance as they will bring great benefits, allowing passengers to discover not just a new member with an excellent reputation, but a beautiful country.”
Rob Gurney, oneworld CEO said: “We are delighted that Oman Air has chosen oneworld as its global airline alliance partner.
“With its network in Muscat and award-winning customer service, Oman Air will reinforce our position as the premier airline alliance for global travellers. As the global travel industry continues to recover from the pandemic, the significant growth of oneworld in recent years demonstrates how important alliances and partnerships will continue to be.”
Eng Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Oman Air CEO said: “Oman Air’s admittance into oneworld represents a defining moment in our journey to provide passengers with greater travel options through our developing partnerships and alliances. We’re delighted to be joining the world’s foremost airline alliance at a time when demand for travel is on the rise.
“We look forward to welcoming oneworld members onboard Oman Air to experience the height of Omani hospitality and all that the Sultanate of Oman has to offer in terms of history, culture and natural beauty,” Al Raisi said.
The announcement comes as Oman Air resumes service from Muscat to London Heathrow Terminal 4, effective 22 June 2022.