Oman’s value-for-money airline SalamAir will lease three Airbus A330neo aircraft from international aircraft leasing company Avolon.
A letter of intent was signed at the recently concluded 2023 Paris Air Show, with the first delivery being expected to be in October this year.
The deployment of these A330neos, the wide-bodied aircraft featuring a dual-class configuration with 365 economy seats and 12 premium flatbed seats, will add solid muscle power to the Oman-based airline’s expansion plans.
The A330neo also comes with improved fuel efficiency, resulting in lower CO2 emissions than the legacy A330s. This will also lead to a decrease in SalamAir’s overall operational costs, apart from aligning with the airline’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, told TradeArabia, “The decision to introduce the Airbus A330neo complements the existing fleet of Airbus aircraft, which includes the A320neo, A321neo, and an A321 freighter. By adding the A330neo to the fleet, SalamAir aims to enhance its capacity, meet the growing demands of the market, and attract more inbound tourists, aligning with the objectives of Oman’s Vision 2040.”
“The extended range of the A330neo will allow SalamAir to efficiently serve medium-range destinations, particularly in the Far East and Europe. This expanded reach not only improves passenger convenience but also enhances the airline’s competitiveness in the market. It enables SalamAir to strengthen its network and seize opportunities for further growth and expansion,” the official stated further.
Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East commented on the development, “We are delighted that SalamAir has chosen the A330neo aircraft which offers unique operational versatility with cost and environmental benefits. The A330neo stands out among the wide-body segment with its superior fuel efficiency and range, advanced aerodynamics and technologies, as well as enhanced passenger comfort due to its spacious cabin.”
Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon told the media, “We are delighted to welcome SalamAir as a new customer, bringing the fuel-efficiency benefits of the A330neo to another airline. Since their launch, SalamAir’s low-cost model has proven a great success, and these new aircraft will support their plans to offer their growing number of passengers a greater capacity and comfort. The expansion of aviation traffic in the Middle East is set to continue and the region is a focus for further leasing opportunities for Avolon.”
Meanwhile, the Oman-based airline will operate weekly flights to UAE’s Fujairah, from July 12, 2023. The carrier will be offering four flights to the destination on a weekly basis on Mondays and Wednesdays.
SalamAir currently serves a total of 39 destinations across 13 countries, thus becoming one of the Gulf region’s fastest-growing value-for-money airlines.