OMAN Air has been awarded Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year at the 9th Aviation Business Awards. The award was presented in recognition of Oman Air's work to make air travel easier for people on low incomes. A total of 15 categories were celebrated at a ceremony held recently at Dubai's Park Hyatt Hotel. Oman Air's recognition follows a long-term program which has increased access to air travel for people living on low incomes in Oman. The program consists of two elements. The first element of the program is the availability of discounted fares for all Omani citizens. The fares apply to all destinations within Oman Air's growing global network, and they can be booked via the airline's website at www.omanair.com. The second element enables Omani citizens with special needs, who are on low-incomes and require airline tickets, to purchase discounted tickets. Tickets can be used for travel to seek medical treatment or educational support, or for any other reason that will have a positive impact on the customer's medical, educational or social welfare. Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, said: "We are delighted that Oman Air's work to improve access to air travel for the people of Oman has been recognized at the Aviation Business Awards. "Oman Air takes its Corporate Social Responsibility very seriously. As the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, we take pride in delivering tangible benefits for the people of our country. To be honored by the Business Aviation Awards for doing so shows that we are having a positive social impact. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that we accept this award. We are grateful to the awards organizers and the jury for their commendations." Dr Khalid Abdul Wahab Ahmed Al Balushi, Senior Manager Government Relations and Sustainability at Oman Air, added: "Oman Air is proud to promote positive corporate citizenship through its policies and practices. Furthermore, as our nation's national airline, Oman Air's commitment to the Omani people is absolute. This is demonstrated through the high proportion of Omani citizens employed within the company, and by the excellent opportunities for training and career progression that we offer. However, the support we offer extends beyond Oman Air to include all the people of Oman. This is why we are pleased to make discounted tickets available to all Omani citizens, and to offer further help for people with special needs who are living on low incomes."
