Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman has successfully launched its new joint venture freighter operation partnership with DHL. Oman Air Cargo has signed an exclusive Block Space Agreement with DHL for utilizing DHL's capacity in both directions of its operation between Muscat and Dubai. Oman Air Cargo has been rapidly growing since its launch in 2009, making significant inroads into online and off-line markets. Further to the current partnership with DHL on the Dubai-Muscat-Dubai route, Oman Air Cargo is looking at widebody capacity opportunities in partnership with other operators and airlines, connecting from airports in Muscat and Salalah, as part of its expansion program. Wayne Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said: “We are delighted to be offering this additional freighter capacity to our cargo customers around Oman Air's network. Moreover, our new partnership with DHL is adding further synergies for both organizations and the ultimate winner will be our customers. The additional main deck capacity available as a result of our joint venture is a vital step toward enhancing our cargo capacity, as it qualifies Oman Air to accept main deck cargo.” “We will continue to create additional capacity and more frequencies in the near future to meet the requirements of our worldwide customers. In the meantime, we look forward to working closely with DHL Aviation to successfully deliver this much sought-after service.” Malcolm Macbeth, Middle East & Africa Vice President DHL, said: “The Boeing 757-200 PCF will initially operate a once weekly schedule into Muscat, a partnership between DHL and Oman Air Cargo. “DHL's long-term vision is to increase the number of weekly frequencies into Muscat International Airport where cargo and logistics services are viewed as an opportunity for growth.” The new service will operate every Friday, using DHL's Boeing 757-200 PCF aircraft, with flights from Dubai to Muscat departing at 16.30 and arriving at 17.30, and flights from Muscat to Dubai departing at 18.30 and arriving at 19.30. Flight capacity stands at 25,000kgs/150m3. — SG
