OMAN Air is to receive its first state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner in October. And the people of Salalah will be amongst the first in the world to see the iconic aircraft in its distinctive Oman Air livery. Salalah's enthusiasm for Oman Air's products and services has been a key element in the success of the airline's domestic network. The state-of-the-art airliner will fly from the Omani capital of Muscat to the southern city of Salalah following its delivery to Oman Air. The flight will be hosted by members of Oman Air's senior management team, and will carry VIPs, high-ranking government officials, dignitaries from public and private sector organizations, and media representatives. During the one-and-a-half-hour flight each guest will be amongst the first to enjoy Oman Air's outstanding Dreamliner passenger experience, prior to the aircraft entering scheduled service. Following the special showcase flight, the Dreamliner will enter service on routes from Muscat to Europe and Saudi Arabia. Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy, Chief Operating Officer of Oman Air, said: “Oman Air's first Dreamliner taking to the skies and landing in Salalah will mark a momentous occasion in the airline history of Oman. We are immensely proud to be introducing the Dreamliner to our fleet. We are also honored to have the opportunity to showcase the aircraft to the people of Oman in advance of it entering scheduled service. We look forward to surprising and delighting our customers when Oman Air's first Dreamliner enters scheduled service on 25th October.” Chief Operating Officer of Oman Air, Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy, added: “Once this excellent new aircraft starts to operate on routes to Europe and Saudi Arabia, it will provide the perfect environment in which to enjoy Oman Air's unique hospitality, award-winning service and newly-designed, stylish interiors. From the start, we expect demand for seats to be very high, and we would encourage customers to book early at www.omanair.com.” Oman Air's new Dreamliner is one of six currently on order. Following delivery of the first aircraft in October, a second Dreamliner will arrive with the airline in November 2015. A further four deliveries are expected between 2016 and 2018. The Boeing B787 Dreamliner is the first commercial aircraft to utilize an airframe manufactured largely from carbon composites. The resulting reduction in weight means that the aircraft uses 20 per cent less fuel than similarly sized aircraft. It also offers 40 percent more range, produces 20 percent fewer emissions and generates a 60 percent smaller noise footprint than other aircraft in its class. Onboard, the aircraft offers improved air quality and more natural light. — SG
