Oman Air has festively started flights between Muscat and Amsterdam. The 787-9 was welcomed with a water salute, followed by a reception for guests in the oneworld lounge at Schiphol. This current summer season, the airline will fly four times a week directly between Muscat and Schiphol. In the background, work is being done to continue during the winter season, but the arrival of the winter slots ‘look very promising’, according to a spokesperson during the festivities.
The first flight of the Dreamliner was festively welcomed in the presence of H.E. Abdullah bin Salem bin Hamad Alharthy, ambassador of Oman in the Netherlands, and Pieter van Oord, CEO of Royal Schiphol Group, who welcomed Oman Air. The Schiphol CEO said that he had often enjoyed visiting the sultanate and emphasized the importance of a large route network and therefore the arrival of Oman Air.
The brand new membership of the oneworld alliance was also emphasized by the CEO Nathaniel Pieper who was present. Oman Air recently switched from Skyteam to oneworld and representatives from the oneworld airlines were in full attendance. Oman Air is the fifteenth member of the alliance
The first aircraft also carried representatives from the Sultanate, including officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Infrastructure and Experience Oman, which is trying to put the country on the tourist map. With success, last year the number of visitors increased by 20 percent.
Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oman Air:
“We are proud to enter Amsterdam, our first direct connection to this vibrant city. As we continue to grow, we focus on destinations that not only align with our strategic goals but also offer opportunities for long-term tourism and business exchange. Europe is our second largest market in terms of revenue and Amsterdam is a key hub in the region for business and leisure travel. In addition, the growing economic ties with Oman make it an ideal addition to our growing European network,” said Con Korfiatis.
Amsterdam will be the first new route following Oman Air’s entry into the oneworld alliance. Benefits include access to the oneworld Lounge at Schiphol for Business Class, oneworld Emerald & Sapphire and Sindbad Gold & Silver passengers.
