Oman Air Eyes Streamlining Fleet to Single Widebody Aircraft Type by 2027

Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman, is contemplating a significant shift towards simplifying its fleet composition, focusing primarily on widebody aircraft. This strategy aligns with the airline’s broader transformation plan set to unfold through 2027. Said Hamood Al Maawali, the chairman of Oman Air and Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, highlighted the move as a step towards enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In discussions reported by Oman’s Daily Observer, Al Maawali emphasized the future direction for Oman Air would be to concentrate on operating a singular, efficient widebody aircraft type.

Currently, Oman Air’s diverse fleet consists of thirteen Boeing 737-8s, seven 737-800s, five 737-900ERs, two 787-8s, and seven 787-9s, alongside a 737-800(BCF) for cargo operations. The airline has also phased out four A330-200s and six A330-300s, with several of these aircraft now operating on a wet-lease basis with Qatar Airways. Furthermore, Oman Air has pending orders for additional 737-8s and 787-9s, indicating a continued investment in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

The decision to streamline the fleet to a single aircraft type comes as part of Oman Air’s strategic initiative to rightsize and reposition the airline within the highly competitive aviation sector. Al Maawali’s vision for 2027 sees Oman Air as a financially robust entity poised for growth, emphasizing the importance of maximizing seat occupancy and yield in the interim to ensure the airline’s economic stability.

This strategic pivot is also reflected in the airline’s improving financial health and operational performance, which has bolstered confidence among lenders. Oman Air is reportedly in a position to secure financing independently, without the need for government backing, a testament to its positive trajectory. “The banks are ready to lend to us again. We are moving in the right direction,” Al Maawali remarked, indicating a brighter future for the airline as it navigates through its transformational journey.