Oman Air Concludes A330 Fleet Operations as Part of Restructuring Plan

Oman Air, the flag carrier of Oman, has officially phased out its Airbus A330 aircraft from service, marking the end of a 15-year chapter with the type. This move is part of a broader strategy to restructure and streamline operations amid efforts to mitigate losses and optimize the airline’s performance. As of March 30, the A330s were retired, significantly reducing the airline’s fleet size by approximately 22%.

The final operation of Oman Air’s A330 fleet included services to key destinations such as London Heathrow, Frankfurt International, Moscow Sheremetyevo, Mumbai International, and Salalah, with the last flight departing from Sheremetyevo on March 30 and arriving in Muscat the following morning.

Prior to their withdrawal, Oman Air’s A330 fleet comprised four A330-200s and six A330-300s, although three of these aircraft had already been taken out of active service. Notably, a portion of the remaining A330 fleet had been wet-leased to Qatar Airways, and as of early April, ADS-B flight tracking data indicated these aircraft were still operating under Qatar Airways. Oman Air has yet to disclose the future of these ACMI contracts.

This fleet reduction aligns with Oman Air’s previously announced objectives to contract its network and implement strategic adjustments, triggered by a governmental decision to restructure the airline in response to financial challenges. The restructuring has also led to the discontinuation of flights to several destinations and the adjustment of service frequencies on various routes.

Post-restructuring, Oman Air’s fleet will focus on newer and more efficient aircraft, including thirteen B737-8s, seven B737-800s, one B737-800(BCF), five B737-900ERs, two B787-8s, and seven B787-9s, with additional orders placed for B737-8s and B787-9s. The transition underscores Oman Air’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and adapting to the dynamic aviation landscape.