Oman Air Set to Transition Entire Fleet to Boeing 787s and 737 MAX by Mid-2026

Oman Air (WY, Muscat) is on a strategic path to streamline its fleet, announcing plans to phase out its remaining Boeing 737-800s and 737-900ERs by mid-2026. The airline will focus exclusively on operating Boeing 737-8s and Boeing 787s, aligning with its fleet modernization and operational efficiency goals, as detailed by CEO Con Korfiatis in a discussion with AeroTime.

This fleet consolidation will establish Oman Air as a single fleet type operator within both its widebody and narrowbody segments, enhancing commonality and operational efficiency. “We’ll then become a full Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 MAX operator,” Korfiatis stated, emphasizing the streamlined operations and reduced complexities that this transition will entail.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Oman Air’s current fleet includes thirteen Boeing 737-8s with an additional five on order. The widebody segment comprises seven Boeing 787-9s with another nine expected, alongside two Boeing 787-8s. Notably, the airline also operates four Airbus A330-200s and three A330-300s under a long-term wet-lease agreement with Qatar Airways, which are not considered part of Oman Air’s core operational fleet.

As the airline progresses with its restructuring plans aimed at returning to profitability by 2027, there are no immediate plans to place new aircraft orders within the next 12 months. However, deliveries scheduled before mid-2025 include three Boeing 787s and five Boeing 737-8s, which will replace the outgoing models.

Korfiatis also touched on the strategic consideration of the existing Boeing 787-8 aircraft within the fleet, indicating a focused retention of the more numerous -9 models. This is part of a broader strategy overseen by Korfiatis, who joined Oman Air earlier this year with a mandate to spearhead the carrier’s reorganization, focusing on cost reduction through fleet consolidation among other initiatives.

Despite competitive pressures within the region, Oman Air is committed to maintaining its high-quality two-class service, choosing not to introduce a premium economy class. The airline is recognized as a leader in service quality in the region, a standard it vows to uphold even as it streamlines operations.

In terms of network expansion, while long-haul flights to the United States or Australia are not currently planned due to the range limitations of the Boeing 787s, Oman Air is looking to enhance its presence in China and expand its network in Africa. The airline also sees growth opportunities in Europe and South Asia, favoring a cautious and measured approach to expansion.

CEO Korfiatis also highlighted the dual importance of capturing connecting traffic via Gulf hubs and boosting point-to-point traffic to and from Oman as part of the country’s broader tourism and economic development goals. This balanced approach aims to leverage Oman Air’s strategic position and enhance its role in promoting Oman as a destination, not just a transit point.

This transition marks a significant pivot in Oman Air’s strategy as it aligns its fleet and service offerings to better meet future challenges and market dynamics, setting a course toward sustainable profitability and operational excellence.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com