Oman Air today moved a step closer to its fleet expansion target when the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200. The aircraft was handed over at a ceremony held in Toulouse today, Tuesday September 15. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Oman’s Minister of National Economy, Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council and Chairman of Oman Air, as well as Peter Hill, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, the first A330-200 in Oman Air’s livery flew over from Toulouse, arriving at Seeb International Airport, Muscat, later today. Configured in a very comfortable two-class layout, the aircraft provides space for 216 passengers, including 20 business class seats and 196 economy class seats.

An official delivery ceremony will be held at Seeb International Airport, Muscat, on Wednesday September 16th to unveil the new aircraft.

The Chairman of Oman Air, His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, says:

“The delivery of this Airbus A330 is a milestone in the transformation of Oman Air. This brand-new A330 is the first of seven Airbus long-range aircraft to be delivered to Oman Air. All aircraft are to be delivered to the national carrier of Oman within the next two years as part of the airline’s expansion plan for its international fleet. Together with the opening of new routes to Frankfurt later this month, and Munich, Paris, Maldives and Colombo next month, these new aircraft are confirmation of Oman Air’s position as a major international airline.”

The new Economy Class seats will offer adjustable headrests and footrests, individual 10-inch video screens and will have a pitch of 34 inches. The Business Class seats will offer fully lie-flat beds, electrically controlled backrests and leg rests, buddy seats and 17-inch in-flight entertainment screens.

Ensuring the very best in in-flight entertainment, Oman Air has selected the Thales i5000 system, which, when combined with the Rockwell Collins Tailwind 560 platform, will provide live TV to every seat on the aircraft. In addition, every passenger will have access to e-mail, internet, and mobile phone, as well as laptop, connectivity. This, coupled with the impeccable standard of service for which Oman Air is known, will make journeys truly memorable.

Peter Hill, the Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, concludes:

“We are absolutely delighted to be taking delivery of this superb new aircraft. Not only is the A330 itself at the leading edge of civil aviation, but the onboard products that Oman Air is offering to passengers are second to none.

“This aircraft offers Economy and Business Class cabins. Both are fitted with brand new seats that offer more space, greater comfort, fantastic in-flight entertainment options, and the very latest in communications technology. In fact, our Business Class seat goes way beyond what many airlines offer in First Class.

“The new aircraft, the new seats, together with new uniforms, menus and a host of other features, illustrate our commitment to offering all our customers the very highest levels of quality in everything we do.”