We will make it easy to fly, says Oman Air boss

Muscat: A new era, hi-tech national airport will make flying to and from Oman a pleasure, not a chore, according to Oman Air’s boss.
With robots supporting staff and an easier check-in process, Oman’s long awaited new airport will propel the Sultanate into its new, non-oil future.
Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman, Oman Air’s Acting CEO, Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said, “The new airport will be a significant boost to Oman’s already flourishing travel sector, as it will have the capacity to handle 20 million passengers per year.
“The airport boasts a number of excellent facilities, including 6,000 square metres of Duty Free shopping, 96 check-in counters, 8,000 parking spaces and a 90-room airside hotel. The terminal will allow Oman Air to offer a thoroughly enhanced service; the check-in process will be seamless for all customers and premium class customers will be able to avail themselves of designated check in areas and entrances.
“Oman Air’s first and business class guests will enjoy the unique Omani hospitality at the stylish premium lounges, located above the Muscat Duty Free and next to the airside hotel.
“There will be eight baggage carousels for international and two baggage carousels for domestic traffic, and additional X-ray machines to further enhance safety and security procedures.
“Passengers will experience a new central check-in system for baggage, where they will no longer need to bring them through security upon arrival at the airport. The airport has been designed to be fully accessible to all passengers, and there is a buggy service available to transport passengers, if necessary,” he said.
The acting CEO of the National Carrier added, “Oman Air is delighted to be moving its operations from the old terminal to the new passenger terminal on the 20th of this month. As a major stakeholder in the airport development, Oman Air has been involved in every step of the way.
“Our strategy is to support the anticipated growth in tourism and logistics, and we are stepping up investment. In 2018 we announced the arrival of new aircraft and new routes, and an expansion of existing services.
“Oman Air has a long history with the old passenger terminal, having flown from there since the airline’s formation in 1993.
“From this point, Oman Air has played a major role in developing Muscat as a major traffic hub in the Middle East. From the launch of our first international flights to Dubai and Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), our network has developed significantly to serve over 54 destinations. Our fleet has grown to nearly 50 aircraft, and by 2022 we expect our total fleet size to be around 66,” he said.