Tuesday 30 / April / 2024
Muscat: Oman’s first-ever seaplane services linking Muscat, Musandam, Dhofar, South Al Sharqyiah and other places can be expected soon.
Speaking to Times of Oman, an official at Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said: “They can even connect Jabal Al Akhdar and Jabal Shams, and may serve oil fields that are not operated by national airlines,” the official said.
Even international operations can take place to and from airports that have immigration and customs services available.
The decision to establish seaplane services is part of Oman’s tourism expansion plans.
Companies that wish to establish and operate these services are welcome to submit their bids to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), along with a detailed letter that contains an economic feasibility study, business plan and proof of funds required to run operations.
It is expected that these seaplanes will have a capacity of 19 seats or less, and a take-off weight of less than 10 tonnes. Companies operating these aircraft must fill in a class B licence application form, which can be found on the authority’s website, www.caa.gov.om.
“The applicant must also pay an application fee of OMR300 once his initial bid has been accepted,” said the CAA in a statement. “They must also complete all the requirements for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) within a specific timetable.
Applications must be sent through email to the customer [email protected]. The operating licences have a validity of seven years.
“Initial acceptance of an application does not mean it has been approved,” said the CAA.
“In the event that more than one application fulfils the necessary terms and conditions, the authority will award the operating rights to a maximum of two companies.”
The CAA official said, “The operating mechanism and the places where they will fly will be determined by the investor in the feasibility study. They can start operations after they fulfill our criteria. ”
