Saturday 11 / May / 2024
Muscat: The recent announcement of SalamAir’s plans to resume and broaden its operations in India has been met with enthusiasm from the expatriate community in Oman.
Starting December 16, direct flights to key Indian cities including Hyderabad, Lucknow, Trivandrum, Calicut, and Jaipur will be operational, marking a significant step for the airline’s Acting CEO, Captain Ahmed Al Shidhani, who expressed optimism about these new destinations.
Captain Al Shidhani highlighted India as a pivotal market for SalamAir, emphasising the substantial Indian expatriate presence in Oman and the GCC region. He underlined the impact of improved air connectivity in supporting these communities and fostering cultural and business exchanges.
In an interview, Al Shidhani further detailed SalamAir’s expansion plans and the strategic selection of Indian destinations based on demand driven by expatriate demographics and business connections.
He underscored the role of these new routes in enhancing operations, providing more travel options for passengers, and bolstering Oman’s position as a travel hub in the region. Moreover, these routes are anticipated to contribute significantly to Oman’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors from India and strengthening bilateral ties.
The expansion aligns with SalamAir’s vision for future growth, aiming to establish itself as a leading regional carrier while contributing to Oman’s broader economic goals outlined in Vision 2040.
Additionally, plans for potential additional destinations in India, considering requests from ethnic communities in Oman, signify SalamAir’s commitment to further expanding its network in the region.
He praised the efforts of the board and the chairman who have played a key role in reaching this milestone [India operations] and hope they will continue to shape the bright future of SalamAir.
Following is the full text of the interview:
Q: Could you give us an overview of how SalamAir is currently doing and its network expansion plan?
A: Thank you for having me. SalamAir is currently experiencing a period of robust growth. Despite the challenges posed by the global aviation landscape, we have successfully expanded our network and enhanced our services, consistently striving to provide affordable and comfortable travel options to our customers.
Q: Can you share the details of SalamAir’s new routes to India starting this December?
A: Absolutely! We are delighted to announce our expansion into the Indian market with new routes starting December 16. This will include flights from Muscat to Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum, and Calicut.
Q: What prompted SalamAir to choose these particular destinations in India?
A: Our selection was strategic, focusing on destinations with significant demand due to the expatriate demographics and business connections between India and Oman. These routes are not just about connectivity; they’re about strengthening ties between our countries.
Q: How important is the Indian market for Oman, particularly regarding expatriate demographics and business collaborations?
A: The Indian market is a key market for Oman. There’s a significant Indian expatriate community here and in the GCC region, contributing to various sectors of the economy. Enhancing air connectivity with India supports the expat community and fosters business and cultural exchanges.
Q: Can you elaborate on the support received from Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority and collaboration with Oman Air in this expansion?
A: We’ve received tremendous support from the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, which has been instrumental in facilitating this expansion. Our collaboration with Oman Air is a strategic move to enhance our network reach and offer more destinations for our customers.
Q: What impact do you foresee these new routes will have on SalamAir’s operations and Oman’s tourism industry?
A: These new routes are expected to significantly boost our operations, offering more choices to passengers and enhancing Oman’s position as a key travel hub in the region. They will also contribute to Oman’s tourism industry, attracting more visitors from India and strengthening cultural and economic ties.
Q: How does the Muscat Airport contribute to strengthening Oman’s position as an international hub, and how does it support SalamAir in competing effectively with other low-cost carriers (LCCs)?
A: Muscat Airport is a cornerstone in our strategy to position Oman as a major international hub. Its advanced facilities and strategic location offer an exceptional experience for passengers and streamline operations, which is crucial for an LCC like SalamAir. The efficiency, capacity, and connectivity provided by Muscat Airport enable us to offer competitive services and fares, allowing us to stand strong against other LCCs in the region. It’s not just an airport; it’s a facilitator of growth for airlines like us, enhancing our operational efficiency and helping us expand our footprint in the global aviation market.
Q: How does this expansion align with SalamAir’s future growth plans and the broader goals of Oman’s Vision 2040?
A: This expansion is a step towards our long-term goal of becoming a regional leading carrier. It aligns perfectly with Oman’s Vision 2040, which focuses on economic diversification and sustainable development. Expanding our network, we’re growing as an airline and contributing to the nation’s broader economic goals.
Q : Are there plans to add more destinations in India in the near future?
A: Yes, we are considering expanding our reach in India. We’ve received numerous requests from the many ethnic communities in Oman for a direct route, such as Ahmedabad. We will work to secure the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. Once these are in place, we look forward to accommodating these requests and further strengthening our network in India.
