Saturday 27 / April / 2024
Muscat: As part of its expansion plan, Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir has announced the arrival of its new A320neo, the third to join its fleet since December 2018.
The narrow-body jet, an update of Airbus’ classic A320 and its best-selling model, has been custom-built for the airline and offers a host of passenger benefits including optimised cabin space, extra stowage space, and greater comfort.
“Since taking to the skies, SalamAir has been an airline of firsts, and we’re proud to be the first operator in the Sultanate to introduce this A320neo. The aircraft is top of the line and its combination of upgraded features and improved efficiencies make it a perfect addition to our fleet,” said Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir.
Expanding portfolio
“Our expanding portfolio will allow us to offer our guests an even greater choice of services and travel options, while maintaining the same high standards they have come to expect. The commissioning of the third A320neo is yet another milestone in SalamAir’s young history”
Adel. A. Albanwan, ALAFCO’s CEO commented “I am pleased to announce the delivery of a new A320neo aircraft to SalamAir. This delivery follows on from our agreement to lease five new A320neo aircraft, with the first of these delivered in May 2019. We are pleased to have SalamAir as our partners and are keen to develop and build upon our long-term strategic partnership going forward. Our agreement with SalamAir signifies ALAFCO’s continued efforts in providing flexible and cost-efficient leasing solutions to the global airline industry”.
Upgraded model
The highly sought-after A320neo, which was launched in 2010 as an upgraded model of the award-winning A320, features beautifully designed Airspace cabins offering greater space. It also boasts significant environmental improvements including a 16 per cent reduction in fuel burn, almost 50 per cent fewer noise emissions, as well as a 14 per cent lower cash operating cost per seat compared with the previous model. With the added incorporation of the latest engine technologies and aerodynamic improvements, the aircraft ensures the highest standards of comfort.
The new addition is part of SalamAir’s ambitious expansion plan, which will double the number of A320neo’s in its fleet by the end of the year, as well as increase its network to 29.
The airline, which launched in 2016, currently operates flights to 20 destinations, including Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Shiraz, Kathmandu, Khartoum, Dhaka, Alexandria, Riyadh, Kuwait, and Abu-Dhabi, in addition to the recently launched destinations Tehran, Istanbul, and Trabzon. The airline also operates domestic routes to Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar. Additional passenger services to compliment the customer experience on the home-grown airline include options for extra luggage, and seat and meal selection.
