Oman
Air, Oman Airports Highlight Achievements, Future Transformation Plans
Muscat,
23 Apr (ONA) — Oman Air and Oman Airports held today a joint press conference
to highlight key achievements from 2024 and outline strategic transformation
plans aimed at sustainable growth and strengthening Oman’s position as a
regional aviation hub.
The
event saw participation from senior executives, including Con Korfiatis, Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Oman Air, and Hamood bin Musbah Al Alawi, Acting CEO
of Oman Airports, along with representatives from government entities, media,
and strategic partners.
In
his opening remarks, Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport,
Communications and Information Technology, Chairman of the two companies’
boards of directors emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration
between Oman Airports and Oman Air to enhance service quality and Oman’s
competitiveness regionally and globally. He noted that the integrated vision
between both companies reflects a national approach toward a prosperous and
sustainable future for the aviation sector.
Oman
Air, which began its transformation in 2023, marked a number of significant
milestones in 2024 as it seeks to achieve financial sustainability: EBITDA
improved by 51%, compared to 2023 (after audit); During 2024, Oman Air carried
over 5.4 million passengers, with the number of available Seat Kilometers (ASK)
reported at around 19.4 billion; Point-to-point traffic increased to 40% of
passenger, up from 27% in 2019; Achieved 92% On-Time Performance and 13 excess
aircrafts were sold to serve the optimised network.
The
airline ranked second in the MENA region for On-Time Performance for 2024, as
recorded by Cirium, and second in the world in December 2024, according to a
report by OAG, as well as earning a string of international awards including
Apex World Class, Best in Seat Comfort (Apex) and Best Airline Staff (Skytrax).
Meanwhile,
in mid-2024, Oman Airports launched a comprehensive transformation strategy to
improve efficiency and passenger experience through cutting-edge digital
technologies, including self-service baggage drop systems, advanced crowd
management solutions, a centralized digital dashboard and system upgrades
across airports. Despite facing legacy challenges such as high emergency
maintenance costs and underutilized airport land, the company recorded
significant milestones.
Oman
Airports achieved the following: 12.9 million passengers at Muscat
International Airport (+2% vs. 2023); Salalah Airport surpassed 2019 figures by
17.3%; RO 114.5 million in operational revenue; RO 142.6 million in total group
revenue; RO 23.5 million net profit (+15%); Highest EBITDA since establishment
(+43%) and a 33% increase in shareholder equity.
As
part of its commitment to empowering national talent and promoting workforce
localization, Oman Airports has successfully employed 357 Omani nationals to
replace expatriate roles across contracts managed by Oman Airports, spanning
various educational and professional levels, and offered 71 job opportunities
to individuals.
Oman
Airports also recruited 67 Omanis to operate and manage the parking facilities
at Muscat International Airport, in line with the company’s strategy to
internalize essential services.
Both
entities reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainable growth, innovation,
and strategic partnerships that strengthen Oman’s global aviation standing.
—Ends/AG
