Oman-based low-cost carrier SalamAir has announced that it will introduce three Airbus A330neo aircraft on a lease from Avolon.
The airline and lessor signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on the first day of the Paris Air Show on June 19, 2023, with the first deliveries scheduled to commence in October 2023.
“The decision to introduce the Airbus A330neo complements the existing fleet of Airbus aircraft, which includes the A320neo, A321neo, and an A321 freighter,” said Captain Mohamed Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SalamAir. According to Ahmed, the addition of the twin-aisle jet will grow the airline’s capacity in response to the ever-growing demand of the market and attract inbound tourists to Oman, part of the country’s Vision 2040 goals.
“The extended range of the A330neo will allow SalamAir to efficiently serve medium-range destinations, particularly in the Far East and Europe. This expanded reach not only improves passenger convenience but also enhances the airline’s competitiveness in the market,” continued the airline’s executive.
Introducing the A330neo will be a significant expansion of capacity for the airline. At present, it operates six Airbus A320neo, six A321neo, and one A321 converted freighter. It has no other orders for Airbus aircraft, according to data from ch-aviation.com.
SalamAir was established in 2016 and is based at Oman’s Muscat International Airport (MCT), also home to the country’s flag carrier, Oman Air. In October 2022, the airline ordered six Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with additional six options.
Embraer is scheduled to begin delivering the E195-E2s by the end of 2023 which, together with the introduction of the A330neo at around the same time, will significantly grow the carrier’s total seat number offered on its network.
Currently, it operates 59 routes, according to ch-aviation.com data.
