MUSCAT : The aircraft was officially received at Salalah International Airport on Wednesday and operated its inaugural commercial flights between Muscat and Salalah. A reception ceremony was attended by representatives from government entities, aviation partners and the media to mark its entry into service.

Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said the addition of the aircraft marks another milestone in the airline’s growth strategy, enhancing operational capacity and providing greater flexibility to expand its route network and meet growing demand for air travel.

He said the airline’s fleet expansion this year has enabled the launch of new routes to Vienna, Maidan, Mogadishu, Kigali and Sylhet, adding that SalamAir will continue introducing new destinations to support tourism and economic growth in Oman.

Zakaria bin Yaqoub Al Harasi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Salalah Airport, said the arrival of the new aircraft reflects the airport’s growing role in supporting the aviation sector. He added that Oman Airports will continue working with airlines to enhance connectivity and improve passenger services.

Grainne van den Berg, Head of Commercial Aircraft Sales for the Middle East at Airbus, said the delivery underscores the strong partnership between Airbus and SalamAir, noting that the A320neo offers improved fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions and enhanced passenger comfort.

SalamAir’s fleet now comprises 18 Airbus A320neo aircraft, serving more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

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