Muscat: Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir has added a new Airbus A321neo aircraft to its widely popular fleet, which now totals 15 aircraft. The new jet, named “Barr Al-Hikman” after the renowned coastal destination known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, marks a major step in the airline’s long-term expansion strategy.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khonji, Chairman of SalamAir, said the new aircraft underscores the airline’s commitment to delivering affordable air travel while supporting Oman’s aviation and tourism sectors. He noted that the milestone represents the start of SalamAir’s strategic plan to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2028, in line with Oman Vision 2040 goals of boosting tourism and diversifying the economy.

Al Khonji stressed the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in advancing the country’s tourism sector. Since 2024, SalamAir has focused on serving underserved destinations as part of its growth strategy, reflecting Oman’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub amid rising global demand for travel.

The chairman added that SalamAir’s long-term strategy includes stationing two to three aircraft in Salalah to develop a permanent base in Dhofar, helping attract visitors year-round while creating more jobs for Omani youth.

Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, said the arrival of the airline’s 15th aircraft signals the start of a new growth phase, allowing SalamAir to launch new routes and boost capacity on high-demand destinations such as Salalah.

Hamilton-Manns added that the airline’s discounted domestic fares—starting from just OMR 9.99, launched in November 2024—had significantly increased demand for domestic travel, reinforcing SalamAir’s position as one of the leading low-cost carriers in the region.

With the new A321neo, SalamAir plans to increase frequencies to Nairobi, launch new destinations in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia with Abha, resume flights to Beirut, and introduce a new route to Medan, Indonesia.

The expansion will also generate over 182 new jobs, raising the company’s workforce by 24% to more than 750 employees, further strengthening its contribution to Oman’s economy.

SalamAir currently operates a fleet of 15 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, with more than 80 daily flights, and expects to carry over 4 million passengers in 2025—a 25% increase compared to 3.2 million in 2024.