Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, is pursuing an ambitious expansion programme in line with the country’s growth plans. The airline is expanding its fleet and promoting Oman as a tourist destination, it said in a press release.

Oman Air’s fleet strength at the end of 2009 stood at 15 B737-800s, two A330-200s and two A330-300s. During 2010 / 2011, an additional three A330-300s will be delivered. Oman Air also signed a contract with Embraer for the purchase of five Embraer 175 aircraft from the E-Jets family, with purchase rights for another five aircraft. The first delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. For the future Oman Air has ordered 7 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are scheduled for delivery in 2014.

Oman Air is also the first airline in the world to offer both mobile phone services and internet Wi-Fi access on board its fleet. The airline was also the main sponsors of the Oman Travel Mart (OTM), a leading travel and tourism show, from 17th to 19th May, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

“Oman Air supports this event with the objective of seizing the valuable opportunity to promote our summer holidays designed to attract more holidaymakers from the GCC, European and Asian countries to Oman,” said Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air, Peter Hill.

Oman Air has already launched its new business and first class products which adhere to the Oman Ministry of Tourism’s objective to attract the high-end leisure market. The airline says the tourism and travel sector of Oman has grown over the recent years due to joint efforts between Oman’s Ministry of Tourism and the airline.