SalamAir to expand fleet as budget travel demand rises

SalamAir

SalamAir, Oman’s first low-cost airline, plans to expand its fleet with 10 new aircraft over the next three years amid a rising surge in budget travel, the company said in a statement.

The airline has formally requested 10 Airbus A320 aircraft with multiple leasing companies to support its growth strategy over the coming five years, according to the statement.

It is due to receive two new A321s this year, taking its fleet size to 15. By 2028 it aims to have 25 A320s. The increase comes at a time of considerable pressure on Airbus and Boeing, the duopoly which makes the majority of short and medium-haul planes for international airlines.

“Our return to our low-fare approach has been highly successful, with full aircraft and more demand than we can meet,” said CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns.

The expansion over the next five years requires more aircraft to develop domestic and regional flights, as well as introduce new destinations, he said.

The fleet expansion will stimulate tourism to Oman and ensure faster growth in the sector, the CEO said.

Other airlines are attempting to move to the low-cost model as demand exists, Hamilton-Manns said, adding that this is positive as competition will reduce fares and benefit the consumer.

Passenger volume reached more than 3.2 million in 2024, a 20 percent increase year on year.

• Oman Air cuts fleet size by 29% to reduce losses

In May 2024 the civil aviation authority (CAA) announced an investment opportunity for a new low-cost airline operator in the sultanate.

Competition in the Middle East aviation sector is intensifying with the launch of Saudi’s latest airline, Riyadh Air, next year, alongside the sector giants Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.

CAA chairman Naif Al Abri has said work is underway on designing six new airports, most of which are expected to be operational by 2028 and 2029.