SalamAir adds planes and routes in Oman tourism drive

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• Fleet set to rise to 25 jets in 2028
• Passenger target is 8.5 million
• Seven destinations to be added

Oman’s only low-cost airline, SalamAir, plans to double its fleet size and almost treble passenger numbers over the next three years, its CEO has told AGBI.

Adrian Hamilton-Manns said SalamAir’s fleet would increase from 13 Airbus planes today to 25 aircraft in 2028. It is aiming for annual passenger numbers of 8.5 million in three years as the sultanate seeks to develop its tourism industry.

“SalamAir’s expansion plans are part of Oman Vision 2040 and our targets are closely following the economic progress to develop the tourism growth in the country,” Hamilton-Manns said. 

The airline carried 3.2 million passengers last year and is targeting 4.2 million this year, he said. It will take delivery of two aircraft in 2025, increasing its fleet to 15.

Oman is struggling against fierce competition from its Gulf neighbours to boost its tourism industry as it seeks to create jobs for a growing population and offset a decline in its oil production. 

Last year visitor numbers declined 3 percent to 3.9 million, whereas neighbours such as Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia registered increases of between 9 and 25 percent.

SalamAir will add seven destinations over the next 12 months, including in East Africa, according to Hamilton-Manns. 

One of only two airlines in the country – the other being state-owned Oman Air – SalamAir serves six domestic destinations and 37 cities in 18 other countries. It was set up in 2017.

Longer term, the airline’s plan is to take the fleet size to 40 by 2040. By contrast, Oman Air has been reducing its fleet size 

Oman wants to have 16 million tourists visit the country in 2040.

SalamAir is owned by the Muscat National Development and Investment Company – a partnership between the Oman Investment Authority, Muscat Municipality and a number of pension funds, which was founded in 2014.