Airbus Updates No.4036

 

SalamAir expands its fleet with agreement to lease three Airbus A330neo aircraft from Avolon

SalamAir, Oman’s value-for-money airline, has announced a firm commitment to lease three Airbus A330neo aircraft from Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company. A letter of intent was signed at the Paris Air Show on the 19th of June 2023 and the first delivery is expected to be in October 2023.

 The introduction of three new Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft will bring significant advantages to SalamAir and support the airline’s fleet and network expansion plans. These modern aircraft feature a dual-class configuration with 365 economy seats and 12 premium flatbed seats, allowing for enhanced passenger comfort and capacity. The A330neo offers a substantial increase in distance compared to SalamAir's existing fleet.

One notable advantage of the A330neo is its improved fuel efficiency, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions when compared to previous-generation aircraft. This contributes to a decrease in operational costs for the airline, aligning with their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said, “The decision to introduce the Airbus A330neo complements the existing fleet of Airbus aircraft, which includes the A320neo, A321neo, and an A321 freighter. By adding the A330neo to the fleet, SalamAir aims to enhance its capacity, meet the growing demands of the market, and attract more inbound tourists, aligning with the objectives of Oman's Vision 2040.”

Captain Mohamed Ahmed added “The extended range of the A330neo will allow SalamAir to efficiently serve medium-range destinations, particularly in the Far East and Europe. This expanded reach not only improves passenger convenience but also enhances the airline's competitiveness in the market. It enables SalamAir to strengthen its network and seize opportunities for further growth and expansion.”  

Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East said "We are delighted that SalamAir has chosen the A330neo aircraft which offers unique operational versatility with cost and environmental benefits. The A330neo stands out among the wide-body segment with its superior fuel efficiency and range, advanced aerodynamics and technologies, as well as enhanced passenger comfort due to its spacious cabin."

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon said: “We are delighted to welcome SalamAir as a new customer, bringing the fuel-efficiency benefits of the A330neo to another airline. Since their launch, SalamAir’s low-cost model has proven a great success, and these new aircraft will support their plans to offer their growing number of passengers greater capacity and comfort. The expansion of aviation traffic in the Middle East is set to continue and the region is a focus for further leasing opportunities for Avolon.”

About SalamAir

SalamAir commenced its commercial operations in 2017, intending to set new standards in the aviation industry in Oman. SalamAir meets the country's increasing demand for affordable travel options and aims to generate further opportunities for employment and business creation in various Oman sectors. In six years, SalamAir has achieved growth in its operations and expanded its region's reach. SalamAir was awarded Oman’s Most Trusted Brand 2022 and The Youngest Fleet in Asia for 2021 and 2022 by Ch-Aviation. It operates six A320neo, six A321neo, and one Airbus A321 freighter.

About Avolon

Headquartered in Ireland, with offices in the United States, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Avolon provides aircraft leasing and lease management services. Avolon is 70% owned by an indirect subsidiary of Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd., a public company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SLE: 000415) and 30% owned by ORIX Aviation Systems, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation which is listed on the Tokyo and New York Stock Exchanges (TSE: 8591; NYSE: IX). Avolon is a global leader in aircraft leasing with an owned, managed and committed fleet, as of 31 March 2023 of 830 aircraft. Learn more at www.avolon.aero

Airbus Updates No.3854

 

SalamAir debuts freighter operations

SalamAir A321P2F© SalamAir

09.11.2022 - 05:00 UTC

SalamAir (OV, Muscat) deployed ts first A321-200(P2F) into revenue service on November 1, 2022.

A4O-OCA (msn 1994) is a 19.5-year-old aircraft last in passenger service with Eurowings. It was converted at Amman Queen Alia and ferried to Oman on October 19, 2022. The ch-aviation schedules module shows that the Omani LCC will deploy the freighter out of Muscat to Dubai World Central (2x weekly), Istanbul New, and Khartoum (weekly each).

SalamAir said that the induction of the freighter fits into Oman's vision of making Muscat a regional logistics hub, but did not reveal whether it has plans to add any more freighters. The LCC also operates six A320-200Ns, two A321-200Ns, and two A321-200NX. The airline is majority-owned by the state-owned Muscat National Development and Investment Company.

Airbus Updates No.3558

 

Oman's SalamAir takes first A321neo

SalamAir Airbus A321-200N© GECAS

16.09.2021 - 08:58 UTC

SalamAir (OV, Muscat) has taken delivery of its first A321-200NX after A4O-OXA (msn 10483) was ferried from Hamburg Finkenwerder to Muscat on September 9, 2021, and began commercial operations the day after.

It is currently deployed mainly on the domestic route to Salalah, as well as on a limited number of regional international services to Trabzon, Dhaka, and Istanbul New, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. As part of a two-aircraft lease commitment with GECAS, the aircraft seats up to 212 passengers, including four in business class and 208 in economy.

"The employment of this aircraft to our fleet with its additional range and extra 32 seats to our existing A320neo will support the growth plans of our airline’s network," Chief Executive Mohamed Ahmed said.

The privately-owned low-cost carrier also operates six A320-200Ns, the ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows. It returned all three of its leased A320-200s in 2020, even though the lease terms were originally scheduled to expire in 2023.

Airbus Updates No.3549

 

Oman's SalamAir outlines A321neo deployment plans

Illustration of SalamAir Airbus A321-200N© GECAS

08.09.2021 - 10:32 UTC

SalamAir (OV, Muscat) has outlined its proposed A321-200NX network plans ahead of the upcoming delivery of its first aircraft of the type.

ch-aviation schedule analysis has revealed that the Omani low-cost carrier plans to initially operate the aircraft on routes out of Muscat to:

• Salalah (7x weekly starting on September 11),
• Trabzon (a single rotation on September 12),
• Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen (weekly starting on September 13), and
• Dhaka (5x weekly starting on September 14).

The carrier's first A321-200NX, msn 10483, has yet to be delivered from Hamburg Finkenwerder, although it has already operated test and customer acceptance flights in SalamAir's full livery. Owned by GECAS, it will be outfitted for up to 212 passengers, including four in business class and 208 in economy. It has one more unit of the type on order from the same lessor.

SalamAir's current fleet comprises six A320-200Ns.

Airbus Updates No.2340

Oman's SalamAir to add two Airbus A321neo aircraft

Illustration of SalamAir Airbus A321-200N © GECAS

18.11.2019 - 22:57 UTC

SalamAir (OV, Muscat) will dry-lease two A321-200neo from GECAS, the lessor said in a press release.

"Our expanding network and growing operations rely on the fuel-efficient neo, and as an airline, we appreciate the environmental performance and appreciably improved carbon footprint the neo afford," Chief Executive Mohammed Ahmed said.

The delivery timeline was not disclosed. The A321neo will complement SalamAir's fleet of smaller Airbus narrowbodies, consisting of three A320-200s and four A320-200neo. The LCC expects deliveries of a further two A320neo by the end of 2019.

In May 2019, Ahmed revealed that SalamAir was looking at adding up to 12 Airbus aircraft, with both A321neo and A220 aircraft under consideration. The carrier is tentatively planning an IPO in 2024 and expects to operate at least 20 aircraft by that time.

SalamAir does not currently lease aircraft from GECAS. The lessor has eighty-six A321neo on firm order from Airbus in addition to fourteen it already took and placed with customers.

Airbus Updates No.2163

Oman's SalamAir mulls order for A321neo(LR)s or A220s

Illustration of SalamAir Airbus A320-200N © Airbus

23.05.2019 - 23:48 UTC

SalamAir (OV, Muscat) is considering an order for up to 12 Airbus aircraft, either A321-200neo(LR) or A220s, CEO Mohamed Ahmed told The National.

"We’re evaluating all the options. There’s an advantage to sticking to one plane type that fits all, but if business plans prove that having smaller capacity or longer range would bring additional revenue then, of course, we’d look at it," Ahmed said.

The Omani LCC plans to make a decision by the end of 2019, after it obtains traffic rights and charter contracts necessary for its further development. SalamAir is looking to triple its size before its Initial Public Offering (IPO) tentatively scheduled for 2024.

By 2024, the carrier plans to operate 20 aircraft, up from the current four (three A320-200s and one A320-200neo). It intends to take deliveries of five more A320neo by the end of 2019 already.

"We had even more aggressive plans but Airbus delayed most of the aircraft. We should have received all six A320neo aircraft before this summer, but we're only receiving three before summer and three are coming post-summer, so once those aircraft come we'll add more destinations and increase frequencies," Ahmed said, adding that SalamAir was in talks with the manufacturer regarding compensation.

In order to facilitate its growth plans, SalamAir is also considering establishing a base in Salalah in addition to its main gateway at Muscat. The former city is a fast-growing tourist destination but currently, no airline has a crew base there. Salalah presently sees 109 weekly scheduled departures with 63 of them operated by flag carrier Oman Air (WY, Muscat).

Ahmed also said that SalamAir will focus on destinations within the six-hour flight range and had no plans to enter the long-haul low-cost market. He listed Damascus as an attractive destination once the situation in Syria stabilises.

Airbus Updates No.2014

Oman's SalamAir adds first A320neo

Illustration of SalamAir Airbus A320-200N © Airbus

12.12.2018 - 18:48 UTC

SalamAir (OV, Muscat) has taken delivery of its first A320-200neo following the delivery of A4O-OVD (msn 7181). Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows the CFM International LEAP-1A26-powered twinjet was ferried from Toulouse Blagnac to Muscat on December 7.

The 2-year-old aircraft was originally destined for Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale Int'l) but not taken up. It will be followed by a further five of the type during the first quarter of 2019 all of which will be leased.

SalamAir’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Mohamed Ahmed said in a statement the aircraft would be used to enhance the Omani LCC's operations both domestically and internationally.

SalamAir also operates five A320ceo (of which two are wet-leased from VietJetAir (VJ, Hanoi)). It uses the aircraft to serve destinations in Oman as well as Bangladesh, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal, Sudan, and Iran.

Airbus Updates No.1887

SALAMAIR TO ADD SIX AIRBUS A320NEO TO ITS FLEET

Oman’s first budget airline, SalamAir, has signed an agreement to add six new A320neo aircraft to its fleet, of which five are on lease from an undisclosed lessor.

SalamAir is owned by the Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS) and other Omani private investors.The airline launched services on 30 January 2017 and today operates close to 120 flights per week across 14 regional and global destinations. As an all-Airbus operator, SalamAir currently operates a fleet of three A320ceo aircraft.

The new fleet will support the low-cost airline’s plans to increase connectivity across the region’s under-served and popular short to medium-haul routes.

SalamAir’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Mohamed Ahmed said, “In less than 18 months since our launch we have connected over half a million passengers across the globe and we continue to gain momentum as a leading budget carrier. With the new A320neo addition to our fleet we look forward to building on this success and expand to new markets while guaranteeing a great travel experience for our passengers.”

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said: “As a home-grown brand SalamAir has demonstrated huge potential by addressing Oman’s demand for affordable travel options. The new Airbus A320neo is the best in the industry and will allow the carrier to achieve lower operating costs, greater fuel efficiency and offer the highest standard of passengers comfort.”

Featuring the widest Single Aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured nearly 60 percent share of the market.