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Oman Air places $1.16b order for 6 Dreamliners

The airline completed an arrangement with Boeing and Kuwait-based leasing company ALAFCO to transfer existing orders for the six Dreamliners from ALAFCO to Oman Air.

It was the first major order in 2011 for the the Chicago-based plane maker’s much-delayed lightweight carbon composite aircraft. Oman Air’s purchase reduces the negative order backlog for the aircraft to 20 from 26. The plane has been beset by technical glitches that has led to heavy delays in its delivery and drawn criticism from numerous airlines.

“Our decision to order the 787-8 is part of Oman Air’s long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes,” said Peter Hill, chief executive officer, Oman Air, said in an e-mail statement to Khaleej Times.

Oman Air is the sultanate’s flagship carrier and currently flies to 41 destinations across the Gulf, the Levant, Europe, East Africa and Asia. Since its establishment in 1993, it has witnessed massive growth and has played a major role in making Muscat an important traffic hub in the Middle East.

“Boeing and Oman Air share a decade-long partnership and we look forward to opening a new chapter together with the 787 Dreamliner,” said Marty Bentrott, vice-president of sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Built of carbon fibre, the Dreamliner will save fuel costs and is more aerodynamic than other commercial jets of a similar size. The 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency using 20 per cent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes. Passengers will also see improvements on the 787 Dreamliner as it uses new technologies, including advanced composite materials, systems, aerodynamics and engines.

“We see direct benefits because of the Dreamliner’s fuel efficiency and operating economics as well as the enhanced travel experience that Oman Air will be able to offer its customers aboard this airplane,” Hill said. Japan’s All Nippon Airways made the first commercial Dreamliner flight last month. Qatar Airways will be the first carrier in the Middle East to take delivery of Boeing’s new Dreamliner 787, a Boeing executive said on Saturday, with the Doha-based carrier due to take delivery of two aircraft in February 2012.

“We see the 787 as a perfect complement to Oman Air’s growing fleet, which will enable them to serve new destinations and enhance customer experience with the world’s most advanced passenger jet,” Bentrott said.