Back in September Oman Air announced its intention to join oneworld alliance and that it is working with Qatar Airways on its application as a sponsor.
Now joining is official. (HT One Mile at a Time)
We're excited to announce that we'll soon be joining the #oneworldalliance! Across the entire alliance network, our guests will benefit from a seamless travel experience, an extensive network of destinations, additional special perks, more miles, and many other benefits. pic.twitter.com/bwNbGZM0qn
— Oman Air (@omanair) June 20, 2022
Oman Air was founded in 1993 using a Boeing 737-300 and crew from Ansett Australiato fly from its hub in Muscat. The airline was unsuccessful as a regional carrier and in 2007 the government injected cash and increased its ownership stake fro one-third to 80%. Like the Abu Dhabi government, Oman split from Gulf Airand launched its own services to Europe (London) and Southeast Asia (Bangkok). The government grew its stake in the airline over the next three years to 99.8%.
Oman Air flies to destinations beyond the Mideast such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur; around 10 destinations in Europe and 17 destinations in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh as well as flights to Northern Africa, within the Gulf region and four destinations inside Oman.
Before the pandemic the airline planned to add 60 destinations and 70 aircraft by 2022. It still plans to grow from 34 to 44 destinations next year.
Despite following Islamic dietary laws with its meals, the carrier does serve alcohol on flights beyond the Mideast (although not on routes to countries where alcohol is prohibited, nor during Ramadan).
The carrier operates both Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 as well as Airbus A330-200 and -300 long haul aircraft, Its short haul routes are serviced by Boeing 737-800, 737-900, and 737 MAX 8 planes.
They offer flat beds in long haul business class and have a first class cabin on Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Credit: Oman Air
Oman Air’s frequent flyer program is the Sindbad Club and they’ve occasionally been known to status match. However doing so now likely would be far too soon to enjoy oneworld elite status – the process of joining, if approved, normally takes at least a year and a half.
Soon though you’ll be able to redeem American AAdvantage, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, and British Airways Executive Club points for travel on Oman Air. You can already redeem Air Canada Aeroplan points for Oman Air travel in an outside-of-alliance partnership. With both American and Aeroplan you’ll be able to combine Oman Air and Etihad on an itinerary (along with other carriers) as long as Aeroplan’s partnership continues.
I’d find myself most likely to use Oman Air when visiting two Alila Hotels (Hyatt) properties: Alila Jabal Akhdar and Alila Hinu Bay that I’ve had my eye on.
