Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced the delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 from CDB Aviation. The aircraft is the last in a series of five deliveries contracted as part of a sale and leaseback transaction with the global aircraft lessor, which is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing).
Designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, the 737 Max 8 is equipped with the CFM Leap 1B27 engines and configured with 12 Business and 150 Economy Class seats to support the carrier’s expanding network. Oman Air has been introducing routes throughout the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as several cities in Europe, South Asia, and Africa, in recent years and is focused on growing additional connectivity to North and South America and Australia through strategic codeshares with its partner airlines.
Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “As air travel demand continues to grow post-pandemic, Oman Air has the opportunity to expand progressively. The latest addition to our fleet will serve both domestic and short-to-medium international sectors, further extending our seamless connectivity to a growing number of destinations.”
He added, “We are glad to have CDB Aviation as our partner in growth and continue to place ourselves at the forefront of aviation technology, enhance our operational efficiency, as well as provide our guests with an exceptional on-board experience.”
Paul Boyle, CDB Aviation’s Head of EMEA, also said, “We are very pleased to build on our relationship with Oman Air and to expand our presence in the Middle East with this sale and leaseback transaction.
These new technology, fuel-efficient aircraft will support the airline’s ongoing recovery efforts, providing the airline’s passengers with greater connectivity and a wider choice of destinations from its hub in Muscat.”
The addition of the 737 MAX now brings Oman Air’s fleet up to 52 aircraft, including 10 Airbus A330s, 33 Boeing 737s and nine Boeing 787s. The airline’s exciting fleet and network expansion program has already seen the launch of two new routes in 2022, with more planned in the coming months. Meanwhile, Oman Air continues to invest in its award-winning on-board experience that includes world-class in-flight entertainment, premium amenities and its distinctive Omani hospitality.
