Oman is very different from neighbouring countries. Rather than skyscrapers, the visitor notices mountains, beaches and palm trees. Forts rich in history, traditional souqs and mosques withstand the advances of glass- fronted monoliths.

But such natural and cultural splendour hasn’t come at the cost of the country’s development. The hints of Frankincense mix freely with the unmistakable aroma of modernity.“Oman has attracted many globalcompanies as they’ve seen the potential for growth in the country,” says Sheikh Samer al Nabhani, general manager of Commercial Operations at Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC). “Many future projects are being built, implemented and planned to accomplish the 2020 plan created in 1995 by the government.”

There are new roads, new pipelines and even new maritime ports. A special economic zone is being created at Ad Duqm, hotel capacity will reach 20,000 rooms by 2018 and a new exhibition centre will handle major shows and events. “Oman is heating up at the moment, especially in the hospitality sector, so business is right around the corner,” notes Sheikh Samer.

Reaching out

From an aviation perspective, it is the investment in Muscat and Salalah international airports as well as in three regional airports – Sohar, Ras Al Hadd and Duqm – that catches the eye. The new Muscat International Airport is being built on the same airport site and is the largest construction project ever undertaken in the country. It will handle 12 million passengers per annum (mppa) on opening – slated for 2016. A 4,000m runway will enable A380s to serve the airport while 32 gates will ease the passenger flow. Expansion is envisaged in three further stages, each of which will add capacity for an additional 12 million passengers. Salalah, south of Muscat, will handle 1mppa with possible expansion to 2mppa and ultimately 6mppa.

“The new larger terminals, gates, and enormously improved facilities give us the ability to attract more operations and airlines to the new [Muscat] airport,” says Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, general manager of OAMC. “This leads Oman to become a much more anticipated place for business and leisure. As we grow, we are launching more state-of-the-art technology, which will guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience to all our visitors coming through Muscat Airport and the new regional airports.”

There are 33 airlines operating to 28 countries and 60 destinations to/ from Muscat International Airport. But with a favourable geographic location linking Europe and Asia as well as the Middle East and Africa, Sheikh Aimen anticipates strong growth, particularly through national carrier, Oman Air.

“Oman Air is our national carrier and a key customer at our airports,” says Sheikh Aimen. “We work closely with them in all operational and commercial areas and both sides are in favour of joint route development approaches to attract new airlines to visit Omani airports, and to enhance the passenger experience.”

Oman Air has a fleet of 31 aircraft, due to increase to 57 aircraft by 2017. This will include Boeing 787s. Oman Air has started operations to Manila and Jakarta from Muscat and has also announced plans to start serving Singapore and Goa in India during the first half of 2015. Work will continue on building business cases with several other carriers from around the world to the traffic growth at Muscat International Airport. “In our longterm vision, Muscat could connect air travel between Africa and Asia, especially cities in China like Chengdu, Chongqing and Nanking,” says Sheikh Aimen.

“Additionally, as we are strategically positioned close to India, we see also immense growth opportunities connecting air travel from Europe, Africa and Asia to the Indian subcontinent.” OAMC will continue its close ties with the Oman Tourist Board to make this vision a reality and maintain Muscat’s position as a hub. Both entities rely on each other deeply when it comes to passenger and tourism growth in Oman and naturally enough are involved in related events, press releases, and other promotions. Both Muscat International Airport and the tourism board will attend major tourism events in 2015, including World Routes. “These events are a window of opportunity for Oman to showcase our potential as a onestop logistic hub and an attractive, safe and reliable tourist destination,” concludes Sheikh Aimen.