Oman Air, the sultanate’s national carrier, has reported a 17 per cent rise in passenger turnout last year up to 2,325,805 from the 2008 figure of 1,984,853.

With new destinations and the introduction of the new A330 aircraft, Oman Air Cargo also surged posting an impressive 67-per-cent increase on revenue compared to 2008.

The airline boosted its fleet by eight aircraft to a total of 21, launched five new destinations and expanded its flying programme with extra frequencies on key routes.

The positive results and achievements augured well with the increase of the company’s capital from RO50 million ($130 million) to RO300 million by the government.

The year saw Oman Air commence operations to Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Paris, France, the Maldives and Sri Lanka as well as introducing a new three-class service to London, England.

The company also joined the International Airlines Technical Pool Association (IATP). Made up of over 100 member airlines and about 30 suppliers including aircraft manufacturers with more than 400 members from the aviation industry, IATP gathers twice- yearly to discuss sharing of resources and reducing costs, while improving operating efficiency.

Another highlight of 2009 was the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) renewal, which followed a five-day evaluation and on the technical side, Oman Air and Lufthansa Technik signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture.

Oman Air ended the year with a landmark contract signed with Embraer, for the purchase of five Embraer 175 aircraft from the E-Jets family with an option for five more.