Rising in the East

Founded in 2017 in the Omani capital city of Muscat, SalamAir is a low-cost airline that seeks to meet its homeland’s increasing demand for affordable travel options while promoting the vigor of Oman’s economy and the wellbeing of its people. The airline, in 2021, was named Oman’s most trusted brand, and its fleet recognized as the youngest in Asia by Ch-Aviation—a Swiss company specializing in gathering and disseminating airline industry data and news.

On 6 October 2022, SalamAir announced it had signed a firm order with Embraer—the Brazilian air-framer and aerospace powerhouse—for six E195-E2 medium-range, narrow-body airliners. The $934.6-million deal contains options for an additional six aircraft, and calls for deliveries to commence in late 2023. SalamAir’s E195-E2s will feature a comfortable, dual-class, 135-seat configuration.

SalamAir’s opting for the E195-E2 was predicated in part on the belief that the type will compliment the air-carrier’s all-Airbus narrow-body fleet, thereby maintaining the benefits and flexibility right-sizing affords—specifically: protecting yields, growing frequencies, and profitably developing new markets and city pairs.

SalamAir CEO Captain Mohamed Ahmed states: “The aircraft will grow to be a core part of our fleet portfolio. It is exhilarating for us to be the first airline in the Middle East to fly the incredible E195-E2. Embraer’s aircraft represents the best environmental efficiency, operating performance, and passenger comfort. The aircraft’s sophisticated aerodynamics, novel wing-design and new technologies enable its exceptional energy efficiency. These aircraft are perfect for the next frontier of our growth. They will allow the airline to open new local and regional cities and increase its frequency to these destinations due to its fuel efficiency and capacity, which suits the needs of these markets. The new fleet will be used on domestic flights initially, including the four oil fields and four international airports within Oman, as we receive more aircraft we will be able to use them on regional airports in neighboring countries which today are not connected to Oman.”

Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer adds: “It’s great to be growing in the Middle East, a region that has often focused on long-haul travel. For Embraer it is also important to see a pioneering low-cost carrier like SalamAir recognize the value that E-Jets deliver in the LCC scenario, complementing larger narrowbodies to grow and maintain networks.”

Currently, SalamAir operates six A320neo and four A321neo passenger aircraft, as well as one Airbus A321 freighter. The airline serves the Omani cities of Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, and Duqm. Internationally, SalamAir offers scheduled service to cities throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Northern Africa, India, and Europe.

FMI: www.salamair.com