Oman Air has marked a major milestone in its digital transformation journey, achieving a record 91% direct channel share in its home market during September. The figure underscores the airline’s success in encouraging travelers to book directly through its own platforms — including its website and mobile app — making nearly all bookings from its Muscat hub direct.

By steering customers toward its digital channels, Oman Air not only delivers a more seamless, personalized booking experience and the lowest available fares but also reduces distribution costs — a win for both the airline and its passengers.

As part of an ambitious commercial transformation strategy, Oman Air has rapidly expanded its direct sales channels, rising from just 25% in 2024 to over 65% across its global network in 2025. The surge highlights the growing appeal of its upgraded digital platforms and the success of recent user experience and digital marketing initiatives. During a recent promotional campaign, the airline recorded an unprecedented 15,000 website visits within a 30-minute window — its highest-ever online traffic.

“Reaching 91% direct channel share is more than a technological milestone; it reflects how our guests are embracing a more connected travel experience,” said Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air. “Less than two years ago, we were well behind our peers. These results show how far we’ve come, and our focus now is on building smarter systems that enhance efficiency and deliver a seamless, connected experience across every touchpoint.”

The airline has also expanded its digital portfolio with the launch of Oman Air Holidays, an integrated platform developed in partnership with TUI. The new service offers customizable travel packages combining flights, hotels, and curated experiences — supporting Oman Air’s goal of promoting Oman as a premier leisure destination.

Through continued investment in automation, data analytics, and advanced digital tools, Oman Air is positioning itself as a modern, customer-centric carrier — driving operational excellence and setting new standards in airline digital transformation.

SalamAir has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion and strengthening direct international connectivity from Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

The new Salalah-based operation will initially serve three international destinations: Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Chattogram in Bangladesh and Calicut in India. Bookings opened on August 26, with flights scheduled to begin from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.

The base follows SalamAir’s expanded operations during the 2026 Khareef season, when the airline increased capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route to as many as 15 daily flights during peak periods.

The airline also introduced special domestic fares for Omani nationals, with one-way tickets starting from OMR 9.99, supporting affordable travel between Muscat and Salalah.

The new base is expected to extend SalamAir’s role beyond the Khareef season by supporting year-round travel demand among residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while offering more direct access to key regional and international destinations.

Operations from Salalah will be supported by SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft, providing additional flexibility to support growing demand across its network.

During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter flights linking Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia.

The Salalah base forms part of SalamAir’s wider strategy to expand its network from key airports across Oman, develop underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand while supporting the growth of the Sultanate’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Source: ZAWYA

Kenya Airways is expected to announce details of potential new investors within weeks as the loss-making carrier seeks fresh capital to ease debt pressures, return grounded aircraft to service and fund its restructuring programme.

Chairman Kiprono Kittony said the airline has received interest from both local and international investors willing to provide capital and other resources.

The planned investment comes as Kenya Airways faces rising fuel costs, maintenance delays and shortages of spare parts that have constrained capacity despite strong passenger demand.

The carrier reported a pre-tax loss of 15.92 billion Kenyan shillings ($123 million) in the first half of 2026, compared with a loss of 12.17 billion shillings in the same period a year earlier.

Kenya Airways said fuel costs increased 72% during the first half of 2026 amid the Middle East conflict, with fuel accounting for up to half of its overall costs. The conflict also disrupted the delivery of spare parts and maintenance services.

Kittony said investors from the United States, China, South Africa and Singapore had expressed interest. The airline plans to conduct a transparent process because it is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

He said Kenya Airways expects to secure both a capital-raising partner and a strategic aviation partner.

A key element of the restructuring plan will involve strengthening the airline’s balance sheet, potentially including the conversion of principal debt owed to the Kenyan government and a consortium of local banks into equity.

The Kenyan government is currently the airline’s largest shareholder. Kittony stressed that maintaining significant government ownership would be important to preserving Kenya Airways’ status as the country’s national carrier.

Source: ZAWYA