Oman’s Salam Air wants share in tourist traffic

Oman’s first low-cost carrier Salam Air arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday on its inaugural flight to its 26th destination with the aim of seeing an increase in tourist traffic by 10 per cent year on year between Muscat and Colombo.

By Sunimalee Dias

The airline’s CEO Capt. Mohammed Ahmed speaking with the Business Times on the sidelines of the ceremony organised to mark the carrier’s inaugural flight to Colombo said that they eye potential for growth in Sri Lanka and believe there could be an increase of 10 per cent in tourist traffic from Muscat to Colombo year on year.

“Sri Lanka stands out as a good tourist destination,” he said and pointed out that this airline would also provide an opportunity for the Sri Lankan community in Oman to find an affordable way of travelling.

Salam Air is a joint venture with 70 per cent ownership held by private sector businesses and 30 per cent by the government and has been established since the low cost market has been seen as generating the biggest growth.

As a low – cost carrier the airline ensures that passengers pay for their food, baggage, seat selection, insurance cover and car hire, the CEO explained adding that they will be adding on an eighth aircraft to its existing seven and three more due next year. The airline operates on Airbus 320 neo which are 20 per cent more fuel efficient, it was pointed out.