Oman Air will join oneworld in 2024, becoming the latest Middle Eastern airline to enter the alliance and will be the third new member of the alliance in five years.
The news was announced at IATA’s 78th Annual General Meeting in Doha, where the Muscat-based airline was elected as a oneworld member designated by the oneworld governing board, comprising the chief executives of all oneworld member airlines.
Qatar Airways, which joined oneworld in 2013, will act as Oman Air’s sponsor, providing the airline with guidance and support as it integrates into the alliance.
@omanair will join the #oneworldalliance, further strengthening the premier #airline alliance’s leading position in the #MiddleEast.
#OmanAir’s entry into #oneworld will provide customers even more flight options & benefits.Learn more: https://t.co/C0aamPPENc#IATAAGM pic.twitter.com/vK6dnV0Vcm
— oneworld Alliance (@traveloneworld) June 20, 2022
In May 2021, Oneworld named Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker as Governing Board Chairman of the airline alliance.
Oman Air is expected to join the alliance in 2024, with members of the carrier’s Sindbad frequent flyer programme able to earn and redeem miles across the alliance’s member airlines.
Oman Air will add new destinations to the oneworld network, including Duqm and Khasab in Oman and Chittagong (Bangladesh). oneworld Emerald, Oneworld Sapphire and premium cabin customers will also gain access to three Oman Air lounges at Muscat, Salalah and Bangkok.
“Passengers of Oman Air will be offered a seamless travel journey, connecting them to more than 900 destinations across 170 countries. As the Chairman of oneworld, we look forward to welcoming Oman Air into our alliance as they will bring great benefits, allowing passengers to discover not just a new member with an excellent reputation, but a beautiful country,” oneworld governing board chairman and Qatar Airways group executive Akbar Al Baker said in a press release.
Oman Air CEO Eng Abdulaziz Al Raisi said: “We’re delighted to be joining the world’s foremost airline alliance at a time when demand for travel is on the rise. We look forward to welcoming oneworld members onboard Oman Air to experience the height of Omani hospitality and all that the Sultanate of Oman has to offer in terms of history, culture and natural beauty.”