It’s official: Oman Air will join the Oneworld Alliance.
The Muscat-based airline, and the national flag carrier of Oman, will join the alliance in 2024.
“We’re delighted to be joining the world’s foremost airline alliance at a time when demand for travel is on the rise,” said Eng Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO at Oman Air. “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.”
Here’s what this means for you and any potential trips you might have with Oman Air.
Oman Air Set to Officially Join Oneworld
Oman Air is not just any old airline — it’s a “boutique” airline that really stands out from the crowd in the ways you’d expect from a Middle Eastern airline, such as incredible inflight service and decadent dining.
Once Oman Air becomes an official member of the alliance, it will join Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian as the third Oneworld member airline in the Middle East.
“We are delighted that Oman Air has chosen Oneworld as its global airline alliance partner,” said Rob Gurney, CEO at Oneworld. “With its network in Muscat and award-winning customer service, Oman Air will reinforce our position as the premier airline alliance for global travellers.”
Oman Air also brings with it new destinations to the Oneworld Alliance’s network including Duqm (DQM), a port town on Oman’s central-eastern coastline coast, and Khasab (KHS) on the country’s Musandam peninsula.
Chittagong (CGP) in Bangladesh will also become a Oneworld destination for the first time ever.
The addition of Oman Air to the alliance also brings with it newfound access to Oman Air’s lounges in Bangkok (BKK), Muscat (MCT), and Salalah (SLL) for all Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, as well as premium cabin flyers.
As originally planned, Oman has enlisted the help of fellow Oneworld member Qatar Airways to act as a sponsor while the airline integrates into the airline alliance.
Oman Air and Qatar Airways are already closely linked, so strengthening their bond by both being members of Oneworld is a logical progression.
How To Fly Oman Air
The Omani carrier doesn’t offer any direct flights to North America (though it just formed a partnership with Star Alliance member Air Canada), which means most Americans will likely have yet to experience its wonderful business class.
The carrier’s business class Apex Suites onboard its 9 Boeing 787 Dreamliners boast “incredible space, privacy, [a] comfy flatbed, and decent storage,” according to Upgraded Points writer Greg Stone.
Oman Air Boeing 787-9 business class. Image Credit: Greg Stone
The aircraft currently operates from Muscat (MCT) to Bangkok (BKK), London (LHR), and Paris (CDG). This means travelers wishing to travel from the U.S. to Oman and beyond would be able to fly American Airlines to London or Paris and connect seamlessly onto an Oman Air flight to Muscat (MCT).
Some details are yet to be confirmed, like whether it will possible to earn and redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles when flying Oman Air. However, one thing is for sure — Avios will become a valid miles currency for redeeming Oman Air flights as Avios are a primary mileage currency used by Oneworld members British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways.
Hot Tip: Learn everything you need to know about the Oneworld alliance, including partners, status levels, and benefits.
Final Thoughts
Oman Air will be the 15th full member of the Oneworld Alliance when it joins in 2024.
With new Oneworld destinations, new lounges to visit, and new ways to redeem miles, we are counting down the days for Oman to join Oneworld.
Featured Image Credit:
Oman Air
