In a major move to promote affordable international travel, Oman Air has launched its all-economy, 189-seat Boeing 737 Max aircraft on flights to Kozhikode and Lucknow, aiming to meet the high demand for air travel.
Kozhikode in Kerala and Lucknow in UP are the two Indian cities among the first to be served by the all economy aircraft which will be part of the airline’s sub-fleet Oman Air Connect. The first of five Boeing 737 Max planes, designed with only economy class seating, began flying this month. The airline intends to use these planes on routes to countries in the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and within the West Asia region. Until now, Oman Air has been operating flights from Muscat to two Indian destinations using Boeing 737 planes that have either 162 or 183 seats, with a dual-class configuration (a mix of economy and business class seating).
How Many Flights Are Operated By Oman Air
According to Businessline report, The Oman Air operates 96 flights every week to ten Indian cities. This move comes as a response to growing competition and changing travel trends. While airlines have reduced the number of flights between India and Oman by 10% compared to last year, the overall capacity for flights to the West Asia region has increased by 5%. Other airlines, like Air India Express, Akasa Air, and IndiGo, have added more flights, mostly to destinations like Abu Dhabi and Dammam.
Why The Demand Is High On This Route
Businessline Report says that Flights from Muscat to Kozhikode and Lucknow are consistently packed, with load factors often in the high 80s or even over 90%. The demand on these routes is largely fueled by people visiting friends and relatives, as well as religious and medical tourism. By operating a 189-seat aircraft, Oman Air aims to better meet this demand while offering competitive fares. Despite the all-economy setup, the airline will continue to serve complimentary meals and drinks, maintaining its high service standards.
Oman Air is also getting ready to roll out upgraded in-flight entertainment, promising a more modern and engaging experience for passengers onboard.
