Oman – An Over View & Privatization of Seeb International Airport, Muscat

Oman’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean has led to the development of Oman as the Eastern trading and aviation hub of the Arabian Gulf providing connecting / feeder traffic from the Indian Subcontinent and S.E Asia in the south to Europe in the North. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is the most developed city and central point of economic activity with a fully equipped modern international Airport and Port.

Oman Airports Management Company ( OAMC ):

Oman’s economy has shown a steady growth over the past 30 years, with the government of Oman encouraging private and foreign investment into the country. The privatization of Salalah and Seeb International Airport in the Sultanate of Oman, has led to the formation of Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), responsible for the management, development and growth of traffic in the two airports

OAMC is made up of five principal shareholders namely:

• BAA plc (25%)
• Bahwan Trading Co (35%)
• ABB (15%)
• Government of the Sultanate of Oman (20%)
• Oman Aviation Services (5%)

The concession agreement, valid for a period of 25 years, came into effect from January 21st 2002. During the contract the company plans to invest over 100 million Omani Riyals transforming both airports into world class facilities, with a redeveloped terminal building, landside and airside facilities including nine aircraft jetties. Safety of operations and Superior quality services for customers are the two highest priorities on the OAMC agenda.

OAMC is working closely with its airlines and tour operators to develop scheduled and non-scheduled services to the Sultanate of Oman. This beautiful country has great tourism potential and a partnership with the Government and the industry will produce rapid increases in air traffic as awareness of the country’s attractions grow.

Oman Aviation Services ( OAS ):

Oman Aviation Services (OAS) is the sole service provider of airport handling facilities for all international carriers including Indian Airlines, Air India, British Airways, KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Gulf Air, Swiss Air, Oman Air and many others operating out of Seeb International airport

OAS’s commitment to quality and level of standards is visible through the many awards won in recognition for the performance and services provided by the units of Oman Aviation Services to various international airlines.

British Airways Catering Performance Bond Certificate, IATA AHS 1000 certificate, Emirate Punctuality certificate and many others.

OAS was established in 1981 and has come a long way since then. It has equipped itself to meet today’s demand, while being completely in tune with an anticipated future. Today the volume of trade in Middle East has increased exponentially with ever more cargo and passenger traffic in exchange across the region.

Oman Aviation has dedicated business units, which aim to provide professional and customer friendly service through concerted efforts of staff and management for all Passengers and Airlines operating out of Seeb International Airport.

Ground Handling Business Unit: Operates 2 units offering services and facilities of highest international standards.

Ramp Services:

1. Aircraft Loading / Unloading
2. Provision of Passenger steps / High Lift
3. Cabin cleaning / Toilet /Water services
4. Interline Baggage transfer
5. ULD Inventory control
6. Crew transport

Passenger Services:

1. Automated Baggage tracing system
2. Computerized Passenger Check-in
3. Special Passenger Handling
4. Passenger Interline transfer services
5. Crew administration
6. Meet & Assist services.

Catering Business Unit:

The new OAS Catering Unit, covering an area of 10,000 sq m., is one of the most advanced in the Gulf. The unit is equipped with the latest in kitchen technology and has a production capacity of 15,000 meals per day. Every batch of food is regularly sampled and analyzed in a fully manned Hygiene department with Laboratory 360 professional work round the clock to provide world class catering support to major international airlines. Over 40 menus are prepared daily, catering to various standards and specifications of different airlines.

The Catering unit also manages the New Duty Free shops located in the shopping complex of the Arrival and Departure Lounge of Seeb International Airport.

Rights to operate the DUTY FREE SHOPS at Seeb International Airport have been awarded to Oman Aviation Services by Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) with effect from March 26, 2002. Oman Aviation Services (OAS) – Catering Business unit, will now operate the retail outlets, located in the Duty Free Shopping complex of the Departure Lounge.

To meet demands of the international traveler, Oman Aviation Services provides the highest standard of customer service offering a wide variety of internationally acclaimed brands. Duty Free items include a full range of electronic audio-visual products, perfumes & cosmetics, traditional Omani heritage souvenirs, gold jewellery and other consumer durable items.

For greater shopping convenience major international credit cards and currencies are accepted at all Duty Free counters.

Customers can be assured of best value for money with the competitive prices provided by OAS, comparable to any other duty free shops within the Gulf region

Cargo Business Unit:

Cargo operations from Muscat are carried out from a modern cargo complex having a total area of 16,000 sq.m with a covered warehouse space of 4,000 sq.m. Special facilities exist for storage of perishable items like fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Infra structure and manpower is available to handle valuable and vulnerable goods, livestock, assembled vehicles and machinery. There also exists a dedicated warehouse for safe storage of radioactive materials, dangerous cargo and cold storage.

A major expansion program is under consideration to double the warehousing capacity, by the new OAMC management.

Ground Support Equipment Maintenance and Engineering Unit:

A team of highly skilled technicians carries out the handling and maintenance of equipment from Ground Handling, Catering, Cargo and Oman Air Hangar divisions. Provision of ad hoc services to Third parties like Royal Flight, Gulf Air and Oman Air is also carried out as and when required.

Salalah International Airport:

Salalah Airport is situated approximately 1040 kms away from Muscat towards the South of Oman. The airport is well established with specialized divisions for Ramp, Cargo and Catering services.

With an established Seaport, eminent Freeport and progressing Airport under the new Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC), it acts as a second gateway to the Sultanate of Oman, providing easy access for cargo to the North East African & Mediterranean countries.

Salalah also serves as a major destination for tourists visiting Oman with its lush green fields, mist shrouded mountains and waterfalls, particularly with the Khareef season in mid-summer, offering a cool and refreshing alternative to the peak season Middle East heat.

Oman Air:

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, now plays an important role in promoting Muscat as the major aviation hub in the Middle East. Oman Air alone operates 138 flights out of Muscat weekly operating to 11 countries and 20 destinations.

It currently operates direct international flights to major Gulf destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah and Kuwait from Muscat. The airline also flies to Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Thiruvanthapuram in the Indian Subcontinent and also to Karachi and Colombo.

Many new destinations have been added to the Oman Air network map like Mombassa in Kenya, Dar-es-Salaam & Zanzibar in Tanzania, Beirut in Lebanon and Cairo in Egypt.

Oman Air has carved a niche of its own among the Gulf airlines with its true hospitality and traditional warmth that is quintessentially Omani.

It re-dedicates itself to the service of customers, envisaging an increased role in the development of the Sultanate of Oman’s economy by facilitating and enhancing trade and tourism links.

E-mail: hamood@oas.com.om
website: http://www.oman-aviation.com