12-Oct-2009 11:33 AM
Oman Air to longer lease aircraft from Nov-2009
Oman Air CEO, Peter Hill, announced the carrier will no longer lease aircraft from 22-Nov-09, returning its last A330 to Jet Airways (Reuters, 11-Oct-09). The carrier recently acquired its third A330 from Airbus and expects to take delivery of an additional four by Mar-2011. Mr Hill stated Oman Air will finance the purchase of the seven A330s over the next two years, valued up to USD700 million, supported by the European Export Credit Agency (ECA). Mr Hill added capacity (ASKs) would rise 27% year-on-year in 2009 and the carrier is targeting an average seat factor of 70%.