Oman Air to return to profitability by 2014

Oman Air CEO, Peter Hill, stated the carrier's 2009 loss is "roughly within" what was expected, while it aims to return to profitability by 2014 (Reuters 14-Mar-2010). The carrier reported a loss of USD109.1 million in 2008. On fleet, Mr Hill added there could be a case for A330s if the long-haul business "starts to take-off again". The carrier currently operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, comprising four A320s and 15 B737s. It has orders for 17 aircraft, including A330-300s and six B787s. Oman Air's first B787 is expected in 2014.

Oman Air: "The focus is now on being self-supporting, paying back the government its funding and showing that you can run a profitable airline, even if it is a government-owned one, in that region. For 2009, the figure is roughly within what we thought wed be losing. If long-haul business starts to really take off again, there could be a case for more A330s. But at this stage there are no plans," Peter Hill, CEO. Source: Reuters, 14-Mar-2010.