What it's like to fly first class on Oman Air

Rosie Fitzmaurice
Sunday 13 May 2018 11:23 BST
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Passenger's first class suite on Oman Air
Passenger's first class suite on Oman Air (Oman Air)

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Oman Air may not be as well known as some of its Middle Eastern competitors, but it was just crowned the region's leading airline for business and economy by the World Travel Awards — and it also just so happens to have unveiled a new first class offering.

As the Arab country is a destination increasingly on the radar of travellers looking for a unique adventure, we decided to find out what it's like to fly on the airline.

From Arabic coffee served from opulent-looking pots to new first class private suites featuring fully flat beds, the offering looks fairly luxurious — and with an expansion programme in place, the airline is set to operate up to 70 aircraft to around 60 destinations by 2022.

Oman Air, a lesser-known carrier than some of its Middle Eastern competitors, was just crowned the region's leading airline for both business class and economy by the World Travel Awards.

It comes at a time when the Arab country is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travellers looking for a unique adventure.

Oman Air is the national airline for the Sultanate of Oman.

The airline began operating at the new passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport in March, and it looks pretty fancy, complete with giant indoor palm trees.

The airport has a shiny new premium lounge for business and first class passengers.

Guests can enjoy a selection of food and drinks in the lounge. There's also a luggage room, entertainment area, smoking room, prayer rooms, business centre, play area, nap area, shower facilities, and a wellness area.

First class guests can also take advantage of the personal chef, a limousine service (from lounge to aircraft), and relaxation rooms.

On board, premium (first and business class) guests will be greeted with a 'warm Omani welcome,' and a cup of Arabic coffee poured from an opulent looking pot and a sweet treat of dates.

First and business class passengers can also enjoy a selection of fine wines and champagnes while in the air, all of which are served in Oman Air's signature patterned glassware.

The airline also offers guests a variety of teas and coffee, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

The crew wear blue uniforms, with the female flight attendants wearing matching blue hats.

Like all good airlines, Oman Air's pilots appear to be partial to a selfie.

The airline has just revealed a new first class private suite on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner which features a fully flat bed and an electrically controlled privacy divider.

According to the airline's website, it will receive the first of three 787-9 Dreamliners on order in June, two of which will have the new first class product with eight fully private mini suites.

Inside, it's pretty spacious. The suite features a 22-inch flat screen, cocktail table, USB, and power outlets, among other functions.

Passenger's first class suite on Oman Air
Passenger's first class suite on Oman Air (Oman Air)

Business passengers travelling on Oman Air's 787-9 Dreamliner benefit from quite a lot of privacy, too, via the Apex business suites.

The airline offers both modern and traditional fine dining and Arabic signature dishes in its premium class cabins. First class passengers also have the option to request specially designed meals online in advance.

In addition to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Oman Air serves a number of European cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Munich, and Zurich.

Premium passengers who fly Oman are invited to use the Cathay Pacific lounge at Paris CDG airport, pictured above.

The airline is currently implementing a fleet and network expansion programme, which will see it operate up to 70 aircraft to around 60 destinations by 2022.

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2018. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.

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