SalamAir, Oman’s first low-cost airline, has announced plans to grow its fleet by adding 10 new aircraft over the next three years, driven by a rising demand for affordable travel. The airline has officially requested 10 Airbus A320 planes from various leasing companies as part of its five-year growth strategy.
This year, SalamAir is set to receive two A321s, which will increase its fleet to 15 aircraft. By 2028, the airline aims to operate 25 A320s. The expansion comes at a time when Airbus and Boeing, the two dominant manufacturers of short- and medium-haul aircraft, are under significant pressure to meet the demand for new planes.
“Our return to the low-fare model has been very successful, with full flights and greater demand than we can currently accommodate,” said CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns. The growth will allow SalamAir to expand its domestic and regional flight offerings, as well as introduce new destinations.
The increased fleet size is expected to boost tourism to Oman and contribute to faster growth in the country’s travel sector. Hamilton-Manns also noted that other airlines are shifting towards low-cost models to meet demand, which will foster healthy competition, ultimately benefiting consumers with lower fares.
In 2024, SalamAir’s passenger volume surged by 20%, reaching over 3.2 million passengers compared to the previous year.
In contrast, Oman Air recently reduced its fleet size by 29% in an effort to cut losses. Meanwhile, in May 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced an investment opportunity for a new low-cost airline operator in Oman, signaling increasing competition in the Middle East’s aviation industry.
With the introduction of Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Riyadh Air, in 2026, alongside major players like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, the competition in the region’s aviation market is expected to intensify. Additionally, the CAA chairman, Naif Al Abri, confirmed that plans are underway to design six new airports, most of which are expected to be operational by 2028 and 2029.
