Oman Air’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off to the skies yesterday for its inaugural flight from Muscat to Salalah in the sultanate.

The flight was hosted by Oman Air’s chief executive officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, and members of his senior management team, accompanied by VIPs, high-ranking government officials, and dignitaries from public and private sector organisations.

Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi, chief executive officer of Oman's Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) was the guest of honour at the ceremony.

Paul Gregorowitsch said: “This is the first chance we have had to demonstrate the exceptional passenger experience that Oman Air’s Dreamliner offers. It is also a wonderful opportunity to for us to thank the people of Salalah for their invaluable support by enabling them to become some of the first in the world to see our Dreamliner in action.”

Oman Air’s Dreamliner offers just 18 seats in Business Class, each of which has an 80-inch pitch, provides direct aisle access and converts to a fully lie-flat bed. A 17-inch personal monitor enables access to the aircraft’s state-of-the-art inflight entertainment (IFE) technology, with its huge range of the latest movies, music, games and information. And Economy Class also offers high levels of space and comfort. The 249 seats are fitted in a 3-3-3 configuration and each sits within a 31-inch pitch. IFE is offered via a seat-back mounted, 10.6 inch LCD screen. Seats in both Business and Economy also offer two USB ports and access to power outlets, enabling passengers to use personal devices such as smartphones and laptops with ease and convenience.

“The Dreamliner features Oman Air’s newly-designed, spacious and comfortable Business Class and Economy Class cabins, which ensure a relaxing and enjoyable flight. In addition, it offers the latest inflight entertainment technology, delicious inflight dining and, of course, our world-renowned Omani hospitality,” he said

Furthermore, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s innovative use of carbon composites within its airframe results in a weight reduction that means that the aircraft uses 20 per cent less fuel than similarly sized aircraft. It also offers 40 per cent more range, produces 20 per cent fewer emissions and generates a 60 per cent smaller noise footprint than other aircraft in its class. On-board, the aircraft offers improved air quality, higher air pressure and more natural light. – TradeArabia News Service