SalamAir (OV, Muscat) plans to add ten additional A320 aircraft to its fleet over the next three years as it pushes ahead with plans to open more routes and expand its network, the Omani low-cost carrier said in a press release. It has placed "a formal request with multiple aircraft leasing companies" to help it meet its growth targets over the coming five-year period.
The airline says the introduction of low starting fares has led to a "surge" in demand. Passenger numbers rose 20% to 3.2 million in 2024 compared to the previous year.
"Our return to our low-fare approach has been highly successful, with full aircraft and more demand than we can meet," said SalamAir CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns, adding that the carrier plans to launch flights to destinations currently unserved by airlines.
The airline's active fleet comprises six A320-200Ns, five A321-200Ns, two A321-200NX(LR)s, and one A321-200(P2F). Five E195-E2s are still to be delivered.
SalamAir shelved earlier plans to lease A330-900Ns in favour of adding further A321neo(LR)s which it says "are doing a great job". The airline expects to take delivery of two new A321LRs in 2025, increasing the total active fleet to 16 aircraft.
From its hub at Muscat, the LCC serves 39 destination in 16 countries, including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Chennai, Colombo International, Delhi International, Doha Hamad International, Dubai International, Giza, Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen and Jeddah International, as well as domestic destinations in Oman. In November 2024, Oman's Civil Aviation Authority approved three new international routes for the airline to Yerevan, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta, and Mogadishu.
