Oman's national carrier has ordered six units of Boeing's fuel-efficient 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft which recently entered commercial service, the two entities announced Monday at the Dubai Airshow. The six long-range wide-bodied units were already on order for ALAFCO leasing company and Oman Air has taken over the existing order, a statement said. “The airline completed an arrangement with Boeing and Kuwait-based leasing company ALAFCO to transfer existing orders for the six Dreamliners from ALAFCO to Oman Air,” the statement said. The catalogue price for the mid-size aircraft is $193.5 million, but no details were declared concerning the value of the deal. “Our decision to order the 787-8 is part of Oman Air's long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes,” said Peter Hill, chief executive officer of Oman Air in the statement. Established in 1993, Oman Air flies to 41 destinations. Boeing says the 787, built partly from lightweight composite materials, has a 20 percent greater fuel efficiency than similar-sized jets and can carry up to 50 percent more cargo, making it an attractive proposition for airlines facing soaring fuel costs. The Dreamliner also offers enhanced passenger comfort with higher cabin air pressure and humidity as well as much bigger windows, according to the manufacturer.
