OMAN Air and Qatar Airways have announced a codeshare agreement, allowing Oman Air's customers to book flights from any of the 42 departure points within its network to Doha, the capital of Qatar. The codeshare agreement is effective immediately and customers can now book flights through local outlets or by visiting www.omanair.com. Announcing the codeshare, Wayne Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said: “We are delighted to be joining with Qatar Airways to offer even greater choice, value and convenience for our customers. This codeshare will make travel within the Gulf region easier, effectively extending Oman Air's network. Both Oman Air and Qatar Airways offer customers extremely high standards of comfort and service, so I am pleased that we are now offering this great opportunity and am sure that it will prove to be an outstanding success.” Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is pleased to partner with Oman Air to provide passengers with extensive choice and flexibility when planning their travel schedules.” “Qatar Airways is focused on delivering its signature five-star service to its passengers, as well as an extensive network of destinations to choose from, which is further enhanced with this new partnership,” he added. Throughout 2012, Oman Air has continued to expand its fleet and network, and it now flies to 42 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. Announcements about new destinations and aircraft, in addition to the previously-announced order for six Boing B787 Dreamliners, will be made over coming months. The airline's rise as a luxury international carrier has seen the unveiling of spacious First Class, Business Class and Economy Class cabins, the introduction of the world's first complete inflight connectivity service – which enables passengers to use their mobile phones, check emails and surf the internet – and the opening of stunning new First Class, Business Class and Majan airport lounges at Muscat. International acclaim has followed, with Oman Air winning an average of one award per month for the last three years, including World's Best Business Class Airline Seat for two years running at Skytrax's World Airline Awards, where, in 2012, Oman Air was also awarded top 10 positions within a further eight categories. — SG
