Oman Air celebrated in style at this year's World Travel Market. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman shared with guests its unprecedented awards success over the last 12 months. And in a move aimed to reciprocate the airline's success, Oman Air used the occasion of WTM to announce the winners of its own brand-new awards program, the Oman Air Media Awards UK. Since last year's highly successful participation in World Travel Market, Oman Air has scooped numerous international awards, been named in an array of magazine ‘Top 10' lists and received praise from customers and travel trade representatives alike. Furthermore, Oman Air's own Extreme Sailing Series crew has competed globally to great acclaim, and Oman Air-sponsored Omani motorsports ace Ahmad Al Harthy was named as the winner of the 2014 British GT Championship following a series of spectacular drives. Ahmad's Aston Martin Vantage, resplendent in Oman Air's colours, provided the perfect backdrop for the announcement of the winners of the Oman Air Media Awards UK. This is the first time that these awards are being presented, and the outstanding work of UK journalists and bloggers who have written about Oman, Oman Air and the airline's sports sponsorship is being recognized. The winners of each of the four categories of the awards went ahead for consideration as overall winner of the Oman Air Media Awards UK, with the successful writer taking home a fabulous long weekend for two in Oman. Business Class return flights with Oman Air will ensure that the winner's luxury break will start in style as soon as they arrive at Heathrow for their flight to Muscat. The winning entries to the Oman Air Media Awards UK were announced at a reception on Oman Air's landmark white stand from 4pm on the second day of WTM, Tuesday 4th November. Prizes were presented in the presence of VIP guests from Oman and the UK. Mohammed Al Shikely, General Manager Marketing at Oman Air, said: “Oman Air is delighted to have participated in World Travel Market once again, which is perhaps one of the greatest events of its kind in the world. And, following a year in which we have been honored by more awards than ever before, it is only fitting that we recognize the invaluable role that the UK's journalists and bloggers have played in the success of Oman Air, and of the destination of the Sultanate of Oman.” “The media has raised awareness of Oman Air as world-class airline of First Choice. It has also offered a window onto the awe-inspiring beauty, timeless heritage and rich culture of Oman. As a result, Oman Air has carried more passengers to more destinations over the last 12 months, than at any previous time in our history. Furthermore, over the last year the Sultanate of Oman has welcomed more visitors than ever before.” “So we are delighted to announce the first winners of the Oman Air Media Awards UK and recognizing the outstanding contributions made by Britain's journalists and bloggers.” Oman Air's celebrations also mark the start of the airline's latest phase of major expansion. The first of the airline's 24 new aircraft has already arrived at Oman Air's home base in Muscat. The brand new Boeing B737-800 will be followed over the next three years by a further nine B737-800s, five B737-900s, three Airbus A330s and six Boeing B787 Dreamliners. — SG
