Oman Air the national carrier of Oman celebrated its recently launched flights to Lahore and Islamabad with gala events hosted by the Management of Oman Air. In Islamabad, the occasion was held at Serena Hotel, whereas in Lahore, the Pearl Continental hotel hosted the function. A large number of Arab diplomats and the elite of both the destinations attended the dinner cocktail functions. Leaders of the travel and aviation industries were present too.

Commenting on the launch of operations, Peter Hill, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer said, “I am very pleased to finally be able to open this route officially. Lahore and Islamabad represents our 36th and 37th destinations respectively, and Oman Air’s second and third destination in Pakistan, after Karachi.                   

He said, “This route reflects Oman Air’s strong commitment to serve the people of Pakistan and provide a direct route from our country to these cities of Pakistan.”

From his side, General Sayed Athar Ali, Secretary of Defense, who attended the event in Islamabad, highlighted in his speech that the relations between Pakistan’s Civil Aviation and Oman Air have touched a great height. Gen. Sayed then commended Oman Air and the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman for their proactive role in enhancing mutual cooperation between Oman and Pakistan.

His Excellency Mohammad Bin Said Bin Mohammad Al-Lawati Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in Pakistan, stated that the addition of two new destinations in Pakistan to Oman Air’s network has special significance as the two countries continue to forge their economic connectivity and enhance their cooperation across several domains, air transport being an essential facilitator to such alliances.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Philippe Georgiou, Chief Officer Corporate Affairs said, “Expansion is the growth engine for the Oman Air during the recent years.”

He said that the addition of these two destinations, Islamabad and Lahore, would make Oman Air a pioneer in promoting and enhancing bilateral trade, business and tourism, especially in view of the commonalities between the two countries in terms of cultural heritage, historical exchange and the large representation of Pakistan in Oman’s labour infrastructure.

Earlier, Oman Air’s management held a press conference at the Serna Hotel on launching the two destinations of Islamabad and Lahore. A brief recent historical view and strategic positioning about Oman Air was given by Mr. Philippe Georgiou.

Georgiou stated:

“The new destinations of Islamabad and Lahore would help strengthening the bilateral ties. It is considered to be an invaluable move on behalf of Oman Air and the government of the Sultanate of Oman, especially when the airline industry faces difficult times. Indeed Oman Air has shown great confidence in Pakistan through the addition of these two destinations,” he said.

Addressing the guests and media in Lahore, Philippe Georgiou said that he believed the national carrier of Oman has included the best and latest aircrafts to its fleet. The Sultanate of Oman’s national airline made aviation history with the first successful flight to provide both wireless Internet and cell phone service to passengers. “We provide cutting edge technology because we want to be pioneers in whatever we do. You are fully connected just as you are on the ground, and I would expect the major carriers to follow quickly,” he concluded saying.