Latest news with #Sindbad
Times of Oman
01-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Air joins oneworld alliance, unlocking global travel access
MUSCAT: In a move hailed as transformative for both the airline and the Sultanate, Oman Air on Monday officially joined the oneworld alliance, becoming the 15th member of one of the world's premier global airline networks. The development marks not just a new chapter for Oman Air but also a milestone in the country's broader vision to position itself as a globally connected economic and tourism hub. The announcement, made during a media briefing in Muscat attended by top executives from Oman Air and oneworld, caps a rigorous two-year integration effort. For Oman Air, it signals the culmination of a bold transformation strategy — one that positions the carrier firmly among the world's top-tier airlines, offering seamless access to over 900 destinations across 170 countries through a network of 2,700 aircraft. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper story: one of ambition, precision, and strategic alignment. Oman Air, once a regional player, is now poised to leverage the power of global partnerships, turbocharge its loyalty offering, and reshape the way Oman connects with the world. 'This is a proud day not only for Oman Air but for the nation of Oman,' said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. 'Joining oneworld is more than a commercial decision — it's a strategic alignment, a meeting of minds, and a major leap forward for our global ambitions. It strengthens our Sindbad loyalty programme, enhances our network footprint, and gives our guests seamless travel options and world-class benefits.' A strategic step for a mid-sized airline Describing Oman Air's entry as 'transformative,' Korfiatis emphasised the smart strategy behind joining a global alliance instead of expanding unilaterally. 'As a mid-sized airline surrounded by some of the largest carriers in the world, we couldn't — and shouldn't — try to fly everywhere ourselves. oneworld gives us immediate access to a global footprint in a single strategic step. This is about commercial strength, systems integration, and delivering on Oman's Vision 2040,' Korfiatis added. Oman Air's oneworld membership opens up seamless booking options, priority benefits, and frequent flyer reciprocity with other alliance members. Guests can now accrue and redeem miles across the network and enjoy nearly 700 premium lounges worldwide, including new flagship lounges at Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Incheon (Seoul). 'From today, travellers from the US, Japan, Australia and beyond can enjoy smooth connections into Oman,' said Michael Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air. 'Our 42 direct routes across 22 countries are now connected to 900 global destinations. This is not just a symbolic moment — it's a business milestone. We dated many alliances, but oneworld was clearly the best fit.' Rutter highlighted enhanced connectivity to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and North America, adding that the alliance would support Oman's inbound tourism and economic diversification goals. 'This partnership means transformational access to the Far East and the Americas. Oman Air today is a different airline from two years ago — fighting fit, commercially focused, and ready to compete globally.' The airline also reaffirmed that its upcoming non-stop Muscat–Amsterdam route (launching 1 July 2025) and expanded double-daily Muscat–London service align with oneworld's seamless connectivity goals. One alliance, one vision Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld, joined virtually from Dallas, congratulating Oman Air on its successful integration and praising its strategic value. 'Oman Air brings both award-winning service and unique geography to the oneworld table,' Pieper said. 'Global alliances are especially crucial for mid-sized airlines looking to spread their wings. We are proud to welcome Oman Air as our 15th member — and the right fit.' Pieper emphasised the alliance's philosophy of 'quality over quantity'. 'Some alliances have more members, but oneworld's 15 airlines cover 94% of global air travel demand. That's because we focus on performance, alignment, and value —not just numbers. With 15 members, we have just the right balance for meaningful collaboration and customer benefit.' The addition of Oman Air comes with renewed commitment to regional cooperation, especially with fellow oneworld members Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian. 'This isn't about competition. It's about smart, cooperative growth,' Pieper noted. 'oneworld is a permissive alliance. Our members are free to work with non-alliance partners too. We encourage what's best for airlines, customers and profitability.' Korfiatis echoed this sentiment, highlighting the complementary roles of Oman Air and its regional peers. 'Our differentiation is Oman itself. While others offer hub transits, we offer direct access to one of the world's most stunning and welcoming destinations.' The alignment with oneworld will also enhance Oman Air's Sindbad loyalty programme, which will now offer reciprocal benefits with other oneworld carriers under Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby tiers. 'This strengthens Sindbad, making it a truly global programme,' Korfiatis confirmed. 'In the next six months, expect to see even more enhancements rolled out.' Rutter also announced the launch of a new digital stopover programme, which has already sold 8,000 packages, allowing travellers to explore Oman before continuing their journeys. 'We're investing in adventure tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions), and stopovers as a key economic driver. Oman Air is working with Visit Oman and global operators to bring the world to Oman in new ways,' Rutter said. 'This isn't just a celebration — it's the beginning of a journey,' said Korfiatis. 'We're ready to fly farther, smarter, and together.'
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman Air set to join Oneworld Alliance today
Oman Air will join the Oneworld alliance on June 30, offering integration of loyalty programmes and IT systems, and bookings across partner airlines. Oman Air will integrate its Sindbad Gold and Silver programs with Oneworld's Saphaire and Ruby. Earlier speaking to the Observer, Con Korfiatis,CEO, Oman Air, said, 'Joining the Oneworld alliance significantly enhances our network footprint, through the alliance partnerships, because we'll never be the size of an airline where we fly to every point in the world. We will rely on partners to assist in offering a broader network to offer to our customer base. We already have some relationships with some of the Oneworld members, but it's going to be significantly expanded.' He added, 'Going back double daily into London in October will help in terms of opening up connectivity to North and South America as well, and again through our alliance partners.' According to the CEO, 'In terms of airlines flying into Muscat, that decision has to be made by them. But obviously through their distribution and our connectivity and the broader network, we are driving more passengers onto the aircraft, which allows us to grow as well, whether it's coming in on our partners' flights or it's coming in through us operating more flights and having more aircraft in time as well.' Korfiatis said, 'The new Dreamliner aircraft will be operated to Amsterdam from July 1. We will be looking at more aircraft in 2026-27 and are not worried about not having enough aircraft. If we've got the business and the traffic, the fulfilment of aircraft are not is not going to be a problem.' The airline will offer 15 or 16 percent more seats than last year to Salalah. Screenshot 2025-06-30 100606 Oneworld is a global airline alliance consisting of 14 member airlines. It was founded on February 1, 1999. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
See - Sada Elbalad
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Marwan Pablo Gets Married in Private Wedding
Yara Sameh Egyptian rapper Marwan Pablo married a woman from the outside of showbiz in an intimate ceremony on Sunday. The ceremony was confided to the couple's family and close friends. While Pablo had not shared photos of the wedding on social media, the news of his marriage broke out after a photo from the ceremony went viral online. Born in Alexandria in 1996, Pablo is one of the most trending rappers in Egypt. He is considered one of the major talents of the new generation of trap/hip-hop musical landscape in Egypt. Pablo released several hits such as "El Gemeza", 'El Gholaf – Osiris', 'Sindbad', and 'Abu Maka'. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
CairoScene
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Hawas Charts a New Course on ‘Seka Gedida' EP
The Egyptian group is shedding old skin and forging a new way of being a rock band in today's age, after being residents of the alternative music scene for over 10 years now. May 07, 2025 Shortly after releasing 'Sindbad', a politically-charged tune inspired by the words of the late Egyptian poet Ahmed Fouad Negm, Hawas have released their latest EP, 'Seka Gedida' - and as the name suggests, it's taking them on a new path. The three-track EP, penned entirely by the band's frontman and lead vocalist Mohamoud Khateeb, delves into themes of longing, relationships, self-reflection and inner turmoil through introspective lyricism and emotive melodies. While the band's distinguished sound remains intact, particularly in the production of tracks like 'El Saqya' and 'Berahty', there's a noticeable maturity as they experiment with a wider range of oriental instruments, sounds and arrangements. 'Bashawer' is a standout track on the record, fully embodying the eponymous new direction that the band has taken. They step away from their established funky approach for a more stripped-down and hauntingly melancholic production, carried out by intricate blues-scented oud arrangements that launch you straight into the pain in Khateeb's heart-wrenching vocals, as he reflects on his heartbreak and struggle with depression.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman Air launches flights to Amsterdam
Muscat: Oman Air has announced the launch of fights between Muscat and Amsterdam, marking the airline's 11th destination in Europe. Starting 1 July 2025, the airline will fly direct between Muscat and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol four times per week. The new route was announced at a signing ceremony attended by Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oman Air, and Pieter van Oord, CEO of Royal Schiphol Group, during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to the Netherlands. 'We're proud to enter Amsterdam, marking our first direct connection to this vibrant city. As we continue to grow, we focus on destinations that not only align with our strategic goals but also offer long-term opportunities for tourism and business exchange. Europe is our second largest market in terms of revenue and Amsterdam represents a key hub in the region for business and leisure travel. Moreover, the growing economic ties with Oman make it an ideal addition to our expanding European network,' said Con Korfiatis. Pieter van Oord added, 'We are delighted to welcome Oman Air to Amsterdam and have a direct connection between Amsterdam and Muscat. This direct link marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties between our two countries and enhancing connectivity for travellers in both directions. I am convinced that both countries will benefit from this connection.' Amsterdam will mark the first new route after Oman Air joins the oneworld Alliance, the benefits of which will include access to the oneworld Lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for Business Class, oneworld Emerald & Sapphire and Sindbad Gold & Silver customers. The Muscat-Amsterdam service, which will initially run during the summer season, will be operated by the latest generation B787-9 aircraft. Offering seamless connectivity to Muscat and over 40 destinations beyond, including Thailand, Zanzibar, Indonesia, India and Malaysia, guests can enjoy Oman Air's award-winning service and signature Omani hospitality, ensuring an unforgettable journey from start to finish. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
