How Oman’s First Low-Cost Airline Transformed from Private Venture to State-Backed Carrier
In short: Headquartered at Muscat International Airport, SalamAir launched in 2017 to bring budget travel to the Sultanate. Originally a private project backed by a government-linked investment partnership, the airline has evolved into a strategic national asset, recently coming under majority state control to reshape the future of Omani aviation.
The origins of SalamAir trace back to 2015, when Oman’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation sought to introduce a low-cost commercial operator to the country. A government tender was awarded in January 2016 to the Muscat National Development & Infrastructure Company, known as ASAAS. This entity, established in 2014, represented a collaborative investment effort between the Oman Investment Authority, the Muscat Municipality, and several pension funds. This foundation allowed the airline to secure its first three Airbus A320-200 aircraft, leased from the South American LATAM Group.
Operational life began in earnest on November 18, 2016, when the inaugural aircraft arrived in Muscat to mark the nation's National Day. Commercial service commenced shortly after on January 30, 2017, with domestic flights connecting Muscat and Salalah. International expansion followed quickly, with the first cross-border route to Dubai launching on February 28, 2017. While the airline initially utilized Dubai World Central, operations shifted to Dubai International Airport by October of that same year. Since those early days, the network has expanded significantly, now reaching more than 32 destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
A major shift in the airline's corporate structure occurred on March 26, 2026, when the Omani government purchased a 90% stake in the company. This move was designed to foster a more cohesive aviation sector by aligning the budget carrier with Oman Air, the national flag carrier. Leadership has also seen transitions, with Yaqoob bin Saif bin Hamoud Al Kiyum serving as CEO as of August 2026. He follows a line of previous executives, including Adrian Hamilton-Manns and Captain Mohamed Ahmed, who guided the airline through its rapid growth phase.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: SalamAir
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