AVIATION

Oman Air successfully showcased at ITB

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, announced its successful participation at the ITB Berlin which concluded recently. Guests from the travel trade, media and general public, visited the Oman Air stall at the ITB.

Showcasing its multi-award-winning products and services, Oman Air hosted a range of events at its spectacular stand and ensured that visitors receive a taste of the hospitality for which Oman is renowned.

Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pearce, greeted guests from Germany’s most prestigious media titles to savour Omani coffee and traditional snacks. Mr Pearce was accompanied by members of the airline’s senior management, including Chief Commercial Officer Abdulrazaq Al Raisi, General Manager Marketing Mohammed Al Shikely, General Manager Worldwide Sales Paul Starrs, and Country Manager Germany, Nicky Samarasinghe.

Wayne Pearce, CEO, Oman Air said: “Oman Air’s participation at ITB Berlin continues the airline’s long association with this most prestigious of travel events and celebrates the success of its services between the Omani capital of Muscat and Germany’s two largest airports, Frankfurt and Munich. Since the launch of the Frankfurt and Munich services, Oman Air not only expanded its network and fleet of aircraft, but has also launched a range of new products and services, each designed to enhance the passenger experience. These include unveiling new premium lounges at Muscat and Bangkok.”

There was a surprise event to demonstrate the remarkable size and comfort of Oman Air’s Business Class seat, during the course of the ITB, which was recently named Best Business Class Seat in the World at the World Airline Awards. On the third and final day of the show, the winners of last year’s DSDS (The German Idol show), a national search for Germany’s next superstars which is broadcast on RTL, signed autographs at Oman Air’s stand.

They also highlighted the unparalleled standards that Oman Air offers in First Business and Economy Classes, as well as drew visitors’ attention to the awe-inspiring beauty and superb accommodation that travellers to the Sultanate of Oman can enjoy.

It was also disclosed at the ITB that the maximum number of tourists to Oman were from Germany, the due credit of which goes to the many road shows arranged by the Ministry of Tourism Oman and the promotional campaigns undertaken by Oman Air.

To find out about Oman Air’s products, services and superb value, visit www.omanair.com

ITB Berlin brings together tour operators, booking systems, carriers, hotels and all other suppliers who want to ensure that their customers enjoy the very best in holidays and leisure travel. For trade visitors, the event offers an excellent opportunity to meet business partners and to do business, and for all other visitors, ITB Berlin is a wonderful opportunity to discover the whole world within a few hours.

The event was held at Messe Berlin, from 7th-11th March.

Emirates SkyCargo wins excellence platinum award

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, one of the fastest growing international airlines, has cemented its position as a leading global player in air cargo industry by winning the Platinum Award (Air Cargo Carrier – 800,000 or more tonnes) at the prestigious Air Cargo Excellence Awards 2012.

Organised by Air Cargo World, the Air Cargo Excellence Awards is an annual event to recognise the best performers in the business. The ceremony was held at the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, against the backdrop of the 6th IATA World Cargo Symposium taking place there from 13-15 March.

“We are honoured to be receiving an award in a category which also featured so many major industry players,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo. “It is very satisfying that the world-class and innovative services we provide customers has been recognised.

“With our network continually growing and fleet expanding as we take delivery of new aircraft, we look forward to offering customers even greater levels of service and providing them with more international trade opportunities,” added Menen.

Based on a rating system, each airline and airport is measured on specific criteria which subsequently ranks them and identifies above or below average performance. This year, Emirates SkyCargo received a rating that positions them as a finalist in the category of “Air Cargo Carrier - 800,000 or more tonnes”, together with other finalists including Lufthansa Cathay Pacific, DHL, FedEx Express, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.

The Air Cargo Excellence Awards 2012 also saw 13 other industry players being presented with awards that recognised both exceptional airports and carriers across the globe.

Singapore Airlines launches contest for seats on B747 farewell flight

Singapore Airlines is offering the chance to win a pair of tickets on its last commercial Boeing 747 flights between Singapore and Hong Kong on April 6 2012.

The online contest, is hosted on www.SIAjourneys.com.

Participants simply need to answer five skill-based questions correctly to stand a chance to win a pair of return Economy Class tickets on the farewell flight.

If the winner has purchased any Singapore Airlines ticket within the period from February 18-28 March 2012, both dates inclusive, the prize will be a pair of return Business Class tickets on the farewell flight.

Entries can be submitted until March 28 and the winner will be announced on the website on March 30.

The contest is the latest in a series of activities that SIA has organised to mark the retirement of the Boeing 747 from its passenger fleet. In February, SIA showcased the B747-400 at the Singapore Airshow 2012, and announced special commemorative flights, SQ747 and SQ748, which will operate between Singapore and Hong Kong on 6 April.

Tan Chik Quee, Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Marketing, said: “Demand for seats on the farewell flights has been very strong. This contest represents one of the last chances to secure seats on these high-demand flights, giving the lucky winner the opportunity to join in the festivities as we mark the retirement of the B747 from SIA's fleet after nearly four decades of distinguished service.”