09 April 2015

Low possibilities for A350 in Oman Air fleet expansion.


Oman Air is pursuing ambitious fleet expansion and simplification as part of a plan to double its fleet and add more than 25 new destinations over the next 6 years.


Source: Jorge Guardia



The flag carrier has decided to phase out ATR turboprops and Embraer regional jets as it seeks to operate 2 or – at most – 3 aircraft types.


Oman Air plans to operate 25 widebody aircraft by the end of 2020 compared to 10 A330s currently and only 7 A330s six months ago.


Source: Airbus


It is now committed to acquiring 8 787s and is considering ordering more 787s and A330neos.


Mr Gregorowitsch said Oman Air will look at placing more 787 orders and will evaluate the A330neo as it reviews its options for reaching it target of 25 widebody aircraft.

Source: Airbus

One option to be considered will be transitioning the widebody fleet to an all 787-operation.


Oman Air is attracted to the synergies and benefits which would come with operating a simplified fleet consisting of only two families – the 737 and 787.



7 of Oman Air’s A330s are slightly older aircraft (between 4 and 6 years) and are expected to be replaced over the next few years.


Keeping only the 3 A330s which were delivered in late 2014 would not make sense although it is not likely these aircraft will be replaced until early next decade even if a decision is made to transition to an all-787 widebody fleet.


Oman Air will also consider maintaining 2 widebody types of aircraft and 3 types overall.


Under this scenario Oman Air will most likely end up with 787s, A330s and A330neos.

Source: Airbus

It plans to evaluate the A330neo but is not expected to give much consideration to the A350.


Oman Air is currently the 7th largest airline in the Middle East based on widebody fleet size.



Based on the article “Oman Air plans ambitious fleet expansion as 787s & 737s are acquired while ATRs & Embraers are axed“ published in CAPA

8 comments:

  1. This article makes little sense,in that Oman Air wants the benefits of a simplified fleet using the 787 and 737. What made it change from Airbus to Boeing? It only recently bought A330 in 2014, how does that make for a simplified fleet? Why was the A350 not even thought about? Was it a better deal from Boeing as seems likely or that delivery will be quicker?
    The A350 has 17 aircraft in final assembly with 19 to complete just to stay with its own forecast. Wouldn't it be a shot in the arm,if Airbus could actually exceed its forecast! How about 5 per month from now on.That would be a real eye opener for those customers pondering whether to buy A350's or not. Airbus needs to get business like and get a REAL move on.

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    1. This is wrong they are now choosing to either purchase 12 A350 or 787-9,787-10

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  2. False. There is no possible way that there is 17 aircraft in final assembly. They plan on doing 15 for the year. Also, Boeing has a bigger jump on Airbus in building 787's vs 350's so the faster they can churn out aircraft, the easier it is to replenish the backlog, hence airlines like Oman buying the 787.

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    1. See "A350 ramp up as planned" 5th article in April, top right.
      Airbus own forecast was 3per month from end of 2014. 5 per month from end of 2015 so being very conservative,by its own forecast it should have built 36 A350 by year end 2015-where did 15 come from?.

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  3. While we are on the subject of the A350 -where is the prototype for the A350-1000? Mr.Leahy two years ago stated that he had sold the first three years of production for the A350-1000, so why the hold up? Surely by now the prototype should be in evidence? What was that awful saying the Mr Leahy said-"Going slow to get it right!" Christ what a statement for their top salesman having to make. Sounds like Airbus are not really sure about the aircraft. Being two years behind Boeing should make them want to get up and at them, I'm sure if the boot was on the other foot, then Boeing would be going full steam ahead to catch up.

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  4. The -1000 isn't scheduled for first flight until mid-2016 and entry into service second half 2017.

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  5. No such plane exists and I doubt it will ever come to fruition.

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