Gulf carrier Oman Air will put its first full-freighter into operation by the end of this year. One is still covered about the pattern and points out that the decision-making process is not yet complete.

Oman Air management announced at a cargo event held in Muscat that it will enter the cargo business later this year with an all-freighter. The decision is also based on the fact that air freight demand has risen sharply in the region.

A subsidiary is maintained with Oman Air Cargo, which is active in this segment with so-called preighters. The seats were removed from the Airbus A330-300 machines. So far, however, no real full-freighter has been operated. That should change this year. Due to the corona pandemic, Oman Air has entered the transport of goods. From April 2, 2020, some A330-300s were converted into makeshift freighters. The first aircraft to be used in this form was the A4O-DD.

However, it is not the only provider from Oman who sees potential in the cargo segment. Competitor Salam Air only took delivery of the first A2022PCF in October 321 and intends to operate further examples of this type. It is the first carrier in the Middle East to use these converted cargo aircraft.