Flights & Hotels

Airline reaches new milestone as operations begin to second destination in Oman plus Mattala, Sri Lanka

Kuwait 22 May 2013 – flydubai began flights to Salalah, in the Sultanate of Oman yesterday bringing its operational network to 60 destinations.

flydubai flight FZ039 touched down at Salalah Airport just hours before the airline began scheduled operations to Mattala, its second point in Sri Lanka, following a special flight in March on the opening day of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.

The inaugural flight delegation, led by flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer, Hamad Obaidalla, was met by Sheikh Hamood Bin Mustahil Al Mashani, Vice President of Muscat Overseas Group; HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Saif Al Mahrooqi, Deputy Governor of Dhofar; Salim Bin Awadh Al Yafi, Director General of Salalah Airport and Khalid Bin Musallam Bin Salim Al Rawas, Director General of the Directorate General of Tourism in Dhofar.

During the reception inside the airport terminal, Obaidalla, flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “With Oman just next door to the UAE, there is a long history of tourism and trade between our countries. Through this new service we hope to further enhance these ties and make it easier and more convenient to travel between Dubai and Salalah. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in enabling us to fly to Salalah for the support and encouragement they have given flydubai.”

A330 Success Continues As The Solution For Long-Haul Growth

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has placed an order for three A330-300s, growing its A330 Family fleet to a total of ten Airbus aircraft. The aircraft will be operated on long haul routes and can comfortably seat close to 300 passengers.


“The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330’s already make The Pillar of Oman Air’s long haul operations,” said Wayne Pearce, CEO of Oman Air. “This additional order will allow us to continue our strategy of growth with an aircraft we know to be both reliable and profitable, and in addition offering the highest levels of passenger comfort.”


“We are proud to continuously grow and develop our partnership with Oman Air through our popular A330-300 aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers “The winning combination of efficiency, reliability and comfort provided by the A330 continues to delight customers and passengers worldwide and will do so for many years to come, with our consistent investment in the aircraft family.”


Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.  Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has plans to recruit more than 50 pilots from its partner airline, airberlin.

The move comes as airberlin, Germany’s second largest carrier, continues to work through its Turbine business turnaround program, and as Etihad Airways prepares for significant international expansion.

The recruitment transfers began in April when the first batch of six Boeing 737-rated First Officers arrived in Abu Dhabi to start type conversion training on to the Boeing 777 at Etihad Airways’ Flight Training Centre.

Upon successful completion, the six pilots will undertake line training on the airline’s global network, before being fully licensed as type-rated Boeing 777 First Officers.

Further pilot transfers will take place in the coming months, comprising Airbus A320 Captains, Airbus A320 First Officers, Airbus A330 First Officers and Boeing 777 non-rated First Officers.

First Officer Peter Reimers, previously based in Köln for six years with airberlin, and who flew Boeing 737s, said:  “It’s been a great experience coming to Abu Dhabi.  Etihad Airways’ fellow staff have been hugely supportive, and I believe this move will help in our career progression.  I’m looking forward to eventually flying the Boeing 777s.”

Syndicated deal to finance purchase of 10 aircraft


Sharjah, UAE; May 20, 2013: Air Arabia, the first and largest low cost carrier (LCC) in the MENA region, signed a US$ 350 million finance deal from a syndicate of two GCC banks to support the acquisition of 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft. Air Arabia signed the deal with senior representatives of Qatar National Bank S.A.Q. (QNB Group), the world’s strongest bank, and Commercial Bank International (CBI), a UAE growing commercial bank.

The financing facility is to support the purchase of 10 new aircraft, which is part of a larger order for 44 A320s placed with Airbus in 2007.

One week after the new departure area opened, improved services on the ground and in the air are just the ticket


Kuwait 2013: Passengers travelling on flydubai are enjoying an improved departure at Dubai International Airport following the opening of the new extension at Terminal 2.

The bigger, brighter terminal not only has more check-in desks and self-service kiosks but customers can also enjoy the comfort of a Marhaba Lounge and a range of services at the new business centre – a first for this terminal.

flydubai’s CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We look at every aspect of our passengers’ journey, not just the flight and the newly refurbished departures hall at Terminal 2  provides a convenient start to their journey and a better customer experience. The transition has been smooth and we hope our passengers enjoy the range of new facilities available to them.”

The departure and immigration area is the first stage of an AED 600 million two-year redevelopment of Dubai Terminal 2, which will see it able to handle more than 10 million passengers every year and is due for completion in 2014.

Richard Talian, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Development at Dubai Airports said: “As the second largest airline operating out of Dubai International as well as being the main carrier at Terminal 2, we want to provide flydubai’s passengers with an enjoyable experience. We have worked closely with flydubai to ensure the terminal meets their needs as they continue on their rapid growth trajectory.”

MUSCAT, Oman – May 20, 2013 – Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel continues to retain its iconic reputation as a “jewel of the Sultanate”, with two wins during the Arabian Travel Market 2013. The palatial resort won the Business Traveller Middle East award for the “Best Business Hotel in Muscat” for the fifth consecutive year and World Travel Awards for “Oman’s Leading Beach Resort”, cementing its position as a favourite amongst leisure guests and meeting groups.

Commenting on the awards Bernard N. Viola, General Manager Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel said: “Al Bustan Palace has, over the years, become a national landmark that complements the country’s heritage. I would like to attribute this remarkable success to our ladies and gentlemen who create unique and memorable experiences for our guests.”



Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a recognized premier destination in Muscat and has established itself as a popular venue and attraction from all sections of local community, leisure travelers and business guests. Set on a stunning stretch of coastline against a dramatic mountain backdrop, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel lies solitary amid an emerald green oasis with 200 acres of lush beachfront landscaping.

AL BUSTAN PALACE, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL ADDS JEWELS ON THE CROWN WITH TWO AWARDS/2

For more information about Al Bustan Palace, please contact +968 24 799 666 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/albustanpalace.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

Note to editor:
Seen in the picture enclosed: His Excellency Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamed Al Mahrizi (Minister of Tourism – center) with Bernard N. Viola (General Manager of Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel – second left). They are flanked by Tawfik Mokhtar, Director of Sales and Marketing, Pierre Sabbagh, Director of Sales and Erika Anggreini, Public Relations Manager of Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The hotel will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a range of exciting events taking place between 23 and 30 May

MUSCAT (19 May 2013) – It was 15 years ago that Grand Hyatt Muscat was officially opened in the Sultanate. To mark this occasion in May, the hotel prepares to host an array of fun and exciting events that are set to take place from 23 to 30 May.

‘Crystal’ represents 15 years in marriage which is why this symbolic theme was chosen for the hotel. The strong bond of marriage demonstrates a firm commitment which is exactly replicated at Grand Hyatt Muscat with shareholders, loyal guests and the beautiful country of Oman.

Kick starting the celebrations is the Crystal White party at the Marjan terrace on Thursday, 23 May. A beverage package of OMR 25 per person is available for unlimited selected drinks. This event is not to be missed. Come dressed in white to celebrate this significant milestone.

A lavish Beverly Hills Brunch will be held at Mokha Café on Friday, 24 May. Only on this day, the price of buffet only (without drinks) is OMR 15.000++ per person. OMR 35 net for brunch and unlimited selected beverages and OMR 49 for brunch and free flowing bubbly.

On Monday, 27 May Muscat Jazz Club (aka Copacabana) will feature Las Vegas singer Miss Avis Ellis for a live concert of songs made famous by America’s greatest divas. Entrance is priced at OMR 10 standing and OMR 20 VIP including a welcome drink.

Check the hotel’s Facebook page to find out what promotions are on offer every single day between 23 and 30 May.

For reservations or more information, visit the events section on Facebook.com/GrandHyattMuscat, call +968 2464 1234 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Grand Hyatt Muscat:

Located in the heart of the city’s diplomatic district, the 280-room Grand Hyatt Muscat has been defined by Hyatt International as an energetic and contemporary city resort hotel featuring New Age technology but retaining its commitment to Old World standards of gracious service. Authentic cuisines and entertainment are available at the hotel’s restaurants and bars, while it’s Banquet and Convention facilities are capable of accommodating up to 800 delegates theatre-style. Set within landscaped grounds, the hotel overlooks the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and HYATT houseTM brand names and have locations on six continents. HYATT house is changing its brand identity from Hyatt Summerfield Suites®. Hyatt Residential Group, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops, operates, markets or licenses Hyatt ResidencesTM and Hyatt Residence ClubTM.

As of June 30, 2012, the Company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 492 properties in 45 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com

MUSCAT, Oman – May 20, 2013 – Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel continues to retain its iconic reputation as a “jewel of the Sultanate”, with two wins during the Arabian Travel Market 2013. The palatial resort won the Business Traveller Middle East award for the “Best Business Hotel in Muscat” for the fifth consecutive year and World Travel Awards for “Oman’s Leading Beach Resort”, cementing its position as a favourite amongst leisure guests and meeting groups.

Commenting on the awards Bernard N. Viola, General Manager Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel said: “Al Bustan Palace has, over the years, become a national landmark that complements the country’s heritage. I would like to attribute this remarkable success to our ladies and gentlemen who create unique and memorable experiences for our guests.”

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a recognized premier destination in Muscat and has established itself as a popular venue and attraction from all sections of local community, leisure travelers and business guests. Set on a stunning stretch of coastline against a dramatic mountain backdrop, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel lies solitary amid an emerald green oasis with 200 acres of lush beachfront landscaping.

For more information about Al Bustan Palace, please contact +968 24 799 666 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/albustanpalace.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)