Oman Air, the Sultanate's national carrier, will offer a 60 to 80 per cent rebate on the basic fare to students studying in the six GCC states, according to Regional Director, Abdul Razaq bin Jumah Al Raisi.

The concession, by far the largest of its kind offered by Oman Air, will be applicable on flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Doha, Kuwait and Jeddah. Al Raisi said students will have to bring along their identity card as well as a letter from the educational institution concerned to get the ticket.

He also announced a 50 per cent discount for passengers travelling to Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai in India on the purchase of a second ticket for business class. "This facility is meant to encourage families to travel business class to enjoy the facilities offered by Oman Air."

Such a facility will also be extended to passengers travelling to Kochi once Oman Air starts its operations to this city next month to make it 19 flights a week to India. Farook A., marketing communications manager of Oman Air, told Gulf News yesterday that the UAE remained the most popular destination for the airline.

There are six flights a day to Dubai, four to Abu Dhabi and two to Al Ain. "It's like creating a sort of history. There may not be such a frequency between two states elsewhere." Largely, the 42-seater ATR aircraft, considered ideal for short hauls, is applied on the route. "We attach great importance to our traffic to the UAE."

Last month, Oman Air signed a RO20 million deal with International Leasing Finance Corporation to acquire three Boeing 737 New Generation Aircraft. The first delivery will take place this December.

Oman Air is owned by Oman Aviation Services (OAS), known also for its campaign to ensure jobs for citizens. Recently, OAS received a special award from Sheikh Amor bin Shuwain Al Hosni, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, for having 72 per cent locals among a staff of 1,600. "We are proud of our achievement," said Aly bin Abdullah Al Harthy, the OAS internal information officer.