Oman Air, the sultanate's eight-year-old national carrier, has signed a 20 million riyal deal with International Leasing Finance Corp (ILFC) to acquire three Boeing 737 new generation aircraft. It is acquiring two more on an ownership basis.

"We are committed to making Oman Air one of the most prestigious and customer friendly airlines. And with this arrangement, we are well and truly on our way to achieve that goal," said Abdulrehman Al Busaidi, Oman Air general manager.

The 64-month deal was signed by Adil Al Raisi, chairman of Oman Aviation Services, the parent body of Oman Air; with Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ILFC chairman. "We are proud to be a partner of Oman Air in achieving their growth and fleet renewal," said Udvar-Hazy, adding that ILFC was associated with Oman Air for several years, having previously provided it with the A310 aircraft currently in use.

Al Busaidi said Oman Air is to acquire five of the new medium range B737NG aircraft, including two new Boeing 737-700 and one new Boeing 737-800 from ILFC. The B737-800 is due in December, followed by two B737-700, one in January and the other in May. Two more will be on an ownership basis.

Al Busaidi said the new B737NG family will offer a reduction in fuel consumption of nearly 50 per cent over the current A310 flown by the carrier, not to mention significant cut in maintenance costs. "The deal offers Oman Air an opportunity to enhance network schedules and frequency as we are replacing three large jets with five more correctly-sized aircraft."