JAKARTA - Oman Air and SalamAir added new direct Southeast Asia links from Muscat in the same week, connecting Oman with Singapore and Indonesia.

Oman Air said its direct Muscat-Singapore service commenced on July 2. The route operates four times a week on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with Business and Economy cabins.

SalamAir, which is based in the Omani capital of Muscat, said it celebrated the launch of its first direct Muscat-Medan service on July 2, with the inaugural flight scheduled to depart Muscat International Airport on July 3. The airline said the route is its first scheduled service to Indonesia. 

The Medan service will initially operate two weekly flights using SalamAir Airbus A321neo aircraft. The airline said the route is expected to support Umrah travel demand from North Sumatra by giving passengers one-stop connections through Muscat to Jeddah and Madinah. 

Oman Air said its recent oneworld membership allows the new service to tap traffic flows through member airlines, including connections involving Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. 

“We’re excited to launch this new route, which enhances our growing network and strengthens the connection between Oman and Singapore,” Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Con Korfiatis said. 

“With demand growing for distinctive destinations and high-quality travel experiences, this service expands choice for both leisure and business travellers.” 

Reuters reported on July 1 that Oman Air was targeting tourism through the new Singapore route, with first-month bookings already above the airline’s expected mid-to-high 70% load factor for the first year. The eight-hour flight is one of the world’s longest routes operated by a Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body aircraft, Reuters reported. 

SalamAir said one-way fares on the Muscat-Medan route start from OMR 55 and bookings are available through its website, mobile application, contact centre and authorised travel agents. The carrier said the launch is part of a wider network expansion, with more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.