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Over the past decade, consumer debt has surged at an alarming pace. The likelihood of recovering debt, however, decreases with each passing day. The three-class service will be introduced to a range of routes across Europe and Asia, including non-stop direct flights between Muscat and London Heathrow.

Featuring an 82-inch long, fully-flat bed within a pitch of 85.5 inches, a seat width of 25.5 inches, electrically-operated backrest, leg rest and seat depth controls, and an eight-point massage system, Oman Air's First Class Mini Suite is set to offer unparalleled levels of comfort and space. And with just six seats in the First Class cabin, privacy should never be an issue. In addition, each First Class seat offers a 23-inch in-flight entertainment (IFE) monitor, a wireless IFE handset, a backup IFE handset, two USB ports, an Ethernet socket (RJ45), an audio and video assumption (RCA) plug and a PC power outlet.

The 77.5-inch long, lie-flat Business Class seat with a pitch of 82 inches is 22 inches wide and offers electrically-controlled backrest, leg rest and seat depth. Each of the 20 Business Class seats, fitted in a four-abreast, 1:2:1 configuration, also features a 17-inch Gen. III IFE monitor, two USB ports, an Ethernet socket (RJ45), audio and video assumption (RCA) plug and PC power outlet. With a cocktail table, a one-piece meal table, a buddy seat and ample stowage, Oman Air's Business Class seat has been hailed as being better than many other airlines' first class offering.

With a spacious 34-inch pitch, Oman Air's new Economy Class seat offers adjustable head and foot rests, a bi-fold, sliding food table and upholstery that has been constructed for enhanced comfort, all located within a one-piece composite seatback structure. With a 10.6-inch seatback-mounted IFE screen and handset, USB and RCA video multi-plug for every passenger, and an Ethernet socket (RJ45) and PC power port for every double seat, Oman Air's Economy Class offers everything the modern traveller needs to stay connected, informed and entertained.

For all three classes of travel, IFE is provided via the Thales i5000 in-seat Audio Video on Demand (AVOD) system, with its broad range of media content, which is integrated with Rockwell Collins Tailwind Live Satellite TV, broadcasting across eight channels. The system also provides a platform for forthcoming full Wi-Fi and GSM connectivity.

The new menus feature a range of mouthwatering dishes, which draw on both Omani and international culinary influences, whilst Oman Air's elegant new uniforms ensure that the airline's cabin crew are the most stylish in the skies.

Oman Air's Chairman, His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, says: "The introduction of our brand new First Class, Business Class and Economy Class cabins, together with the expansion of our international fleet, illustrates our commitment to offering unbeatable levels of quality, value and choice for all our customers across all areas of our business. These new products are an important and very visible part of Oman Air's strategic growth and we look forward to introducing more routes, more aircraft and more products going forward."

Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill, adds: "We're excited about bringing this industry-leading concept to our customers. The centerpiece of the new Airbus A330-300 cabin is our new First Class seat, which marks a further milestone in Oman Air's ongoing drive for quality and comfort. Indeed, the new seat sets a new standard for individual travel in an exclusive inflight environment, all of which will create an exceptional First Class experience. With our Business Class product that provides our customers with a supremely comfortable and relaxing lie-flat seat, as well as state-of-the-art inflight entertainment and one of the most spacious Economy Class cabins on the market, we are putting ourselves way ahead of many of our competitors."

The press launch A press conference to mark the launch of Oman Air's three-class A330-300 aircraft was held on board the aircraft at Muscat International Airport on Tuesday 6th of October 2009 at 10 am, local time. The event offered the opportunity to experience the brand new aircraft, enjoy the new cuisine, and interact with the CEO and other members of Oman Air's senior management. The press conference was scheduled to last for two hours, and included a flight over Muscat in the new aircraft.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 07-Sep-09

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