OMAN AVIATION PROFIT UP 7PCT IN THIRD QUARTER.

MUSCAT, Nov 1 Asia Pulse - Oman Aviation Services Company (OASC), parent company of national carrier Oman Air, has reported a third quarter net profit of RO 1.452 million (US$3.77 million) compared to RO 1.351 million during the same period last year, an increase of RO 101,000 or 7 per cent.

Oman Daily Observer quoted Said bin Hamdoon al Harthy, Oman Air Chairman, as saying that "Oman Air carried 931,753 passengers, up 10 per cent over the previous year, with a seat factor of 75 per cent and achieved a marginal improvement in average yield.

Airport services business reported improved financial performance with increased flight movement (+2,312 flights or 15 per cent) and higher catering uplift (+ 699,180 meals or 28 per cent) during the first nine months of the year."

"Oman Air has managed to maintain its market share despite the increased competition from existing carriers as well as new entrants in the region. We have either suspended or reduced operations on loss making routes, and redeployed the capacity on routes that are either profitable or hold good potential for the future," Al Harthy said.

"Oman Air recently signed lease agreements to acquire two new Boeing 737-800 aircraft in May 2007 and March 2008, one of which will replace an existing Boeing 737-700 aircraft. We will continue to explore new high potential routes such as Amman by the end ...