Oman Air Phases Out First Class, Introduces Luxurious Business Studios
The Middle Eastern carrier's 'Business Studio' is set to replace its current first class offering
Photo: Courtesy of Oman Air
Oman Air will introduce a new concept called “Business Studio” to replace the current First Class product across its aircraft. Starting September 9, the airline will no longer offer First Class, and customers can book the new studios instead.
Currently, Oman Air offers First Class on just two of its nine Boeing 787s, specifically on routes between Muscat (MCT) and London (LHR) and between Muscat and Bangkok (BKK).
Photo: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Oman Air
The latest product will maintain the same layout as the First Class cabins, positioning the premium offering as a more affordable option rather than completely overhauling the experience.
New Product Features
The cabin will have eight lie-flat seats spread across two rows, improve connectivity, and continue providing award-winning service and hospitality.
Seat pitches are an extremely generous 82 inches, providing customers ample space to stretch out. Each seat has a 23-inch personal screen with a top-notch entertainment system.
Photo: Courtesy of Oman Air
“Inspired by valuable guest feedback and to adapt and evolve in line with global market trends, we have strategically refined our premium offering to deliver greater value and appeal,” said Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air.
“The traditional First Class experience has seen diminished demand, and after careful analysis and benchmarking against industry standards, we decided to retire the product,” he said.
Replacing First Class with Business Studios
According to the CEO, this decision allows the airline to focus on “delivering an exceptional Business Class experience that better meets modern traveler expectations and is more closely aligned with the demographics targeted by the national tourism objectives, such as wellness, adventure, and MICE. Moreover, we’re offering it all at a more competitive price point.”
Photo: Courtesy of Oman Air
Oman Air is a state-owned airline operating at a significant loss for years. The new CEO, Con Korfiatis, has been drafted to enhance the company’s financial profile.
With a storied background in improving financial bottom lines, Korfiatis will now use his skillset to beef up the coffers at Oman Air. In a strategic move, the CEO has decided to eliminate the airline’s First Class cabins.
Although there is a strong demand for high-end travel, the industry is sharply divided on the value of First Class cabins, with some carriers opting to invest in cutting-edge, exclusive First Class offerings while others opt to do away with them entirely.
The plan involves repositioning the product and offering it at a more competitive price point, which is expected to result in greater seat occupancy and reduced variable costs for the airline.
The fate of Oman Air’s sprawling and lavish First Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport remains uncertain. Will it be merged with the business class lounge or retained as an exclusive haven for the airline’s most affluent customers? These are questions that only time will answer.
Photo: Cathay Pacific 777-300 Oneworld Livery. Courtesy of Boeing
In any case, 2024 promises to be a captivating year for Oman Air as they undertake the reorganization of their operations and prepare to join the esteemed oneworld global alliance.
