Oman Air has appointed Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy to the position of chief operating officer (COO). The airline’s commercial, network planning, and strategy and business development divisions will report to Al-Busaidy, who took up his post on July 1.

Acting CEO of Oman Air Salim Al Kindy commented: “We are delighted to welcome Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy to the newly-created post of chief operating officer, where his formidable skills and extensive experience will be crucial in helping to guide Oman Air through its next phase of development.

“We are further delighted that he is returning to Oman Air, having been the airline’s CEO from 2000 to 2006. In the interim period, Oman Air has undergone the significant change and expansion that he helped to plan, but at its heart lies the same mission — to offer an outstanding and seamless passenger experience for all our customers.”

After achieving a BSc degree in aviation management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, Al-Busaidy went on to develop a high-flying career in the aviation industry. He worked for 19 years, until 2000, for Gulf Air, rising to the position of EVP marketing responsible for sales, marketing, inflight services, ground services, reservations and marketing planning.

Following his appointment in 2000 as CEO of Oman Air, Al-Busaidy modernized the airline’s fleet and rationalized it from five types of aircraft to two. Al-Busaidy played an important role in developing Oman Air’s commitment to Omanization.

Al-Busaidy was later appointed as the chief strategy and planning officer for the much-larger Jet Airways. He was also responsible for the startup and expansion of Jet Airways’ Gulf operations.

Al-Busaidy said: “I am pleased and proud to be returning to Oman Air in the pivotal position of chief operating officer.”