Oman Air, a “world-class luxury airline,” has entered into a key partnership with British car manufacturer Aston Martin, which sees the Middle Eastern carrier bring the marque’s yet-to-be-launched Lagonda to Muscat as part of its early testing program.

Reviving the iconic Lagonda name from Aston Martin’s renowned heritage, the new car is a top-of-the-range, luxury four-door super-saloon, which has been designed exclusively for the Middle East market — and Oman’s awe-inspiring mountains, deserts and state-of-the-art road network are providing the perfect backdrop for essential summer heat testing.

Oman Air’s GM Marketing Mohammed Al-Shikely said: “Oman Air has developed an enviable global reputation as a luxury airline that offers innovation and the highest quality in every aspect of its operations, so we are the perfect partner to assist Aston Martin in heat-testing its stunning new Lagonda.”

“Our highly professional cargo division offers all the expertise needed to deliver the car from its factory in the UK to Oman, and back again in perfect condition once the testing has been completed,” he added.

“And once the Lagonda begins its testing program, Oman’s landscapes, autumn heat and superbly-maintained highways will enable Aston Martin’s engineers to really put the car through its paces,” said Al-Shikely.

Aston Martin says the car, which designer Marek Reichmann has created as "exceptional automotive art," will only be produced in limited numbers.

Neil Slade, GM for Aston Martin in the region, said: “My sincere thanks go to the Oman Air team for bringing our latest flag ship to Oman.”

The Lagonda’s introduction to Oman not only builds on Oman Air’s ability to safely transport highly valuable, precision-built freight, but also the national carrier of Oman’s continuing sponsorship of Omani motorsports star Ahmad Al-Harthy’s Oman Racing Team, which races Aston Martins in the pan-European Blancpain Endurance Series and the Avon Tyres British GT Championship.