Oman Air has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which will offer greater ease of access to the airline’s supply chain for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The MoU was signed with Riyada, the public authority for small and medium enterprise development. Riyada is a government body established by Royal decree and entrusted with developing Oman’s SME sector.

The MoU allows SMEs registered with Riyada to bid for contracts with Oman Air in a more convenient and efficient way. The SMEs will be registered with Oman Air’s supply chain department, enabling them to identify and schedule business opportunities with Oman Air via an online portal.

Paul Gregorowitsch commented: “Oman Air is pleased to have signed this MoU with Riyada. It will strengthen and diversify Oman Air’s supply chain, support the development of the sultanate’s SME sector and increase employment opportunities for many Omani citizens.”

He added: “All over the world, SMEs are the drivers of every national economy. They are vital to their nations’ prosperity. So we are proud that this MoU will help to strengthen Oman’s SME sector. The resulting business opportunities will have a positive impact Oman’s economy. They will also help to increase Oman Air’s indirect contribution to the nation; a contribution which totaled more than OR 400 million in 2014.”

The MoU was initiated by Khalid Abdul Wahab Ahmed Al-Balushi, senior manager government relations and sustainability.

“In addition to the clear business benefits for both Oman Air and local companies, this MoU makes an important contribution to the airline’s CSR strategy. We are therefore proud to be supporting Oman’s SMEs and helping them to create more jobs and increase diversification. Both are major goals for the Omani government and we look forward to working closely with Riyada to further the aims of the sultanate,” Al-Balushi said.