Oman Air says goodbye to first class: 'new' business suite debuts Sept. 9

I can say that I have been very lucky, in fact doubly lucky.. On my recent trip that I had renamed "of the first times" I had managed to fly first class aboard Oman Air, on one of only 2 787/9s outfitted with this cabin. A ticket that, among other things, I had managed to book using Flying Blue miles as soon as news of the partnership between the Muscat-based airline and the Air France KLM loyalty program came out.

Oman Air eliminates first class and the seat will be a business suite

The review of my flight will come soon, as usual between when I fly and when I post the video on YT and its detailed review passing several weeks, sometimes even months. The reason is obvious, in addition to the time it takes to edit the video, the need to publish one video a week So as not to flood the channel.

Today, however, comes the official news, which was actually in the air and is one of the reasons I had been motivated to book ASAP this cabin: As of September 9, Oman Air will no longer offer first class on board its planes.

However, there will be no restyling of the planes, meaning that as the company explains in a statement the former First Class seats will be renamed Business Suites.

The new cabin, which will replace the airline's First Class product, will retain its spacious layout, classic reclining seats and Wi-Fi connectivity, but with more affordable fares and a redefined service approach tailored to the needs of modern travelers. Featured primarily on its London and Bangkok services, the new premium Business experience offers all the features of premium flying along with Oman Air's award-winning service and hospitality, giving guests the space to work, connect and rest like never before, whether traveling for business or premium leisure.

Translated into a few words I foresee a farewell to caviar, a downgrade in the labels of wines and champagnes offered on board, and generally a product that can be sold at a price above business, but much less than what is offered in first class today.

In contrast Oman Air will be able to boast, probably for a long time, of being the airline that offers the most spacious business class seats in the world, since for all intents and purposes they will be depowered Fs.

I am also curious to see How services in the Muscat lounge will change where today First's passengers have better treatment such as spa and other small benefits in the beautiful hall in the home airport.

"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. The traditional First Class experience has seen reduced demand, and after careful analysis and comparison with industry standards, we have decided to retire the product. This decision allows us to focus on providing an exceptional Business Class experience that better meets the expectations of modern travelers and is more closely aligned with the demographics targeted by domestic tourism goals such as wellness, adventure and MICE. In addition, we are offering all this at a more competitive price," said Con Korfiatis, chief executive officer of Oman Air.

Phase of changes at Oman Air

It is a very important moment for the Omani company.. The nation is focusing so much on tourism growth and, Dubai teaches, it takes a strong carrier to win over passengers and convince them to stay and visit the area and not just make stopovers. The upcoming entry into oneWorld is precisely in this direction, try to intercept more and more traffic, remembering that this carrier to date does not fly to the U.S. and has a very small fleet and network, but with some of the best cabins in the world.

After retiring the A330s now the long-haul fleet consists only of 787s, as mentioned two of them will offer business suites and I am convinced they will continue to fly only to London and Bangoko, which is where the few first class seats fly today.