Oman-based LCC SalamAir has signed a memorandum of understanding [MOU] with Bahrain-based Gulf Air as urgent maintenance events are due for its Airbus A320/321neo fleet and those skill sets do not exist in the airline’s home country.
“With Gulf Air, it’s an MOU to explore engineering options,” says Adrian Hamilton-Manns, SalamAir CEO. “There is no MRO capability in Muscat, and we cannot get a partnership with [flag carrier] Oman Air.”
SalamAir seeks to partner with other leading MRO companies to support its expansion, he says. “Gulf Air meets our requirements as a partner and has larger ambitions for support in the region,” he says. “The Oman (Civil Aviation Authority) has an MRO facility that they will commission, possibly in 12 months or so. But we have immediate need of heavy maintenance, wheel and brake overhaul, avionics, etc.”
That skill set doesn’t exist in Oman, Hamilton-Manns said.
SalamAir operates an all A320/321neo fleet to Europe and the harsh environment running through the Middle East and India. Its passenger fleet comprises six A320neos and seven A321neos, all powered by the CFM International Leap 1A engine. In 2024, the carrier transported 4.3 million passengers, 28% more than the year before, Hamilton-Mann says. The carrier plans to operate 15 aircraft in 2025.
SalamAir started operations in 2018 and committed itself to grow with an all-A320neo family fleet. “There are no A320ceos on board,” Hamilton-Mann says. “We are 100% risk exposed to [the Leap].” In 2028, SalamAir expects delivery of the first of six Embraer E195s. Deliveries have been deferred due to concerns the carrier has about Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.
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