Review of Oman Air Business Class

Oman Air is the national flag carrier of Oman. It may be of modest size, but this award-winning luxury Middle East airline punches above its weight with a high-quality offering to Business Class travellers, often regarded as one of the best in the world.

The airline is headquartered at Muscat International Airport. It launched in 1993 as a regional airline but now boasts direct flights to around 50 international destinations in Europe, the Gulf, the Far East, and the Indian subcontinent.

Oman Air operates a fleet of around 50 aircraft, with long haul flights operated by a mix of Airbus A330s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The fleet sports a white, gold, and sky-blue livery featuring Oman Air’s signature swirl - inspired by the smoke of Omani frankincense.

Oman Air’s frequent flyer program is Sindbad. There are three membership tiers, each offering a variety of benefits. Members can use miles for flights, upgrades, online shopping, and duty-free products. Passengers can also accrue miles by using associated products and services.

Whilst not a member of any airline alliance, Oman Air has code-share partnerships with Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways and KLM. These arrangements assist with ticketing, baggage check-in, boarding passes, lounges, and seat allocation on connecting flights.

Oman Air is in the process of joining the oneworld alliance, aiming to reach that goal soon. This will provide greater connectivity, increased alliance partnerships, and enhanced frequent flyer program integration for business class passengers, though it may compromise some of the more useful code-share deals that Oman Air has negotiated over time.

Muscat International Airport is Oman’s main international airport, located 32 kilometres east of Muscat in Seeb.

The airport has gone through an ambitious process of redevelopment in recent years. A stunning new terminal combines an Omani architectural flavour with state-of-the-art technology (Muscat was the first international airport to have a drone detection system). Abu Dhabi is another example of a modern, luxurious Middle Eastern airport terminal, known for its expansive, user-friendly design and upscale amenities.

You will find the Oman Air First and Business Class Lounges on the 5th floor of the terminal. When you enter the shared lounge reception area, the entrance to the Business Class Lounge is to the left of the reception desk. The Lounge is rendered in soft brown and gold hues with marble floors and appealing Arabic design accents throughout – it is a delightful space to spend a few hours.

There are excellent dining options, with two self-serve buffets serving hot and cold food and a tendered bar. A spa provides an assortment of treatments to refresh and revitalise, subject to a surcharge. There are also curtained nap pods, four sleeping rooms available on a first-come-first-served basis, private showers, a kids’ room, a family room, and baby changing facilities for those travelling with children. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

For passengers ending their journey in Muscat, a dedicated Arrivals Lounge is available to Business Class passengers. The lounge offers a wide selection of food and non-alcoholic beverages, private shower facilities and space to relax or catch up on work.

Oman Air offers its own branded lounge at Bangkok´s Suvarnabhumi Airport. At other airports, the carrier partners with other airlines and third-party lounge providers where there is no specific Oman Air Business Class lounge provision. At Paris CDG Terminal 1, business class passengers can access the Extime Lounge, which is quiet, well-maintained, and offers a comfortable airport-terminal-like atmosphere with quality amenities.

Oman Air long haul flights are operated by a mix of Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 and Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. All feature the same Business Class seats, but the newer Boeing 787 Dreamliners provide a better flight experience thanks to lower noise levels, larger windows and better air quality supported by new filtration, better pressure, and more humidity to help passengers feel less dryness and fatigue.

Oman Air Business Class cabins are light, sleek, and elegant, with sand-coloured seats and discreet touches of Arabic geometric pattern designs on interior details. The airline has wisely selected the APEX Suite by Collins Aerospace, providing passengers with one of the best Business Class seats in the skies. Seats are set in a 2-2-2 configuration, but thanks to clever design, all seats have direct aisle access. This is achieved by staggering the seats along the sides of the cabin and providing a passageway from the window seats. All Oman Air Business Class seats are good, but window seats (A and K) on the right hand side or left hand side are by far the best. Excellent privacy partitions and the private passageway located in front of the aisle seats, along with a shield between seats, make the window seats feel almost like enclosed suites. Window seats also benefit from extra legroom due to the positioning of the seats and offer a more secluded experience with better scenery.

On Oman Air wide body jets, Business Class always starts from row number 10, even if there is no First Class cabin on most aircraft. Seats are the same across the fleet, but the carrier has several different configurations with Business Class featuring between 18 and 30 flatbed seats. Several aircraft have Business Class split into two separate cabins, where one is a “mini-cabin” of just one or two rows, which can be particularly appealing when you are considering the best Business Class seats for couples and families. On the Boeing 787-9, there is a forward cabin with 24 Apex seats and a rear mini-cabin with just six seats, creating an exclusive and private atmosphere akin to first class. The total seat count is 30, with 24 in the forward cabin and 6 in the rear.

Seats are 22.8 inches wide (57.9 centimetres), have a pitch of 80 inches (203.2 centimetres) and a bed length of 76 inches (193 centimetres). All have direct aisle access, adjustable privacy dividers, adjustable headset, control of lumbar support and massage function and a fully lie-flat bed. The seats are well padded, providing excellent comfort and support for long flights.

There’s a large table which extends from the centre console, perfect for working or dining, together with adjustable reading light. The table can be swivelled, making it possible to leave the seat even when the table is set. There is an assortment of small storage areas, though some may not be accessible when the seat is fully reclined.

In terms of power, there’s a multi-standard socket, two USB charging sockets and a headphones socket.

When it’s time to rest, the seat easily converts into bed mode, allowing passengers to get some shut eye on long flights. A mattress topper is provided as part of the bedding, enhancing sleep quality and comfort.

The flight search on Businessclass features images, videos and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft. Search results also highlight details including seat pitch, width and recline. You can visualise the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested before making your choice.

The inflight dining experience in Oman Air Business Class closely resembles what some airlines offer in First Class, ranging from the quality and presentation of food and the individual bread baskets to how tables are beautifully set with exclusive tableware and glasses. Meals are served on linen-lined tables without trays and most dishes are plated on board, leading to a dining experience that looks and feels more like a restaurant than an aircraft cabin.

Business Class passengers benefit from the same ‘dine on demand’ service’ available to First Class passengers. Hence, you eat at a time that suits you, and on longer flights, you can enjoy two meals during the Oman Air flight.

The main meal starts with an amuse bouche, a palate teaser normally reserved for First Class and rarely offered in Business Class on other airlines. Menus have been designed to offer East-West fusion cuisine, including Omani specialities such as braised chicken koftas or Arabic mezze. In fact, each flight features one traditional Omani dish to provide passenger with “flavours from the Sultanate”. Menus on long haul flights typically offer an impressive choice of four appetizers including soup and a salad, three main courses (such as Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, served as the main course on the Paris to Muscat route), a selection of farm-house cheese presented as a cheese plate, and three desserts including ice cream. The wine list is extensive, offering a curated selection of wines to pair with your meal.

On flights that offer two meal services, the second is a simpler affair such as a light gourmet platter or continental breakfast but executed to the same high quality as the main meal.

Business Class passengers are offered pre-departure Omani coffee (‘Kahwa’) from a traditional Arabic coffee pot accompanied by Omani dates (a popular offering on Gulf airlines, although sometimes the preserve of First Class). Additional pre-departure beverages such as Champagne, water or juice are also offered. The Champagne served in Oman Air Business Class is a solid Laurent-Perrier Brut served in proper fluted Champagne glasses. Oman Air serves all wine in proper long stemmed wine glasses, something only a handful of airlines do as tall glasses are challenging to transport and use in the confined environment of an aircraft cabin.

Before the meal service begins, passengers are served mixed nuts and a selection of drinks, enhancing the overall dining experience.

A wide selection of alcoholic beverages is available, including two white wines, two reds, a sweet dessert wine and a selection of beer and spirits. Oman Air offers a range of juices including freshly squeezed orange juice, melon and ginger juice, apple juice, tomato juice and raspberry smoothie, plus carbonated soft drinks, and mineral waters. The wine list is presented with care, and wines are served in elegant glasses. Business Class passengers are offered speciality coffees such as Illy espresso and Cappuccino or Mocha, and a range of exotic teas by Dilmah. For an Arabic experience - try the Karak Tea – a strong sweet tea made with evaporated milk and spices such as cardamom.

The flight search on Businessclass includes information on which Champagne is served in Business Class and First Class on many airlines. We do our best to keep track of any changes, but feel free to let us know if there is something we missed.

Inflight service in Oman Air Business Class is mostly friendly, well-polished, professional and crews speak excellent English. The crew are noted for being attentive to passenger needs and deliver exceptional service, enhancing the overall experience. Unlike the larger airlines based in the Middle East where you never encounter locals working as cabin crew, crew on Oman Air are mostly Omani and provide genuine Arabic hospitality.

Oman Air female cabin crew wear a delightful turquoise uniform - inspired by the Sea of Oman - with a small hat and veil. The style evokes the old school elegance of a bygone era of air travel.

The entertainment system on Oman Air is called ARIA. It comprises a large 17-inch personal monitor controlled by the touch screen remote control and a pair of high-quality noise-cancelling headphones. The ARIA system offers hundreds of movies and TV shows, including recent releases and TV boxsets, games, and various audio options. Passengers can use the control system to select which screen to broadcast their entertainment on, and the airshow feature is a favorite among aviation enthusiasts. The entertainment screen also allows you to track your Oman Air flight while watching a show.

Wi-Fi is available on wide body aircraft but comes with a hefty charge and is limited both by duration and data caps. There are two USB ports on every seat, laptop power and an adjustable personal reading light.

The flight search on Businessclass includes information on Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment.

Business Class passengers receive well-stocked amenity kits by Amouage - the Omani luxury fragrance brand - featuring large-sized body lotion, facial moisturiser, lip balm, and cologne, placing them among the best amenity kits in Business Class. There’s also a Colgate dental kit, shaving kit, mouthwash, silk eyeshades, hairbrush, socks, earplugs, and hand sanitizer. Amouage scents can be intense, but they are toned down for the airline. A water bottle is provided at each seat for added comfort and convenience.

Passengers on long-haul flights receive quilted duvets and fluffy pillows, slippers, and a cotton sleeper suit (pajamas) – something most other airlines do not offer in Business Class. Mattress toppers are also available, and turndown service is provided to prepare your seat for sleep.

Additional branded amenities are available in the Business Class lavatories, which also feature a bidet function normally only seen on Japanese airlines.

Hot and cold towels are offered several times during the flight.

The Oman Air regional workhorses are primarily Boeing 737-800, 737-900 and 737-MAX 8 aircraft, occasionally supported by wide body jets. The Boeing 737s feature comfortable recliner seats with generous legroom in a 2-2 configuration. Even short flights include pre-departure beverages and a proper meal adjusted to the time of day. Expect a three-course menu and warm rolls on most flights. While Oman Air serves alcohol on the majority of its routes, alcohol is not offered on domestic flights.

Oman Air is reducing its environmental impact across its business by increasing the local sourcing of supplies, operating smaller aircraft on short-haul routes, and replacing older aircraft with new, more fuel-efficient planes. The airlines has implemented a range of fuel-saving initiatives which were identified by the airline´s Air Traffic Management and Fuel Conservation teams, which bring together people from across the organization to review operations and ensure they are conducted with maximum efficiency. Oman Air has partnered with Oman´s Ministry of Social Developments to help families with special needs, and sponsors selected community support initiatives.

The flight search on Businessclass includes information on CO2 emissions for each flight. Our quality algorithms also give a higher score to flights operated by the most modern and environmentally-friendly aircraft.

The window seats - a best-in-class Business Class product that offers space, privacy, comfort, and luxury that is more typical of First Class. À la carte menu – excellent and varied dining options are accompanied by fine wines and served with white tablecloths and proper crockery, cutlery, and glassware. Service - cabin crew deliver warm hospitality with Omani style

When beginning your Oman Air flight, you can take advantage of online check-in to receive your boarding card and boarding pass in advance, streamlining your airport experience. At the airport, priority check-in and boarding are available for business class passengers, making the process efficient and stress-free. After security, when boarding is called, you present your boarding pass at the gate and, upon entering the aircraft, turned left into the business class cabin for a seamless start to your journey.

Oman Air’s business class is often compared to other Middle Eastern carriers such as Gulf Air, which also emphasizes cultural identity and national character in their service and branding, or regional competitors like Egyptair Business Class with its mid-tier premium product.

While Oman Air continues to offer excellent value, some cost cutting measures have been implemented to control expenses, which makes it even more worthwhile to apply smart tips for finding cheap Business Class tickets when booking. The airline still provides a high-quality experience, but further cost cutting could impact the overall attractiveness of the service.

Final thoughts:
Oman Air Business Class stands out for its exceptional service, privacy-focused Apex Suites, dine-on-demand gourmet meals, and luxurious amenities like the Amouage amenity kit, pajamas, and mattress topper. The crew’s professionalism and genuine hospitality, combined with a top-notch entertainment system and comfortable, well-padded seats, make for a memorable journey. With Oman Air joining oneworld, business class passengers will soon enjoy even greater connectivity and benefits. If you value privacy, comfort, and attentive service, Oman Air’s business class is highly recommended for your next trip.

Read the Businessclass review of Oman Air First Class

Oman Air, the national airline of Oman, has established itself as a standout carrier in the Middle East, renowned for blending traditional hospitality with contemporary luxury. For travelers seeking a premium flying experience, Oman Air’s business class is a true highlight, offering a class product that rivals some of the best in the skies. The airline’s forward business class cabin is designed with both comfort and exclusivity in mind, providing a tranquil space where passengers can unwind or stay productive throughout their journey.

One of the defining features of Oman Air’s business class is the innovative Apex Suite, which ensures every passenger enjoys direct aisle access and exceptional privacy. The spacious seats convert into a fully flat bed, making even an overnight flight a restful experience. Generous leg room, intuitive seat controls, and thoughtful amenities further enhance the sense of comfort and personal space, whether you’re settling in for a long-haul flight to Europe or a shorter regional trip.

Oman Air’s commitment to excellent service is evident in every aspect of the journey, from the attentive cabin crew to the carefully curated entertainment options available at your seat, and it compares favourably with many of the premium cabins covered in our broader airline reviews of Business and First Class. The airline’s focus on passenger satisfaction extends to its modern fleet, elegant cabin design, and a range of features tailored to meet the needs of discerning travelers.

As Oman Air continues to expand its global reach, its decision to join the oneworld alliance marks an exciting new chapter, especially for travellers hunting Business Class flights to anywhere at competitive prices. This move promises even greater connectivity and benefits for business class passengers, making Oman Air an increasingly attractive choice for those flying between Oman, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Oman Air’s business class offers a refined and memorable way to fly, especially when you take advantage of platforms that surface Business Class flights to anywhere with exclusive deals.

Do Oman Air Business Class passengers receive pyjamas?

Yes – they provide cotton sleeper suits

Which seats are the best in Oman Air Business?

Solo travellers will prefer window seats A or K. Couples would prefer central seats, while those interested in comparable products may look at Royal Air Maroc Business Class and its Moroccan hospitality.

What is the size of Oman Air's Business Class seat?

Seat pitch of 208 centimetres (82 inches), width of 56 centimetres (22 inches), recline of 180 degrees, lie-flat bed length of 197 centimetres (77.5 inches) – (Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner / Boeing 737-900/800 and Airbus A330-300)

What is Oman Air Business Class baggage allowance?

Two bags with 50 kilograms in total —two pieces of hand luggage.

What is Oman Air Business Class like?

Oman Air is based at Muscat International Airport and offers Business Class travellers a refined and luxurious experience. Passengers have dedicated check-in and speedy security lanes for quick access to the excellent lounge, which glistens in golden hues and offers an impressive buffet selection, a fully-serviced bar, spa and shower facilities. Onboard, Business Class cabins are light, sleek, and elegant, with sand-coloured seats and discreet touches of Arabic geometric pattern designs on interior details. Flight attendants are mostly Omani and offer genuine, warm Arabic hospitality. Oman Air provides one of the best Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, with all passengers having direct aisle access thanks to clever design features. Restaurant-style à la carte cuisine service closely resembles that of First Class, and passengers can ‘dine-on-demand'. A wide selection of alcoholic beverages is available, including Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne, traditional Omani coffee and teas, freshly squeezed juice and soft drinks. All seats come with IFE and noise-cancelling headphones. Passengers receive amenity kits from the Omani luxury fragrance brand Amouage, quilted duvets, fluffy pillows and soft cotton pyjamas.

Is Oman Air better than Emirates?

Oman Air has a much smaller fleet than its Middle Eastern counterpart but still packs a mighty punch with a superb Business Class offering, as refined and impressive as its neighbour.

How many bags are allowed in Oman Air Business Class?

Oman Air allows a standard maximum checked baggage limit of 50 kilogrammes, though no single bag can be more than 32 kilogrammes or exceed 158 centimetres in total dimensions. Two pieces of hand luggage of up to 7 kilogrammes each are permitted. Passengers with infants are allowed 10 kilogrammes of extra weight limit.

Does Oman Air have a Business Class lounge?

Yes. Oman Air First and Business Class Lounges are situated on the 5th floor of the terminal at Muscat. The entrance to the Business Class Lounge is to the left of the reception desk of the shared lounge reception area. The lounge is designed with marble floors, golden hues and Arabic design accents throughout. There are two self-serve buffets and a tendered bar. A spa provides an assortment of treatments subject to a surcharge. Other features include curtained nap pods, four first-come-first-served sleeping rooms, private showers, a kids' room, a family room, and baby changing facilities. Wi-Fi is complimentary. Further branded lounges are found at Salalah Airport and Bangkok´s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Partner lounges and third-party lounges are offered elsewhere.

Do seats in Oman Air Business Class lie flat?

Yes. The airline offers APEX Suites by Collins Aerospace, providing passengers with one of the best Business Class seats in the skies. Seats are 22.8 inches wide (57.9 centimetres), have a pitch of 80 inches (203.2 centimetres) and a bed length of 76 inches (193 centimetres). All have direct aisle access, adjustable privacy dividers, adjustable headset, control of lumbar support and massage function and a fully lie-flat bed.

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