Latest news with #SaeedbinHamoudalMaawali
Observer
23-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
The goal is to have a strong foundation for Oman Air
MUSCAT, APRIL 23 The transformation plan for Oman Air that began in 2023 has started showing positive results, the company said in a joint media briefing that was jointly held on Wednesday under the leadership of Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and Chairman of Oman Air and Oman Airports. Al Maawali said that consultants for the airline's transformation plan were selected based on the tender, and they did not help the company reduce operational losses. "If you do not have a good financial foundation, you cannot grow. We aim to set a solid foundation for Oman Air, and we are already working towards that goal both internally and externally, because it is an enabler for other sectors like tourism, logistics, and business." The airline emphasised the point-to-point services, which increased to 40 per cent in 2024 from around 27 per cent in 2019, while the load factor recorded last year was 75 per cent. The airline said that its load factor in Q1 2025 was the highest in its history. The airline is expected to add three 737 Max and two 787s as per its expansion plans. Con Korfiatis, CEO, said that since its transformation in 2023, EBITDA improved by 51 per cent in 2024, compared to 2023 (after audit) as it carried over 5.4 million passengers, with the number of available Seat Kilometers (ASK) reported at around 19.4 billion. Other achievements included 92 per cent On-Time Performance. The airline said it sold 13 excess aircraft through an auction to serve the optimised network. Speaking on the contentious issue of rightsizing, the airline said it redeployed 74 Omani employees within the airline, while 87 have been offered roles across the aviation ecosystem. 293 have opted for severance packages ranging from 12-24 months, with the airline having invested around RO 15 million in severance packages to provide those affected with financial security. He said the rightsizing will help save RO 18 million annually. The expatriate workforce was reduced by 487 and replaced with Omanis, helping the company to increase its Omanisation rate to 79.4 percent. With the airline set to formally join the OneWorld alliance in June this year, its new expansion plans include flights to Amsterdam, double daily to London, and daily service to Moscow, codesharing with the budget airline SalamAir and ongoing discussions with them to swap certain routes as per the market needs and requirements. Meanwhile, Al Mawali said that consultants for the airline's transformation plan were selected based on the tender, and they did not help the company reduce operational losses. "If you do not have a good financial foundation, you cannot grow. We aim to set a solid foundation for Oman Air, and we are already working towards that goal both internally and externally, because it is an enabler for other sectors like tourism, logistics, and business." He also said that old aircraft were sold through an auction by an agency. "These old aircraft had served their purpose and were less efficient compared to modern planes. Overall plans include having a unified fleet of Boeing 737 Max and 787 aircraft.
Muscat Daily
21-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman issues regulatory framework to drive digital transformation
Muscat – Oman has taken an important step towards modernising its public sector with the issuance of a new regulatory framework governing digital transformation across government entities. The framework, enacted under Ministerial Decision No 108/2025 by H E Eng Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, outlines the structure and operational mechanisms of the Government Digital Transformation Programme, known as 'Tahawul'. Designed to streamline digital governance and clarify implementation procedures, the regulation sets out defined roles and responsibilities for all parties involved in executing digital initiatives. It applies to all administrative units of the state and other public legal entities, with the exception of military and security agencies, excluding the Royal Oman Police. According to the decision, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) will lead efforts to coordinate national digital transformation. Its responsibilities include setting the operational direction for the programme, identifying priority initiatives and services, issuing relevant policies and frameworks, and ensuring compliance by concerned entities. The ministry is also tasked with monitoring progress, offering support to entities implementing digital projects, and preparing guiding manuals to aid in execution. 'The regulation provides a unified model to strengthen collaboration between the ministry and other government bodies,' a statement from the ministry said. Government entities will be required to establish supervisory committees to oversee the implementation of digital initiatives, comply with the ministry's IT governance policies, and ensure their plans are regularly updated. They must also work towards fully digitising essential services and making them accessible through authorised digital platforms. The regulation encourages better integration between public bodies, promotes the use of shared digital resources, and supports community engagement in shaping digital services. It also emphasises inclusive access, mandating that digital platforms and applications must cater to all users, including persons with disabilities and the elderly. Additionally, the framework sets out mechanisms to improve the delivery of digital government services.
Observer
30-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Move to attract more SMEs to transport, logistics and IT
Muscat, Jan 29 The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is working with authorities to widen the role of small enterprises (SME) and start-ups in the transport, logistics and information technology sector, officials said in a session on Wednesday. The session was attended by Halima bint Rashid al Zar'i, SMEDA Chairperson, Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, officials and business people. The aim of the session is to improve the attractiveness of business environment attractiveness to SMEs, develop policies that support entrepreneurs, explore promising opportunities, motivate entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas and inform the public about its programme, projects and initiatives, and provide an opportunity to discuss topics related to economic affairs. Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, MoTCIT Under-Secretary, said: 'The transport and logistics sector is a very promising sector as there are over 20,000 companies. What concerns us is facilitating opportunities for entrepreneurs to enter so that they can get more work and increase their sources of income, and create more jobs for Omanis. We confirm that the ministry is facilitating loans, and working with the Tender Board to enrich local content with specialists.' Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shaidhani, MoTCIT Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology, stated: 'Opportunities exist in this sector and there are some joint initiatives that will be worked on for the benefit of owners of small and medium enterprises. There were a number of questions about commercial activities related to technology in addition to the issue of financing innovative financing tools that are different from those that exist and we will work on them with the relevant designated authorities..' The session addressed four main themes. The first was about the challenges facing SMEs and reviewing possible solutions to improve the supportive environment. The second included policies and legislation that contribute to empowering SME and start-ups, and joint government initiatives to stimulate innovation and investment. The third was about facilities and incentives through business accelerators, while the last discussed services and initiatives. "We have submitted a proposal to regulate the logistics sector and introduce modern technology to the relevant authorities in which we can provide job opportunities for Omanis. We believe in raising the percentage of Omanization in this sector and solving some of the problems and challenges facing it." Said Mohammed al Zaidi, Chief Financial Officer of Emad Logistics Company. According to latest figures, the total number of SMEs in the transport and logistics sector amounted to 31,044 by the end of December last year. In the information and communications sector, there are 6,355 SMEs.
Zawya
30-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Move to attract more SMEs to transport, logistics and IT
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is working with authorities to widen the role of small enterprises (SME) and start-ups in the transport, logistics and information technology sector, officials said in a session on Wednesday. The session was attended by Halima bint Rashid al Zar'i, SMEDA Chairperson, Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, officials and business people. The aim of the session is to improve the attractiveness of business environment attractiveness to SMEs, develop policies that support entrepreneurs, explore promising opportunities, motivate entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas and inform the public about its programme, projects and initiatives, and provide an opportunity to discuss topics related to economic affairs. Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, MoTCIT Under-Secretary, said: 'The transport and logistics sector is a very promising sector as there are over 20,000 companies. What concerns us is facilitating opportunities for entrepreneurs to enter so that they can get more work and increase their sources of income, and create more jobs for Omanis. We confirm that the ministry is facilitating loans, and working with the Tender Board to enrich local content with specialists.' Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shaidhani, MoTCIT Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology, stated: 'Opportunities exist in this sector and there are some joint initiatives that will be worked on for the benefit of owners of small and medium enterprises. There were a number of questions about commercial activities related to technology in addition to the issue of financing innovative financing tools that are different from those that exist and we will work on them with the relevant designated authorities..' The session addressed four main themes. The first was about the challenges facing SMEs and reviewing possible solutions to improve the supportive environment. The second included policies and legislation that contribute to empowering SME and start-ups, and joint government initiatives to stimulate innovation and investment. The third was about facilities and incentives through business accelerators, while the last discussed services and initiatives. "We have submitted a proposal to regulate the logistics sector and introduce modern technology to the relevant authorities in which we can provide job opportunities for Omanis. We believe in raising the percentage of Omanization in this sector and solving some of the problems and challenges facing it." Said Mohammed al Zaidi, Chief Financial Officer of Emad Logistics Company. According to latest figures, the total number of SMEs in the transport and logistics sector amounted to 31,044 by the end of December last year. In the information and communications sector, there are 6,355 SMEs. © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
