A few weeks ago, I was supposed to be headed to Brazil; however I fell ill while in Dubai, and it ultimately meant that going wouldn’t be the best idea as being sick then receiving a yellow fever vaccine is never a good idea. If I had, it could have potentially made we worse off so heading home to get some rest and recovery would have been the best option for the meantime.
I wanted to fly home directly, but there was no availability, and paid prices were insane. I also wanted to try and fly something home that I hadn’t yet reviewed and then it hit me to try Oman Air. I have actually flown them before but never on a longer flight. I was able to book Dubai – Muscat – Bangkok for just over AUD $1000, which is pretty fantastic last minute, especially in business class.
The first flight I had the option of either doing the Embraer 175 again or the A330, I naturally went with the latter.
For this flight, I was on one of Oman’s newer configured A330 aircraft which are fitted with a total of 30 Apex suites which are some of the most highly regarded in the sky – this was only my second time flying this type of product.
Oman Air A330 Business Class
The seats are in a 2-2-2 configuration, and despite these numbers, the seats are both very spacious as well as really, really private, especially when the divider is raised.
Oman Air A330 Business Class
On this flight, there were probably only around eight passengers seated in business which meant the service was quite attentive and a lot less rushed from other flights I’ve taken with similar flight time and distance in the region.
Oman Air A330 Business Class
The seats themselves are reasonably plush, and I never felt too confined, which I thought maybe an issue, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Oman Air A330 Business Class
Oman Air A330 Business Class
Oman Air A330 Business Class
Oman Air A330 Business Class
Once I was settled in my seat, the cabin crew introduced themselves and offered guests a welcome juice as well as Arabic coffee and dates; I went with all 3. For those wondering, that is some lemon and mint juice pictured.
Oman Air A330 Business Class
We pushed back on time and departed a rather cloudy Dubai headed to Muscat, which is only 45 minutes away.
Departing Dubai
During my visit I got to experience a couple of rainy and cloudy days which was an experience, to say the least. I had never seen that in all of my previous trips.
Departing Dubai
This was the meal service that was provided; it consisted of prawns and some bread with a small salad:
Meal Service
At your seat, you’ll find a bottle of water:
Water Bottle
As well as a pair of noise-cancelling headphones:
Noise Cancelling Headphones
The seats themselves have quite sufficient storage compartments to store small items like cameras and electronics as well as some storage under the IFE monitor which can fit a small bag like a laptop case or handbag.
Seat Storage
On the side, the armrest is where you’ll find the controls for your seat as well as a massage function:
Seat Controls
Oman Air A330 Business Class
I think the airline has done an excellent job with the colours and shades of brown, it fits the dessert look, and it’s visually really appealing to me. I’m also a big fan of their livery which looks especially good being painted on an A330.
Oman Air A330 Business Class
One thing I liked about the Oman A330 was the lack of overhead bins in the centre of the aircraft; It really like an A350 or A330Neo ceiling, it made the aircraft feel spacious and roomy.
Oman Air A330 Business Class
Here’s the full cabin of the A330:
Oman Air A330 Business Class
For a flight that was only in the air for 45 minutes, It’s pretty hard to have a bad time when you’re on an A330 which Apex suites. I really liked the seats themselves, they’re private and comfortable, the food was small but still tasty, and the service on this flight was pretty efficient, and the attitude of the crew was pretty positive.
I’d happily fly Oman Air again, especially when they offer some fantastically priced revenue fares.
