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Oman Air MXP-MUC-MCT-CMB in Business Class boutique way

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  • Oman Air MXP-MUC-MCT-CMB in Business Class boutique way

    “Oman Air Business Class – New heights of Comfort”


    My seat 10A for the flight to Muscat


    Another new airline in 2011 and this airline certainly earns its name as the truly boutique airline in the Middle East! Oman Air is one of the latest Middle Eastern full service airlines and really has to up its game if it wants to compete against Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, which are known for their excellent service and luxurious cabin. Of course, Oman Air is not going for the giant mega airline status, but has chosen to concentrate on a few routes and provide luxurious service. It is definitely not kidding about being a boutique airline, and my business class experience is identical to first class service on many top airlines in the world. It is no doubt better than EK, EY and QR business class, and I will even say except the fancy suites, its catering, amenities and personalized service is comparable to Emirates first class. Oman Air used to have a poor and underwhelming lounge in its homebase at MCT, but the new premium lounge complex is wonderful and a good step towards a well-rounded airline. Oman Air provides some discounted business class fares, but not as much as EK or EY, and now I understand why. You really are getting a first class deal on a business class fare. I think this $1000USD I spent is well worth it. Of course, I still don’t know if the mixed race cabin crew is working but it is a common issue for all Middle Eastern airlines, which rely on expatiates. Its wine list is a little bit underwhelming and F/As like to clear cabin early and served the second meal way too early. Anyway, Oman Air is an interesting experience and if WY chooses to join Skyteam or Oneworld alliance one day, or offered a super good fare, I will definitely fly it again.

    February 16, 2011; Wednesday
    WY 124 MXP-MUC-MCT Lv1035 Arr2200 Airbus A330-200 A4O-DC
    Connect to
    February 17, 2011; Thursday
    WY 371 MCT-CMB Lv0020 Arr0540 Airbus A330-300 A4O-DC

    Photo link:
    WY 124 http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqS-g
    WY 371 http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8QbNHDNy5bqTBA

    Check-in:
    Check-in at Milan Malpensa Terminal One was rather straightforward. I arrived the airport about an hour and forty-five minutes prior to departure, and the whole check-in area was already deserted. No surprise as I was the only J passenger, and the loading in Y was around sixty. Most passengers joined the flight in Munich, and I was sort of surprised that Oman Air has decided to split the flight in this coming summer. Hopefully loading will be better. I was in Milan a month ago checking in for my Etihad flight, and the Oman Air’s loading seemed to be a bit better. Hopefully it was just an off day here in Italy. Two agents immediately tagged my bag and checked me all the way to Colombo. Things were sort of slow, but the agents were courteous and friendly. Personal escort service to the lounge and gate was available for all J passengers in Milan, but I declined, as I wanted a bit free time to roam around the airport. But the agent later arrived at the lounge to personally take me to the gate and allowed me to board first. I am impressed with this personal service offered in business class, and Oman Air already made a good impression. Yes, you can use the fast track line at MXP too!

    Check in area at MXP:


    All the Muscat Holidays sign:


    Carpet for Business class check-in:


    Just a big fan of Novak Djokovic – so can’t help to snap this giant poster of him!


    Cathay Pacific’s “Spirit of Hong Kong” was resting in MXP (Well I was originally booked on this flight!)


    Lufthansa Italia and Lufthansa Airbus A320s here in MXP


  • #2
    A4O-DC at MXP



    Boarding and flight information:
    Boarding commenced at 9:55am at Gate B9/Bay “507,” and for some reasons, my last three flights in and out of MXP all used this gate, no matter it was Delta, Etihad or Oman Air. With such a light load, boarding was done in twenty minutes. My first impression of the cabin was “wow” and it was such a modern interior with literally first class seats nicely arranged in a four abreast seating. The plane was clean and well maintained. The beige, dark brown, and blue headrest cover provided a comforting ambience. The Filipino F/A in charge of the business class cabin immediately offered me a pre-takeoff beverage and hot towel. She then inquired if I wanted any Arabic coffee and if I would continue to Muscat or not. (Well Oman Air does not have local traffic right or is not really selling seats between Milan and Munich.) Anyway, she proceeded to give me the menu for the onward segment to Muscat, a pair of pajama, and the golden amenity kit.

    Pre-takeoff orange juice and hot towel:


    Orange juice – I really like the glass used by Oman Air, as it had a swirl pattern. Something special!


    Hot towel


    Menu – so precious… the F/As will recollect them towards the end of the flight! Fellow menu collectors, remember to put it away before preparation for landing! Considered the expensive amenity kit and PJ, it is just a bit odd on recollecting the menus! Not sure if being environmentally friendly is the theme here.


    Door was closed early at 10:15am, but due to traffic, we did not push back till 10:28am, as we slowly taxied towards R/W31L. It was raining and misty so we were quite slow. We took off at 10:42am and flying time was forty-two minutes with a cruising attitude of 30,000feet. We just passed Bergamo and then towards Austrian and the city of Innsbruck. It was a short flight, and I received refreshment on this short flight. More information under the food section! Descent began at 11:02am, and we landed on R/W8R at 11:24am, and parked at Bay 110 at Munich Terminal One at 11:32am.

    No one was allowed off at Munich and it was quite busy for the crew, as they needed to take in new catering (no catering was done in Milan, as they took in refreshment for both MUC-MXP and MXP-MUC at MUC). With no J passenger, cleaning was limited, but they did a cleaning in Y cabin and checked all the bathrooms. The cabin crew was busy preparing for the onward flight. Another F/A, Mohammed, as well as another Thai F/A, also made their appearance in this flight, as J cabin was almost 100% full on this segment! Yes the F/As were boarded in Milan.

    Comment


    • #3
      My only impression of Munich Airport:


      Apron at Munich Airport:
      Air Berlin Boeing 737-800 Winglet


      Winglet to Winglet


      Two future Oneworld partners: BA and Air Berlin


      British Airways A319


      Air Berlin, a major tenant at Terminal One, Airbus A330


      Germania Boeing 737


      Another pre-takeoff set


      Boarding soon began at noon, and the routing repeated as pre-takeoff drinks were offered again, as well as pajama, amenity kit, and menus. The J cabin was soon filled up with mainly German passengers. I am surprised that no German speaking flight attendant was hired. However the flight attendants seem to work well, and door was closed early at 12:41pm. We pushed back one minutes prior to our ETD, and we taxied towards R/W8R, and took off at 1pm. Flying time was five hours and thirty-six minutes, due to favorable tail wind. The flight took us towards the Austrian state of Burgenland, as we climbed to 37,000feet, and then climbing to 39,000feet and flew past cities of Arad, Constanta, Erzurum, and Van. Then we climbed to 41,000feet, as we passed Iran and then into the Persian Gulf and began our descent once we passed Dubai.

      Routing again:

      Comment


      • #4
        Cabin:
        The cabin was really smart looking with interesting cultural artifacts placed in the forward part of the plane. They were four different artifacts.






        Ceiling


        Forward cabin shot



        Comment


        • #5
          View from behind


          Second J cabin



          Y cabin – nice bulkhead seats


          Seat:
          This official description said it all!
          “The Business Class experience onboard our new Airbus A330 fleet is truly a class apart. Every seat in business class has aisle access with just four seats in a row. With a pitch of 82 inches and a width of 22 inches, the 77.5 inche long seat converts to a degree flatbed at the push of a bottom and offers electronically-controlled backrest, leg rest and seat depth. Each of the 20 Business Class seats, fitted in a four-abreast 1:2:1 configuration, also features a 17 inch Gen. III in-flight entertainment (IFE) monitor, two USB ports, and Ethernet socket”

          It is basically the same seat used in first class by Malaysia Airlines, China Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and most top US and European airlines. Of course Oman Air’s Business class seats are not in the same league as the latest generation of “suites,” such as Emirates, Etihad, Swiss, or Singapore Airlines’ A380s. However it is clear that the seats are aimed to be “first” class rather than the conventional business class. It truly matches the boutique airline image. Preferred seats are definitely the windows, as they provide additional storage room in the side bins (two side bins per window seat). The middle seats are good for couples, but not as many small storage spaces for small items.
          It is a very comfortable seat that is more first class, than business class.

          Benefits of window seats


          Seat in upright position


          Recline position


          Full flat position


          Comment


          • #6
            Seat characteristic:
            Neighbor seat/foot stool


            Literature pocket


            Side storage bins


            Universal power outlet


            Audio-video outlet panel


            Seat Control Button


            Food & Beverage:
            I received refreshment on this short flight, and DO & CO definitely had some nice catering done. The mini cold plate had an open face chicken sandwich, a mini cornbread shrimp sandwich, a vegetable pesto ciabatta sandwich, a chocolate muffin and a chocolate covered strawberry. All five mini savories/pastries were delicious. The meal started with champagne and Japanese rice crackers and nuts service, and then the meal.

            Champagne and rice crackers/nuts



            Refreshment

            Comment


            • #7
              Shrimp cornbread sandwich


              Vegetarian sandwich


              Open face chicken sandwich


              Chocolate covered strawberry


              I really like the transparent patterned plate, and Oman Air has spent time on designing modern-looking but special glassware, chinaware, and tableware, instead of just plain white dishes. It has some unique distinction and it has definitely fulfilled its boutique airline identity.

              Wine list
              Champagne
              R. Pouillon Cuvee de Reserve NV, Champagne, France



              White
              2008 Max Reserva Errazuriz Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile
              2008 Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Margaret River, Australia

              Red
              2008 Mencia Cuatro Pasos Martin Codax, Bierzo, Spain
              2008 Shaw & Smith Shiraz, Adelaide Hills, Australia

              Dessert Wine
              2003 Chateau Armanjan Des Ormes, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
              JC_BEV

              From Munich to Muscat, they offered a hot lunch service after takeoff, and then afternoon tea an hour and half prior to arrival. No tray was used and everything was served individually. They were first class oriented for sure. The main meal was similar to what other airlines served in first class, and I will say surpass most US airlines’ first class service by miles. The meals were well presented and prepared, and the quantity was good too. The F/A had no issue with having multiple starters and desserts. There was an amuse-bouche service too that was not advertised on the menu. However, Oman Air recollects the menu, so kept your menu prior to landing, or else they would take it away from you. It was really hard to get a second copy, even with my usual gift to the crew.

              Menu
              February 2011
              WY 124 Munich to Muscat
              (EU to Muscat Cycle 1)

              Fine food, like fine art, elevates every experience. We present our signature menu designed to please the discerning traveller’s palate.

              Onboard Oman Air, you can discover fine culinary creations, inspired by diverse cultures and with the incomparable appeal of East-West fusion cuisine. Allow our fine gastronomic masterpieces to embellish your journey today.

              Bon Appétit!

              We apologize if your first choice is not available
              All meals are prepared according to HALAL requirements

              Canapés (not posted on menu)
              Smoked salmon & Vegetable tortilla roll



              Bread – choice of olive baguettes (my choice), wheat rolls or pretzel rolls


              A la Carte
              Winter pumpkin and apple soup

              Comment


              • #8
                Loch fine center cut salmon
                Herb and Citrus marinated king prawn
                Baby leaf salad, crisp vegetable julienne
                Raspberry vinaigrette



                Salad of oven roasted beetroots, carrots and butternut pumpkin
                Chive yogurt dressing
                Goat Cheese, walnuts, thyme honey drizzle
                Croutons
                ……………………………………………………
                Pan-fried sea bass fillet
                Warm cherry tomato, herb and olive salsa
                Saffron risotto
                Grilled Asparagus



                Arabic spiced chicken breast
                Roast vegetable ratatouille
                Herb and dried fruit couscous

                Vegetable tortellini
                Herb Cream Sauce
                Roasted pumpkin and cherry tomatoes

                Arabic cuisine
                Mezzeh
                Kebbeh
                Spinach fatayer
                Tabouleh
                Labneh with fresh mint
                Black and green olives with olive oil and herbs
                Fresh Coriander, lemon

                Arabian Festival Combination Dish
                King Prawn Kebab
                Steamed Chickpea rice with pine nuts
                Okra Saloona
                Traditional garnish

                Dessert
                Fresh Seasonal Fruit
                Raspberry coulis

                Vanilla bean ice cream
                Caramel Sauce
                Roasted mixed nuts

                Apple Strudel
                Creamy Vanilla Sauce


                Selection of Farmhouse Cheese
                Prune and Walnut log


                Comment


                • #9
                  Refreshment


                  Smoked chicken and apricot fig jam sandwich
                  Grilled vegetable mini focaccia with pesto

                  Berry tartlet


                  Baklava
                  Traditional Middle-Eastern sweet


                  EU-MCT C1 JC LD-R

                  Ceylon tea after lunch




                  Pralines – chocolate truffle & ginger jellied candy


                  Amenities:
                  Oman Air Pajama is pretty nice and the fabric is soft. The color scheme is same as its seat – beige with blue color logo imprint. The pajama set comes with eyeshades and slippers.


                  Comment


                  • #10
                    The amenity kit is golden in color, which reflects its luxurious contents. It contains four cosmetic items from Amouage, a joint Oman-France cosmetic brand – lip palm, eye gel, facial moisturizer, hand and body lotion, as well as the usual toothbrush sets wrapped in a golden silken fabric bag, foldable hairbrush, sewing kit, plastic shoe horn, Colgate Plax mouthwash, and pair of socks. Gold is the scheme here and the fabric is silk. It actually has a very nice design and definitely not a random put together amenity kit. It is definitely one of the best business class amenity kits out there.









                    Entertainment:
                    Of course Oman Air has the latest On-Demand audio video program, but the Live TV functions did not work, and I could not watch live BBC on board. It is only the only airline that permits mobile phone usage, but no one uses it. It also has Internet service, which you can choose from full internet, email only or chat only function!
                    I took pictures of the pricing. I did not use any of this service because the flight was short and it was quite expensive for usage of less than four hours.
                    Opening Screen


                    Internet OnAir – USD$29.95


                    Webmail OnAir – USD$9.95


                    Webchat OnAir – USD $4.95

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Beautiful scenery as we crossed Turkey – I love the snow-covered landscape/mountains!





                      Flight Attendants:
                      Oman Air uses a multicultural crew, but the origin seems to concentrate in its homeland, and countries like the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. I don’t notice too many Australian or European F/As like EK or EY, even from Eastern Europe. The F/As were friendly but a bit more reserved than their counterparts in EK, EY or QR. They are a bit more hesitant in talking to passengers. They are friendly and service was faultless, and nothing seemed to be too much of a bother. Smiles are abundant, but just not the “chitchatting” type, wherever they are from!

                      Arrivals:
                      Descent began at 9:06pm local MCT time, after we passed Dubai. We landed on R/W8 at 9:36pm, and parked at Bay 504 seven minutes later. Muscat Seeb airport had no jetbridge even on the new terminal, which I was quite surprised. Nonetheless, business class passengers got their own bus, but one good thing with this deplaning system, walking was limited and once you arrived on the main arrival floor, transit desks were easily found (and even arrival was easy to reach), and security line had no wait. The airport was quite busy at this evening hour, as there was a major late evening bank of flights heading to India, Asia, and Sri Lanka.

                      New Premium Lounge at Muscat Seeb International Airport:


                      Oman Air has finally opened a new lounge a few months ago at Muscat Seeb airport, and the location was a bit hard to find and the sign was not very clear. The new lounge was really amazing with ultra-modern interior with a new expanded food and beverage offering. It had a restaurant area, which I did not take pictures of. I felt that the staffs did not like people taking pictures so I tried to be discreet. Hopefully once the newness was passed, taking pictures would be easier. There is free wifi with good reception (better than EY) inside the lounge, as well as a good number of computers available for use. The bathrooms were really nice as well with new furnishing, and it really places Oman Air in the head of the lounge games. It is better than EK, EY or QR. With its boutique airline status, the lounge is never too crowded and people have lots of room to relax and spread out.

                      Seating areas






                      Children playing area – I really like it and those stuffed animals were nice


                      Magazine stand

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Boarding again:
                        Just a friendly advice – arrived at the gate area early as Oman Air boarded their flight early and if you need duty free, you need to allocate more time. There are lines of Indians buying gifts home. I don’t think I have ever seen such long duty free checkout lines at any airport. Boarding began around forty minutes prior to departure, and business class passengers had a separate bus, and it was actually the second bus leaving the gate area. Anyhow, the loading was a bit heavy in coach, and business was also full, as they closed the second section (or rather used the second section with the eight seats for its elites traveling in economy class). But most passengers were heading towards Male. WY 371 flies a triangular pattern – Muscat to Colombo to Male to Muscat, but the crew like Emirates flying this same triangular pattern, overnights in Colombo, as it is cheaper. There was only one empty seat in J. The usual pre-takeoff beverage was offered, along with amenity kit, pajama, and hot towel. Arabian coffee and dates were provided, and I was surprised the full array of amenities was provided.




                        Door was soon closed at 00:25am and we soon started up and taxied towards R/W8. We lifted off at 00:38am and then flying time was three hours and thirty-nine minutes. The routing took us over the coastal city of Ash Shutayli, and then climbed towards 39,000feet, as we overflew the Arabian Sea. Then we flew towards India and passed the city of Goa, and climbed to 41,000feet. We turned south towards cities of Coimbatore and Madurai, and then crossing Gulf of Mannar and then into Colombo.

                        Routing:


                        Food & Beverage:
                        Amuse Bouche – Tuna salad on cherry tomato – not posted in menu – I am surprised even a supper meal had a canapé.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          A la Carte
                          Chicken and Sweet Corn soup
                          Fresh herbs


                          Duo of Gourmet Sandwiches
                          Pastrami, red peppers, caramelized onions wrap
                          And
                          Pesto chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, cranberry ciabatta
                          Salad garnish

                          Coriander and sweet chili prawn, smoked salmon
                          Vegetable julienne, mixed leaves
                          Citrus Vinaigrette

                          Arabic spiced chicken breast
                          Okra and tomato saloona
                          Dried Fruit and pine nut couscous

                          Vegetable and Mushroom Strudel
                          Herb Cream sauce
                          Small leaf salad


                          Arabic Cuisine
                          Mezzeh
                          Beetroot hummus
                          Smoky baba ganoush
                          Mint Labneh
                          Spinach and cheese fatayer
                          Grilled vegetable kebab
                          Fresh Coriander, lemon

                          Arabian Festival Combination Dish
                          Lamb Cutlet khabsa

                          Grilled mixed peppers, zucchini and chickpeas
                          Olives and caramelized garlic
                          Warm olive oil and citrus dressing

                          Saffron Rice

                          Traditional Garnish

                          Desserts
                          Freshly sliced seasonal fruit
                          Berry Coulis

                          Baked Cheesecake
                          Tangy orange sauce

                          Chocolate Mousse Gateau
                          Coffee Anglaise
                          Whipped Cream


                          Selection of Farmhouse cheese
                          Prune and walnut log
                          MCT-CMB C1 JC 5

                          Service:
                          Supper service was offered on this short flight, and I was surprised that most passengers chose to eat during these late hours. Flight attendants tried to rush through the service, so most passengers could rest soon. The Asian flight attendants were a bit more sensitive and friendly to talk to. I stayed up for the rest of the flight, as I wanted to sleep when I arrived in Colombo. I had a twenty-four hours layover at the TAJ Garden Hotel at Colombo Airport. As it was a late night flight, I did not take many pictures.

                          Arrival:
                          Descent began at 5:13am Colombo local time as we crossed the Gulf of Mannar. We landed on R/W04 at 5:47am local time and parked at gate A9 soon after. Immigration was pretty easy to deal with, and bags came out relatively fast here in Colombo. The priority tag worked here in Colombo.

                          Conclusion:
                          Flying Oman Air is definitely an interesting experience. It is truly a boutique airline and to be honest, I think I have paid a business class price for first class seats and service. Yes the wine list is definitely business class, but the rest of the service is really first class especially compared to my usual travel on American Airlines. But seriously the seats itself are better than all top Asian and European airlines, even Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. It is really a first class seat – the same seat used by Asiana, China Airlines, and Malaysian Airlines. Its ground service in out stations is impressive with escort provided in Milan. The amenity kit and pajama are nice offering and the fact that they offered them on day flight from Europe to Muscat, and on all overnight flights, it was impressive. The amenity kit is a high quality one. It also offers a bed turndown service in business class (which I did not take the F/A offer, as I did not sleep in daytime flight especially short ones). For the price I paid, I got a good deal. The only thing that annoys me is the menu thing. It is a nice hardcover menu, but is not a leather portfolio or anything remotely like that. If you can be so generous with pajama and amenity kits, I am surprised at its stinginess on the menu things. It is even difficult to get a copy of the economy class menu, which surprises me. Anyway, I recommend everyone to give Oman Air a chance. It is a nice boutique airline and definitely finds a nice niche in the competitive Middle Eastern sky.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Thanks, Carfield - a very interesting TR to read. The only disappointment I saw from the pictures was the boring cheese but other than that, everything else looks great. A shame there are no points/miles though.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Ahmm - AMAZING! They call this BUSINESS CLASS? It looks like first class to me, very very impressed. What 4 abreast on A330 in J is very generous. The food presentation is simply fabulous. I wish TG would serve food like that.

                              Fabulous report - thanks
                              My SQ and flying Videos: Youtube My Travel Blog: AussieFlyer.net

                              Comment

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