Last year, Oman announced the transformation of Muscat International Airport into an international gateway and air freight logistics hub and the construction of a new cargo terminal, capable of handling 260,000 metric tonnes annually, with a further planned expansion to 500,000 tonnes. The construction, stretched over three phases, includes an increase of warehouse space from 7,000m2 to 34,000m2. The current freight terminal operates at its maximum capacity of 100,000 tonnes.

‘The direct service to Oman was launched to meet customer demand on the back of the country’s economic expansion and diversification and a sustained need for oil and gas equipment and spare parts’, said Domenico Ceci, Cargolux Vice President Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. ‘Other import commodities on Cargolux’s Muscat flights include perishables, live animals and general cargo’, Ceci added. Cargolux’s 747 freighters are equipped with a cargo nose door that is perfectly suited for the transport of heavy and outsize items and customers can rely on the airline’s 40-plus years of experience in the safe and expert handling of such goods.

Peter Hoslin, Senior Manager Airline Marketing Oman Airports Management Company, said: ‘Oman Airports Management Company, the owner and operator of Muscat International Airport notes that Cargolux will benefit from and contribute to the fast growing Muscat cargo market which has increased more than 70% since 2008. We saw a strong 15% growth in 2012 and expect the positive trend to continue in 2013.’

With the new direct cargo service to Muscat, Cargolux customers gain precious time because the airline is no longer constrained by limitations in trucking services from other airports in the region, especially in the transportation of dangerous goods.