New Vice President Planning for Oman Air appointed

Nokkala brings with him an assortment of practice in the aviation field with over 30 years of experience in the airline industry, which includes two major international airlines.

Nokkala's core competence areas are route decisions based on market analysis, combination of markets and resources to maximize the productivity in cost effective way, route and network profitability, negotiations with aircraft manufacturers and with authorities, slot management and process improvement.

Prior to this assignment, Nokkala was with Qatar Airways as Senior Manager Network Management, Corporate Planning. He has also held senior sales & marketing and network strategy & management positions by Finnair and worked for Flying Finn and Helsinki-Vantaa airport in Finland.

Peter Hill Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air stated that Markku Nokkala is indeed a welcome addition to the rapidly growing family of Oman Air.

He commented that Nokkala would combine the synergies of Oman Air's potential growth in the region and the increasing market demand for improved airlines service, and further strengthen Oman Air's presence in the global market.

"Oman has arrived strongly in the global tourism market which is evident from the increased number of tourists who visit the Sultanate every year from various parts of the world. Being the country's national carrier, Oman Air has been involved in boosting tourism through various measures including addition of new destinations that has given rise to an increase in the visitor arrivals. More routes, more destinations, and more code-shares will take place in the future, and Nokkala's proven competence in these areas, will ensure the success of these plans.

About his appointment with Oman Air, Markku Nokkala stated that with Oman's sturdy and visible presence in the global market, Oman Air too has come into spotlight for its focused approach to rapid development.

"For a fast-growing airline like Oman Air, sky is literally the limit. A phased approach to introduction of new markets, routes and fleet-acquisition will form part of the broader plan envisaged for the coming era." Nokkala said.