Oman Air and SalamAir Name New Chief Executives on the Same Day

Oman’s two national carriers both announced leadership changes on the same day. Oman Air named Nasser Al Sharji as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, succeeding Konstantinos Korfiatis after his two years in the role. Al Sharji brings more than 25 years of executive experience across aviation, logistics and oil and gas services, most recently serving as CEO of Transom Handling and acting CEO of Oman Airports Management Company.

Budget carrier SalamAir followed with its own announcement, naming Eng. Yaqoob bin Saif bin Hamoud Al Kiyumi as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1. The near-simultaneous appointments mark a broader leadership refresh across Oman’s aviation sector, coming as both carriers continue strategic development plans amid a competitive Gulf aviation market.

Al Sharji’s background spans airports, ground logistics and government services, experience industry watchers say aligns with Oman Air’s ongoing restructuring efforts as the flag carrier works to strengthen its financial footing. His appointment follows a period of operational adjustments at the airline as it seeks to balance network growth with cost discipline.

Neither airline detailed immediate changes to routes, fleet plans or fares tied to the leadership transitions. Both incoming chief executives are expected to outline strategic priorities after formally taking their posts in September and October, with regional aviation analysts watching closely for signs of how Oman’s two carriers plan to position themselves against larger Gulf rivals.

Sources: Trade Arabia, FlightGlobal