Oman Air is steadily building a roadmap toward a leaner, greener future as it balances environmental responsibilities with profit margins and intensifying global aviation standards.
Speaking at a recent media briefing hosted by Oman Air and Oman Airports, Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, provided deep insight into how the national carrier is aligning sustainability ambitions with operational discipline and financial performance.
In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Korfiatis emphasised the airline’s granular approach to key performance indicators (KPIs), saying, “Our budgets are line-by-line build-ups—from revenue to every little cost item—and everything is accountable for. When your margin isn't that big, everything matters.” This precision-led approach extends beyond profit and loss statements.
On the sustainability front, Oman Air is keeping a close eye on evolving international requirements, particularly those from the European Union, where aviation emissions are under sharp scrutiny. “Europe is probably the most progressed in the world in terms of sustainability requirements. In this region, it's not as legislated yet, but we know we have to do more,” Korfiatis noted.
He revealed that one of Oman Air’s most impactful moves was the rationalisation of its fleet—retaining only the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. “That’s a big step, but it’s just the beginning. We are building a fuller sustainability programme for 2025,” he added.
Pressed on how international carbon regulations and emissions trading schemes shape Oman Air’s strategy, Korfiatis was candid: “It’s not a case of choosing to factor them in or not—you just have to. It’s the way the world is going.”
He pointed out that current global rules are uniform and non-discriminatory, but hinted that any future asymmetries could potentially alter strategic decisions.
One of the toughest hurdles, he admitted, is fuel—specifically the availability and scale of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).
Source:
Oman Observer
