Oman's newest air operator, Salalah Air, is expected to begin short-haul domestic flights this November, said Sam Owen, founder and CEO of the new carrier.

In an interview with Times of Oman, Owen said the new regional air service provider will connect the capital of Dhofar with the main destinations in Oman before rolling out a charter service to link Salalah with other GCC capital cities.

The charter services would eventually link Salalah and East Africa in co-operation with Spice Island Air, a Zanzibar based start-up air service provider, he said.

Salalah Air expects to receive its first aircraft in November, following which it would commence operations between Salalah and Sohar.

“We will bring passengers to the Muscat and Salalah international airports and provide a connecting service for Oman Air and Salam Air, to and from tourist destinations, including by a plane,” said Owen.

Over the next five years, the carrier plans to ramp up its fleet size to 22 aircraft.

Earlier this month, Oman's civil aviation authority (PACA) had granted preliminary approval to two operators to start private jet operations in the country, the report said.