I absolutely love Muscat, Oman, and I consider it to be one of the hidden gems of the Middle East. The city has such a unique charm, with its blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming culture. The surrounding mountains and the vast ocean create a breathtaking backdrop, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in rich culture.
What makes Oman even more special is how it has managed to preserve so much of its heritage and culture while offering modern amenities and attractions. It takes my breath away every single time.
Oman Air, the country’s national airline, mirrors this blend of authenticity and modern luxury, offering one of the most underrated business class experiences in the skies.
Oman Air 787 Business Class
Flying on Oman Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is an experience in itself. It may not be as flashy as neighboring rivals like the Emirates A380 or Qatar Airways QSuites but it doesn’t need to be. Oman Air has something uniquely its own—a character and charm that truly stand out.
Known for its Apex Suites, Oman Air’s business class provides comfort, privacy, and impeccable service. Furthermore these suites are thoughtfully designed to cater to solo travellers and couples alike, offering versatility that rivals some of the best airlines in the world.
Each window business class seat transforms into a fully flatbed measuring an impressive 89 inches (2.27 meters) in length and 28 inches (72 cm) in width.
Passengers are provided with a mattress pad, a cozy blanket, and a pillow, ensuring maximum comfort. The layout ensures that every passenger enjoys direct aisle access, making it convenient for movement during the flight.
The Apex Suites also feature a 17-inch in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen, offering a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
For solo travellers, window seats provide a cocooned and private space with a retractable privacy divider. Couples can also enjoy these seats by lowering the divider for easy interaction.
Business Class & Business Studio – The Difference
The distinction between Business Class and Business Studio on Oman Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner primarily lies in the seating layout and level of privacy offered. Business Class features a 2-2-2 configuration, where seats are arranged in pairs, and while each seat offers direct aisle access, the layout doesn’t provide as much personal space as the Business Studio.
On the other hand, Business Studio (which is rebranded from Oman Air’s First Class) offers a more refined experience with a 1-2-1 configuration, where every seat has its own aisle access, ensuring complete privacy for all passengers. The Business Studio seats are also larger, with more space for each passenger, and they feature a fully enclosed suite. The suite doors are 1.4 metres high.
The larger entertainment screens, enhanced storage options, and luxurious touches like extra bedding and amenities make the Business Studio a truly premium option. While both cabins offer top-notch comfort, the Business Studio is aimed at those looking for an exclusive, first-class experience, whereas the Business Class provides exceptional service and comfort with a more traditional layout.
Oman Air 787 Routes
Oman Air’s Dreamliner 787-9 primarily serves long-haul routes connecting Muscat, Oman’s capital, to major cities across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Key destinations include London, Frankfurt, Paris, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. These routes allow Oman Air to showcase its world-class service and provide passengers with a comfortable journey to and from Oman.
Oman Air Dreamliner Business Class
What sets Oman Air’s Dreamliner Business Class apart is its attention to detail. The airline ensures that every aspect of the passenger experience is seamless and luxurious. From the carefully curated meals to the innovative seat design, everything is tailored to enhance your journey.
The Dine on Demand service is particularly noteworthy. Passengers can order meals whenever they prefer, allowing for a personalized dining experience. The menu includes a variety of gourmet options, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Hot and cold towels are offered during the journey, adding a touch of thoughtfulness to the overall experience.
Oman Air Business Class Meals
Dining in Oman Air’s business class is a highlight of the journey. The airline offers an extensive menu featuring both international and Middle Eastern cuisine. Passengers can indulge in freshly prepared meals served on fine China, accompanied by premium beverages.
Do They Serve Alcohol on Oman Air?
Absolutely, Oman Air serves alcohol in business class, offering a wide selection of wines, champagnes, and spirits. This service, combined with the airline’s gourmet meals, ensures a premium dining experience that caters to a global clientele.
Oman Air 787-9 Business Class Seat Map
Oman Air operates two configurations of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:
- Two-Class Cabin:
- Business Class: 30 seats
- Economy Class: 258 seats
- Three-Class Cabin:
- First Class (Rebranded as Business Studio): 8 seats in a 1-2-1 layout
- Business Class: 24 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration
- Economy Class: 232 seats
Oman Air 787-9 Business Class Seating Plan
The seating plan is designed to maximize both privacy and convenience. The 2-2-2 layout in the three-class configuration might seem less private at first glance, but the clever design of the Apex Suites compensates for this. Each seat is slightly offset, creating a walkway to the aisle. This means passengers never have to climb over another person to leave their seat.
For the best experience, solo travelers should opt for the window seats, as these provide a sense of seclusion. Couples may prefer the middle seats, which allow for easy communication by lowering the privacy screen.
Does Oman Air Have Flatbeds?
Yes, Oman Air’s 787-9 business class seats are fully flatbeds, offering unmatched comfort. With a length of 89 inches on the window seats, these beds are among the longest in the industry. Lufthansa Allegris is another that features a whopping 2.2 metres on its extra long bed seat. We are really going to great places where seats are concerned. The addition of a mattress pad and high-quality bedding further enhances the sleeping experience.
Additional Features of Oman Air 787-9 Business Class
Oman Air pays attention to the finer details that elevate the flying experience. The business class cabin features Amouage-branded amenities, reflecting Oman’s rich heritage in perfumery.
The bathrooms are equipped with bidet facilities, a full-length mirror, and hangers for clothes, ensuring passengers have everything they need. There is baby changing facilities as well as a fold out seat. I have ever only seen something similar on board JAL’s A350 First Class Cabin.
The tray table design is particularly noteworthy, allowing for easy manoeuvrability without compromising space. This thoughtful touch ensures passengers can leave their seats without disturbing their setup.
Why Choose Oman Air?
Oman Air’s 787-9 Business Class combines luxury, privacy, and impeccable service, making it one of the most underrated business class options in the aviation industry. From the spacious flatbeds to the dine-on-demand service, every aspect is designed with passenger comfort in mind. It reminds me of how Emirates and Qatar started their journey. With a new CEO on board in 2024, let’s hope the airline will go to new and better places. It certainly has had some significant business challenges.
Take the opportunity to also visit one of the most beautiful places in the Middle East. A stopover in Muscat is a must if you are using it as a transit point.
Oman Air Business and First Class Lounge at Muscat Airport
Before boarding your flight, the Oman Air Business and First Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport offers a tranquil retreat for premium passengers. The lounge is a testament to Omani hospitality, featuring elegant interiors, an abundance of seating areas, and state-of-the-art facilities.
You can enjoy an extensive buffet with international and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as an à la carte dining option. The bar offers alcohol but not until 11:00 am.
For relaxation, there are shower facilities, a quiet room, and even a spa by Shangri-La offering rejuvenating treatments.
The lounge also includes a dedicated business centre and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring travellers can stay connected.
If you have a short transit you can rest in one of their nap rooms. If your transit is long you can make use of their sleeping rooms. And if you are travelling with kids, theres a dedicated space for them as well.
There is a fee of approximately USD 100 to access the lounge if it’s not included with your ticket. If you have a friend who is travelling and does not have access to a lounge this makes one of the best gifts for a traveller.
Oman Air & One World Alliance
Oman Air is set to join the Oneworld Alliance on June 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the airline. As a member of Oneworld, Oman Air will enhance its network connectivity, offering passengers access to more than 1,000 destinations across the globe. This move also means that Oman Air’s frequent flyer members will benefit from improved loyalty rewards, access to a broader range of airport lounges, and smoother travel experiences with its Oneworld partners. Joining this prestigious alliance solidifies Oman Air’s position as a global player in the aviation industry.
With Oman Air becoming a member of the Oneworld alliance in mid-2025, its business class seats and Business Studio suites will soon be available for booking using a variety of frequent flyer points, including Qantas Points, AAdvantage miles, Avios, Asia Miles, and more.
New Boeing 787-9’s Oman Air
At present, Oman Air operates ten Boeing 787s, with two more expected to join the fleet in the coming year. One of these new aircraft will be decorated with a special Oneworld livery to commemorate the airline’s joining of the Oneworld alliance.
These new Dreamliners will be the last to feature Oman Air’s current 2-2-2 business class configuration before the airline begins receiving six additional Dreamliners starting in 2027, which will showcase the revamped business class suites.
The all-new business class will feature private suites with doors arranged in a sleek 1-2-1 layout for enhanced privacy and comfort. This upgrade will mark a significant shift from the current business class, which uses a 2-2-2 configuration and the innovative Apex Suite design.
Oman Air intends to remove all its A330’s and 787-8’s by the end of 2025. Its widebody fleet will consist of 787-9’s only with a simple two configuration.
Final Words
All in all, flying with Oman Air is a fantastic experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to enjoy their Business Class or Business Studio suites. From the privacy of the fully enclosed seats to the personalized service, every detail is designed to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. With Oman Air joining the Oneworld Alliance in 2025, the convenience and rewards for frequent flyers will only get better.
If you are travelling soon and need help packing, feel free to download this ultimate travel packing list. It contains items and tips you may not have considered!
Happy travels!
