Oman Air is set operate its first dedicated cargo aircraft with the announced order and delivery of the operator’s first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).

The Muscat-based carrier said the arrival of the freighter conversion, completed at Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering (STAECO) in China, will contribute to the growth of Oman’s air cargo logistics sector. The aircraft can carry up to 23.9 tonnes of freight and has a flight range of 3,750 kilometres, with up to 20 percent lower fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne.

“The freighter will contribute to the growth of the air cargo logistics sector in Oman and beyond, will be based at our strategically located Muscat hub and will enhance our ability to connect East and West,” said the Middle East carrier.

Oman Air saw its cargo volume increase 42 percent during the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, driven primarily by more capacity across its passenger fleet.