Oman Air and Salam Air Announce New Chief Executive Officers

Oman Air has announced the appointment of Nasser Al Sharji as its new Chief Executive Officer, according to a recent statement from the national carrier. The announcement details significant changes within the leadership of Oman's aviation sector, signaling a new chapter for both national airlines. Separately, Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi's appointment to a leadership role at Salam Air is slated to become effective on October 1, 2026. This leadership transition marks a significant development for both airlines, reflecting a strategic evolution within the Sultanate's aviation industry.

Oman Air Leadership Transition

Nasser Al Sharji's appointment as Oman Air's new Chief Executive Officer is effective September 1, 2026. This strategic move positions Mr. Al Sharji at the helm of the national flag carrier. Mr. Al Sharji has previously held senior leadership positions across various Omani entities, including ASYAD Group, OQ, and Nama Water Services, showcasing his broad expertise in managing complex organizations. Most recently, he served as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports Management Company, gaining valuable experience directly within the aviation infrastructure sector. His Excellency Saeed Al Mawali, who is both the Chairman of Oman Air and Oman’s Minister of Transformation, Communications and Information Technology, oversees these transitions, showing the government's involvement in these key appointments. Con Korfiatis has served as Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2024. Following the effective date of Mr. Al Sharji's appointment, Mr. Korfiatis will continue to support Oman Air in the capacity of Advisor to the CEO, ensuring a smooth and effective handover of responsibilities and continuity of strategic initiatives.

Salam Air Appoints New CEO

Salam Air has announced the appointment of Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his tenure set to begin on October 1, 2026. The airline confirmed the leadership change in a statement, emphasizing the importance of this new appointment for its future trajectory. "SalamAir is pleased to announce the appointment of Eng. Yaqoob bin Saif bin Hamoud Al Kiyumi as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2026," Salam Air stated, noting the formal nature of the transition. The low-cost carrier also affirmed its commitment to Oman Vision 2040, a national strategy aimed at developing the Sultanate's economy and society. This commitment indicates that the new leadership will align the airline's growth and operational strategies with the broader national development goals, fostering economic diversification and enhancing connectivity.

Executive Backgrounds and Vision

Nasser Al Sharji brings over 25 years of experience in executive leadership, operational excellence, and business transformation to his new role at Oman Air. His extensive background spans various strategic initiatives within the Omani business landscape, preparing him for the complexities of leading a national airline. Most recently, Mr. Al Sharji served as Chief Executive Officer of Transom Handling, a key player in aviation services, where he honed his operational and strategic management skills within the industry. His previous executive positions also include leadership roles at ASYAD Group, OQ, and Nama Water Services, prior to which he was Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports Management Company. His appointment is expected to leverage this broad experience as Oman Air navigates its strategic objectives, including enhancing its network, improving customer experience, and contributing to the Sultanate's economic growth. The depth of his experience across diverse sectors is anticipated to provide a fresh perspective and strong leadership to Oman Air.