Muscat, 4th October 2016 SalamAir Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Franois Bouteiller as the Chief Executive Officer of Omans first budget airline. An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Franois will take the lead in guiding the new carrier to its highly anticipated launch in the fourth quarter of 2016, managing its operational and business strategies to cater to the Sultanates traffic demand which is expected to grow 40% by 2019.

Prior to this appointment, Franois was the CEO of Flynas, a low cost carrier in Saudi Arabia, where his management know-how successfully brought the company to success carrying almost 4 million passengers a year. Franois also co-founded and led FlyBaboo, a regional airline in Europe, after service at Swiss International Airlines in Geneva. His long list of achievements also includes being named Best Chief Executive Officer of the Aviation Sector in 2013 by the Arabian Business News.  

Eng. Khalid bin Hilal Al Yahmadi, CEO of parent company ASAAS and Chairman of SalamAir, said, It is a pleasure to welcome Franois Bouteiller on board. His wealth of knowledge in operational efficiency and experience in managing commercial and budget airlines makes him a most qualified person for this position at this critical stage of the airlines journey.

SalamAir is history in the making, and I am very proud to be part of it, expressed Franois Bouteiller. Given the proximity to 80% of the worlds population, the Middle East is one of the fastest growing regions in the aviation industry, with Oman well positioned for growth. I look forward to harnessing the Sultanates full potential as a premier and affordable destination at the crossroads of continents.

The recently formed Salam Air Board of Directors held its first meeting in the end of September after securing private Omani investors to partner with ASAAS and TANMIA, both of which are owned by the State General Reserve Fund, Pension Funds and Muscat Municipality. Salam Air is rapidly moving ahead with plans for its launch later this year, with the company leasing three Airbus A320s. With a vision to boost business and tourism in Oman, SalamAir is well placed to offer an economical and efficient means of transport for the country and further advance the aviation sector in Oman.

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Press Release 2016