Oman’s SalamAir appoints new CEO

Omani low cost carrier SalamAir has appointed a new CEO after announcing plans to replace François Bouteiller.

Captain Mohamed Ahmed, who was group director of operations and maintenance at Sharjah-based Air Arabia, will begin work as the company’s chief executive from October 2.

Ahmed’s previous experience at Air Arabia includes roles in major aircraft and simulator orders and as director manager for subsidiary airlines.

The appointment comes after SalamAir’s board announced plan to replace Bouteiller with a GCC national in July just months after the airline began operations.

Read: Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir to appoint new CEO

No reason was given for the decision.

SalamAir has so far transported more than 380,000 passengers from Omani airports in Muscat, Salalah and Sohar to locations including Dubai, Jeddah, Karachi and Sialkot, according to the airline.

Boutellier said in May interviews he expected the airline to transport 800,000 passengers by year-end and turn its first profit in 2018.

Read: Why Oman’s SalamAir is bullish about the growth of low cost carriers

“The success of a budget airline business model is centered on offering safe and affordable flights which represents a great value for money. I plan to build a winning team and apply my experience and know-how to write the next chapter of SalamAir’s success story,” said Ahmed.