Oman Air is reshaping its cargo strategy to prioritise high-yield shipments, optimise belly capacity and selectively deploy freighters to support long-term sustainability and growth in e-commerce, reports London's Air Cargo Week.

Head of Cargo Mike Duggan said the airline is right-sizing operations to improve yields and prepare for future expansion. The carrier's freight strategy centres on maximising belly space while using freighters to supplement passenger-driven networks and reach markets otherwise inaccessible.

Oman Air's narrow-body fleet adds operational challenges, with bulk holds limiting cargo options. Mr Duggan said freighters complement passenger aircraft, and future expansion could include wide-body capacity on Hong Kong-China to Europe routes via Muscat to capture e-commerce flows.

Muscat remains a key transit hub, with about 90 per cent of cargo transit-driven. Mr Duggan said facilities are under capacity but require careful handling of quick ramp transfers and temperature-sensitive shipments. He acknowledged limited ability to serve the local market but noted alignment with national aviation priorities.

Customer engagement is a central pillar of the strategy, with investments in regional sales managers to strengthen ties with GSAs and improve consistency. He said targeting pharmaceuticals and perishables will boost yields, making better use of under-utilised temperature-controlled zones.

Despite intense competition, Oman Air aims to differentiate through reliability and agility. He said smaller teams allow closer customer relationships, with new appointments in Europe and planned hires in Asia and India to enhance account management. "It is a people business at the end of the day," he added.