Review: Oman Air 787 Business Class Muscat to Jakarta

On my method from the Center East to South East Asia, I had the pleasure of as soon as once more flying with Oman Air. I’ve beforehand tried the airline’s wonderful First Class, however this time I’d be flying the Oman Air 787 enterprise class product as an alternative.

Whereas Oman Air might not be as extensively generally known as different Gulf carriers, I’ve at all times heard wonderful experiences concerning the enterprise class expertise on this boutique airline, so I used to be naturally desirous to see what they’d in retailer for me en route from Muscat to Jakarta.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Reserving

Oman Air operates a restricted variety of weekly flights to Jakarta utilizing their two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane. As well as, the airline additionally has 9 barely bigger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, all of that are additionally outfitted with the identical enterprise class product.

I secured this flight as a part of a routing that took me from Doha–Abu Dhabi–Muscat with Etihad Airways, and eventually to Jakarta with Oman Air, for a complete of 60,000 Aeroplan factors.

Because of the comparatively new partnership with Aeroplan, there at the moment are extra alternatives to ebook First Class or enterprise class flights with Oman Air than earlier than.

The airline’s community is comparatively robust in Europe, the Center East, and South East Asia, so make sure to take into account it whenever you’re planning a visit in any of those components of the world.

By way of redeeming factors for premium journey with Oman Air, Aeroplan is unquestionably the only option for now, because of the relative ease with which you’ll be able to accumulate factors. In 2024, Oman Air will be part of Oneworld, which ought to open up much more redemption potentialities through Oneworld airways’ loyalty packages.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Floor Expertise

Previous to boarding, I popped by the Oman Air Enterprise Class Lounge. The lounge is a critically spectacular area that strikes the proper stability between perform and design.

I’ve beforehand reviewed this lounge as a part of my go to to the Oman Air First Class Lounge. Because the bigger of the 2 lounges, it’s capable of accommodate a sizeable crowd with out sacrificing the sense of exclusivity that one hopes to search out in a lounge.

Passengers flying in enterprise class or First Class with Oman Air, or Oman Air Sindbad Silver or Gold members, are eligible to entry the enterprise class lounge.

Inside, you’ll discover not one, however two eating areas that provide a tempting unfold of self-serve choices, together with a well-stocked bar.

The lounge additionally boasts a spread of facilities, together with non-public nap pods and sleeping rooms – which are literally even bigger than those within the First Class Lounge.

Moreover, the lounge provides two small bathe cabins, non-public cinemas, a shared spa, and even a popcorn machine!

With a glass of Lallier Champagne in hand, I loved a while on the lounge bar whereas I patiently anticipated the boarding name for my enterprise class flight with Oman Air.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Cabin

The enterprise class cabin on tonight’s Boeing 787-8 options simply 18 Apex Suites organized in a 2-2-2 configuration throughout three rows.

(On the bigger Boeing 787-9, there’d be an additional row of enterprise class seats for a complete of 24 Apex Suites.)

Upon discovering my seat, I famous the elegant enterprise class cabin, adorned in a tasteful mix of cream tones, reflecting Oman Air’s model id.

As is customary within the Apex Suites configuration, the home windows seats are staggered, whereas the center seats are instantly in keeping with one another.

The window seats have a small, devoted walkway offering direct aisle entry, and thus are perfect for passengers looking for privateness – though it’s price noting that they provide restricted storage.

Quite the opposite, the non-middle aisle seats lack privateness, however have a small storage nook behind the window seat subsequent to them.

For {couples} touring collectively, choosing a window and an aisle seat can supply one passenger the ultra-private Apex Suite expertise, whereas nonetheless permitting for dialog with the divider down.

These seated within the center seats can converse with each other by reducing the centre divider of the suites.

In my case, I chosen Seat 12A, the window seat on the left facet of the second row within the enterprise class cabin.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Seat

As I took my seat, a member of the crew got here by shortly thereafter to supply me a selection of pre-departure beverage.

To my delight, they’d mango juice obtainable, which is one in every of my favorite drinks – I positively already had a sense this was going to be an excellent flight! 

I had flown on the Apex Suites with Japan Airways enterprise class a couple of instances earlier than, however I used to be nonetheless desirous to discover Oman Air’s model of the seat additional upon sitting down.

Instantly upon taking your seat, you’ll discover the 17-inch high-definition leisure display positioned instantly in entrance of you.

Beneath the display, there’s an ottoman that gives ample legroom and ample cupboard space, which is massive sufficient for a bag or bigger merchandise. It’s price noting that the area and ottoman listed below are fairly a bit bigger than these of the seats within the center rows.

To your proper, a small console runs the size of the seat, with simply sufficient area on the far finish to carry a drink.

Close to your fingertips, the console homes the leisure controller, which might be withdrawn and held in your arms.

Two small storage compartments are positioned on the decrease entrance a part of your seat wall, although these are the one storage items obtainable and never all that helpful.

Considered one of them holds the set of headphones offered, whereas adjoining to the storage compartments is a literature pocket.

In direction of the underside of the console, you’ll discover a headphone jack and two USB retailers, with a studying gentle positioned simply above.

In the meantime, all of the seat controls are positioned on the left armrest. These controls embrace three preset features, whereas additionally permitting you to fine-tune the seat positions to a really excessive stage of granularity on a separate set of controls.

The tray desk is a sturdy piece, positioned within the armrest of the seat. It’s simply accessible and might be pulled out and adjusted to your most popular top and angle.

The floor of the tray desk is completed in a glossy and classy materials that enhances the design of the Apex Suite cabin, and it will also be swivelled by a 90˚ angle to present you some room to exit your seat even when it’s deployed. 

Lastly, one of the vital outstanding options of the Oman Air enterprise class Apex Suite is the adjustable divider that affords unparalleled privateness.

Positioned conveniently on the facet of the seat and simply operated by the push of a button, the door transforms your seat into a non-public cocoon within the sky.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Facilities

The crew got here by to supply every passenger Arabic espresso and dates earlier than takeoff, which is a stunning contact that provides an genuine and cultural ingredient to the flying expertise.

Moreover, the crew additionally handed out a set of pajamas, which is extra generally provided in First Class than in enterprise class. Certainly, together with EVA Air and Qatar Airways, Oman Air is among the few airways that present enterprise class passengers with devoted sleepwear. 

The pyjamas have a pleasing color scheme that displays the airline’s id and are fairly comfy – they’ve definitely handed the “carrying round the home after the flight” check.

However, the amenity package offered by Oman Air is considerably disappointing. An unbranded pouch was handed out, and it contained just a few fundamental objects similar to socks, eyeshades, and earplugs.

Given the excessive customary of different facilities offered by the airline, the amenity package right here falls in need of expectations and has a variety of room for enchancment.

Previous to takeoff, a member of the crew distributed the foods and drinks menu for me to peruse earlier than taking my meal order.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Snack service

The meal service idea on this in a single day Oman Air enterprise class flight was notably fascinating.

On condition that the flight departed at round 2am, the crew first served a fast snack shortly after takeoff, earlier than serving the principle meal roughly three hours earlier than touchdown (roughly six hours into the flight, after visitors have had ample time to relaxation).

This was a welcome departure from the norm, as another airways insist on serving a full meal in the course of the evening for these sorts of early-morning departures, which might be jarring for passengers attempting to get some sleep.

The preliminary snack service featured pretty customary objects like a rooster and vegetable quiche, a facet salad, and a Danish. Nothing right here stood out notably; nevertheless, I used to be fairly glad to have it out of the best way so I might get some relaxation.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Mattress

The restrooms on board are what you possibly can anticipate finding on most 787s. They’re considerably restricted in measurement, however simply massive sufficient to manoeuvre comfortably.

The restrooms had been thoughtfully outfitted with Amouage facilities, which is an Omani luxurious perfume model. Wouldn’t or not it’s good if we additionally acquired an amenity package with a few of these Amouage objects? Alas, plainly’s strictly reserved for Oman Air First Class passengers.

The mattress in Oman Air’s 787-8 enterprise class is a lie-flat mattress that measures 77 inches in size and 22 inches in width, providing ample area to stretch out. Furthermore, since there’s no footwell constraining your motion, the Apex Suite is superb to sleep in.

The bedding is comfy, with a light-weight blanket and pillow offered. As well as, window seat passengers get pleasure from a comfortable nest within the sky with the Apex Suite’s privateness display totally closed, and I due to this fact slept very soundly till waking up for the meal service.

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Meal Service

Six hours into the flight, I used to be excited to lastly get a correct style of Oman Air’s catering in enterprise class.

On this flight, the meals menu learn as follows:

Though I opted to not drink on this flight, the Lallier Blanc de Blancs Champagne and wine choice appeared wonderful. The drinks menu learn as follows:

Kicking off the meal service, I ordered a scrumptious crimson pepper tomato soup that was completely seasoned and had a stunning creamy texture.

I used to be additionally delighted with the presentation of the meal, wherein each dish was plated in elegant tableware and positioned individually on the desk.

I additionally requested the crew if I might attempt the Arabic mezze platter if there have been any additional parts, they usually had been glad to oblige.

I discovered the mezze platter to be totally different from what’s usually served on different airways similar to Emirates and Qatar Airways, that includes distinctive objects like lamb puff and rooster kofta along with the same old breads and dips.

The spotlight of the meal was undoubtedly the principle course: braised lamb in pearl onion sauce. It was exquisitely tender and flavourful, and the rice was completely fluffy.

The accompanying carrots had been easy however expertly cooked, permitting the flavours of the lamb to really shine.

I wrapped up the meal with a tasty ice cream garnished with strawberries, which was an excellent candy end to the meal.

Total, the meal service on Oman Air enterprise class was excellent by way of each presentation and style, thanks particularly to a memorable major course that actually packed a punch.

The service type and circulate had been additionally commendable, with the crew delivering a really attentive and environment friendly type of service all through the meal that added to the satisfaction. 

Oman Air 787 Enterprise Class – Leisure

The excessive definition 17-inch leisure display might be simply managed by the touch-screen or the leisure controller, and each have a responsive person interface.

Oman Air’s ARIA in-flight leisure system provides a collection of movie and TV titles that’s wide-ranging for the journey, with lots of the newest releases throughout a wide range of classes, together with complete seasons of choose TV reveals.

Moreover, you possibly can go for the airshow possibility on the IFE system and monitor your flight progress in real-time. Personally, I at all times discover it thrilling to see the place I’m on this planet and the way my journey is progressing.

Nevertheless, be aware that Wi-Fi on board doesn’t come low-cost. There are numerous Wi-Fi choices, however they’re all restricted by way of length and knowledge caps, and the costs are comparatively excessive.

(Word that whereas Oman Air First Class passengers obtain complimentary Wi-Fi, no such courtesy is prolonged to enterprise class passengers.)

I ended up buying only a one-hour move for $11.90 (USD), since I solely wanted to test a couple of emails briefly, however the 10MB knowledge allowance was gone earlier than I knew it. 

As my last act of indulgence on this flight upon our descent into Jakarta, I requested the crew for a cappuccino, which got here in a paper cup because of our imminent touchdown.

Conclusion

Oman Air’s Boeing 787 enterprise class is an total distinctive product. There are solely minor shortcomings, such because the lacklustre amenity package, which might be mere trifles within the grand scheme of issues and might be neglected contemplating the final high quality of the product.

The comfy Apex Suite, with its refined aesthetic and spacious structure, afforded me a restful sleep and seamless flight expertise.

Different touches, similar to the fashionable pajamas, didn’t go unnoticed, whereas the eating expertise on Oman Air enterprise class can be top-notch.

From the meticulous presentation to the delectable style of the dishes to the real Omani hospitality provided by the crew, I used to be left feeling greater than happy as I traversed the Indian Ocean on this in a single day journey. 

Total, Oman Air 787 enterprise class has rather a lot to supply by way of each the exhausting and mushy merchandise, and I’d very a lot suggest looking for out a flight with Oman Air when it subsequent suits your schedule.