Oman Aviation Services Company (OASC), a subsidiary of the Oman Aviation Group, is looking to strengthen its cargo capabilities and expand its knowledge base and expertise, thorough two memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed on Wednesday with The International Air Cargo Association as well as Ground.net.

The MoU aims to support and direct companies and institutions of various sizes to develop an efficient, advanced and integrated air cargo sector at the global level. The MoU will pave the way before OASC to reach new international markets.

The signing ceremony took place at the sidelines of the Air Cargo Horizons forum, organised by Oman Aviation Group on Wednesday at the new cargo terminal at Muscat International Airport.

Under the MoU signed with Ground.net, a European alliance of ground handling services, connect local experts with a multi-site creative network to provide airlines with a complete package of high-quality services for passengers and runway and cargo handling services, OASC will become the first non-European member in the next 12 months, enabling them to access new markets and benefit from specialised knowledge, best practices and training opportunities.

The two memoranda of understanding were signed by Dr Khalfan bin Said Al Shaili, CEO of OASC and Vladimir Zubkov, TIACA Secretary General.

Dr Al Shaili said, “The first MoU signed with TIACA allows the company to communicate directly with more than 400 companies in the air cargo sector, especially with respect to cargo handling. The second memorandum signed with Ground.net, which manages more than 80 airports in the world in the field of ground handling — will contribute to the improvement of ground handling services in the Sultanate through the exchange of experiences and support of national cadres.”

He said that the company has started to move to the global stage in the field of ground handling according to its planned strategy and objectives, noting that there is a significant improvement at the level of the company as a result of training staff and attracting the best competencies, whether Omani and foreign.

Vladimir Zubkov, TIACA Secretary General praised the services and facilities of the new air cargo terminal at Muscat International Airport, one of the most modern facilities in the world of air cargo.

He expected that there would be a “prosperous future for air cargo in the Sultanate as a result of the development of shipping facilities and qualified professional cadres, and using modern technologies in this field.”

The signing of the memoranda was attended by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, Mustafa bin Mohammed Al Hinai, CEO of Oman Aviation Group and a number of aviation experts and specialists.