Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), the company that operates the Muscat and Salalah International airports, has awarded Dubai-based Jetex Flight Support a 10-year contract to provide aircraft operation and management services at both airports.

The deal is expected to significantly improve the VIP services at both airports.

“We hope that this step … will take us closer to our strategic goal in 2020 to become among the top 20 airports in the world," Oman Airports CEO Sheikh Aimen al-Hosni, said.

The agreement will require Jetex to develop a fix-based operation (FBO) at both airports.

An FBO typically provides aeronautical services such as fuelling, hangaring, parking and aircraft rental or maintenance services.

Muscat and Salalah airports have a combined capacity to handle 22 million passengers annually.

The new passenger terminal at Muscat International is expected to enter commercial operations next year.