- Oman Air CEO Con Korfiatis has been replaced by Nasser Al Sharji after two years in the role.
- SalamAir CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns has also been replaced by Yaqoob Al Kiyumi.
- Both outgoing CEOs served approximately two years in their positions.
- Omani sources have indicated domestic politics played a role in Korfiatis’ removal.
- Al Sharji brings experience from Transom Handling and Oman Airports Management Co.
The Omani government has abruptly replaced Oman Air CEO Con Korfiatis, bringing in Nasser Al Sharji, most recently CEO of Omani ground-handling company Transom Handling and acting CEO of Oman Airports Management Co. The move came on the same day as a new CEO for the country’s LCC, SalamAir, was announced. Omani energy sector executive Yaqoob bin Saif bin Hamoud Al Kiyumi will replace New Zealander Adrian Hamilton-Manns, whose departure has been known for some months. Like Korfiatis, Hamilton-Manns has been in post for just two years.
Korfiatis, an Australian who was previously CEO of Saudi Arabian LCC Flyadeal, was brought in to supercharge the perennially loss-making Omani national carrier’s flagging transformation plan in May 2024; the Muscat-based carrier is expected to achieve its first net profit in 18 years in 2027. Al Mawali thanked Korfiatis for his service. Al Sharji will take over as Oman Air CEO Sept. 1. Omani sources have told Aviation Daily that Korfiatis’ removal is a matter of domestic politics.
Al Kiyumi is currently CEO of Oman Power and Water Procurement Co. His previous experience has been in the oil and gas sector, together with experience in the aluminum smelting industry. It is not known if he has any aviation experience. According to a statement on the airline’s website, Al Sharji has also held senior leadership positions at several Omani companies, where he led major national projects and organizational transformation initiatives.
.Saeed Al Mawali shared: Nasser brings extensive leadership experience, a strong understanding of the aviation sector and a proven track record of leading organisations through transformation and change. We are confident that, under his leadership, Oman Air will continue to build on the significant progress achieved in recent years and further strengthen its position as Oman’s national carrier. Con will continue to support Oman Air as advisor to the CEO, providing continuity and guidance as the airline moves forward.
