FRiENDi Re-Brands with Up-to-Date Airport Kiosk in Muscat

The kiosk for FRiENDi Mobile at the Muscat International Airport has a whole new look. As part of the move to update their brand’s look, FRiENDi completely renovated their kiosk, which is located in the arrivals terminal, making it the first point of contact for travelers to Oman.

The new branding gives off a fresh, clean and new appearance, hopefully making FRiENDi most people’s choice for all their mobile service needs. Not only is the outer appearance new, but now the customer kiosk will offer 24 hour, seven days per week, customer service.

"We are confident that the new design and color scheme will attract more footfalls to the kiosk and we hope to add more value to both existing and new customers among visitors by increasing engagement and stimulation to their travel experience in Oman," said Nasser Saif al Mamari, direct sales manager, FRiENDi mobile.

“With the airport kiosk renovation, we have completed three of our main outlets and will expand the new corporate colour scheme to all our premium dealers across Oman," continued al Mamari.

Eight Local Builders Vying for In-Flight Catering Contract

The Newly Expanded Muscat International Airport

As Muscat Airport continues with its plans to forge ahead with a major expansion of its facility, eight separate local construction firms are fighting for the rights to build a large in-flight catering complex.

The complex will be part of the multibillion dollar renewal of the airport which will also include an opulent passenger terminal, state-of-the-art baggage processing, high-tech cargo terminal, modern transport systems for patrons, cutting edge air traffic management system and ultra-modern aircraft hangars. The renovations will place Muscat as a major hub for international travel.

The $5 billion project is being overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which will determine which of eight contenders will be awarded the contract to build the in-flight catering complex. This contract is one of only two major contracts outstanding from an original collection of 13 main projects needed for the overall construction of the new airport.

The eight construction companies include Carillion Alawi, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction, Strabag Oman, Bahwan Contracting Co, Larsen & Toubro (Oman), Muhibbah Engineering (Malaysia), Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) and Galfar Engineering & Contracting.

The complex will be capable of preparing as many as 24,000 meals per day, and will use about 26,000 square meters of space. Not only will Oman Air avail itself of the food service, but other airlines which operate out of Muscat International Airport will utilize the new facility for their food needs.

The new Muscat International Airport is scheduled for completion in late 2014.

Muscat Duty Free Renews Contract with Pure Gold Jewelers

Muscat Duty Free announced its decision to renew their contract with Pure Gold Jewelers and to make them the exclusive outlet for retail jewelry at the Muscat International Airport. The endorsement comes after Pure Gold Jewelers completed three consecutive years of phenomenal growth at Muscat Duty Free, growing by 53 percent since launching operations in 2009.

Karim Merchant, CEO of Pure Gold Jewelers

Karim Merchant, the CEO and Managing Director of Pure Gold Jewelers responded to the renewed agreement with Muscat Duty Free:

“We are honored by the confidence and trust the Muscat Duty Free management has placed in us and we truly appreciate their decision to renew our agreement. Oman’s push into tourism will definitely see a phenomenal increase in passenger traffic through the Muscat International Airport and we are well placed to meet the resulting demand. The agreement is in line with our Chairman’s vision to be the exclusive retailer for gold and jewelery in the major duty frees in this region and eventually all over the world.”

In addition Merchant said, “With the support of the Muscat Duty Free management team we intend to double our business at the Muscat Duty Free in the next three years.”

Growth of traffic through Muscat International Airport has shown significant gains over the last year, with an 18 percent increase in total passenger traffic in January 2012 over the same period one year ago, in 2011.

The general manager of Muscat Duty Free, Tom Byrne commented:

“We consider Pure Gold Jewelers as one of our long-term business partners and are very pleased to have the brand on board as part of our product offers. Being the only gold and diamond jewelry outlet operating at Muscat International Airport , I am sure our customers will see a tremendous value in this partnership with Pure Gold Jewelers. Following the renovation in 2011, Muscat Duty Free has seen a very positive response from our customers and we believe that our partnership with a prestigious brand like Pure Gold Jewelers will continue to add to this success.”