Consultancies bidding for Oman’s National Aviation Strategy 2040

Oman’s national aviation authority is expected to soon announce a management consulting partner for the development of an updated aviation strategy.

The country’s Civil Aviation Authority is currently preparing for the next version of its National Civil Aviation Strategy, designed to respond to the demands of the aviation sector as it continues to grow. The authority is thought to be on the verge of choosing a consultancy for the project, though candidates on the shortlist have not publicly been disclosed.

A management consultancy would provide essential assistance to the project in the planning and execution stages. This is especially important for the project to align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, a roadmap for the country to diversify its economy and move away from an over-reliance on oil and gas before the year 2040.

Tender documents for the project were available until 31 January and the bidding process ended on 28 February. It is expected that many of the region’s leading aviation consulting firms will have submitted their bids, with the project being considered very attractive to bidders.

Oman’s National Civil Aviation Strategy is geared towards securing a larger share of the global aviation market, which other Gulf nations have been cornering for years, making the region a hub for long-distance stopovers and a gateway to Asia. In addition, the strategy aims to further develop Oman’s air freight capabilities in order to better serve both domestic and international industries with expanded air logistics.

Other key goals for the coming years include building out an ‘Airport City’ at Muscat International Airport and a new airport in the difficult-to-access Musandam exclave.

Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority has not unveiled which consulting firms have made the shortlist, though insiders close to the matter said interest in the prestigious engagement is high.

Consulting firms that are considered to be top choices for aviation industry projects include Oliver Wyman, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company, among others.

After the massive hit to air travel caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, passenger traffic to Muscat International Airport was reported to have bounced back significantly in 2022. Oman Airline, the country’s national airline, recently added 4 additional destinations to its summer schedule of flights: Bangladesh, the Maldives, and two cities in India.