Oman’s state-owned carrier Oman Air has signed a $1.16bn contract with Boeing to buy six 787-8 Dreamliner jets.

Oman Air completed an arrangement with Boeing and Kuwait-based leasing company ALAFCO to transfer existing orders for the six Dreamliners from ALAFCO to Oman Air.

Boeing claims that the 787-8 Dreamliner offers a 20% fuel saving by using a range of new technologies, including advanced composite materials, systems, aerodynamics and engines.

Oman Air currently operates direct international flights from Muscat to 41 destinations worldwide.