Oman Air appoints Chief Officer, Hotels and Catering

On his appointment, Richard Hodges said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Oman Air and to be taking on this immense and rewarding challenge. Oman Air is in a phase where its leisure and hospitality sectors are poised for symbiotic growth. I am sure that the airline’s expansion and the growing international awareness of Oman can, with the support and guidance of Oman Air’s management team and board of directors, be translated into fruitful business ventures.”

With over 30 years of experience in the hotel and catering industry, Mr Hodges has previously held a range of high level international positions. These include Vice President of Business Development at Regal Hotels International, General Manager of the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, and Vice President of hotel projects in San Diego, California, USA. He has also been the Chairman of Hong Kong Airport Managers Association, a member of both the Executive Committee of Hong Kong Hotels Association and the Sub-committee of The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

Two years ago, Oman Air made its initial foray into a new area of business with its acquisition of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Muscat and its creation of a sixth strategic business unit. Situated in close proximity to Muscat International Airport, the hotel opens up opportunities for Oman Air not only in terms of leisure, but also through services offered to other airlines and passengers.

Richard Hodges’ experience in the business development of airport hotels and the broader hospitality industry will underpin the future growth of Oman Air’s hotels and catering business.