IFEC Propels Oman Air as Gulf’s Dark Horse

As the first female Gulf national to become an avionics maintenance engineer, Alya Al Qalam Al Yafie, manager for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) at Oman Air, is no stranger to mold breaking.

“We [consider] cabin innovation and in-flight entertainment systems one of the key pillars to differentiate us as an airline,” she told AIN. Al Qalam Al Yafie joined Oman Air as a trainee in June 1994, specializing in avionics-electrical systems, after graduating from Egypt’s College of Aeronautical Science and Technology. She also acquired an aircraft maintenance engineer (avionics) license, and, in 2011, gained a master's of science in maintenance management from Glasgow Caledonian University. Al Qalam Al Yafie started with Oman Air as a licensed aircraft maintenance technician and acquired the approvals to perform maintenance and troubleshooting activities on the in-service fleet at that time. She then moved to development engineering in 2001, responsible for electrical and avionics/IFEC/E-enablement and obtained all type ratings on all existing in-service aircraft types

“[In 2009], we were the first airline worldwide to get the Thales i5000 suite on the A330 fleet, with Wi-Fi, connectivity, text messaging, and onboard telephony. This was an achievement for the airline. At the time, we worked hard with all stakeholders, and now we can see how this enhanced our role as an airline within the region, and how it differentiated [us] as being one of the first to adopt the technology.”

Oman Air’s regional competitors in the Gulf took notice. “Full-service luxury makes a statement,” said the Dubai-based representative of an in-flight communications service provider. “Oman Air made a bold, forward-looking decision in 2009.”

Addressing the future of aircraft connectivity and the systems and capabilities she expects to emerge in the coming years, she said: “The existence of new emerging technology, satellites with high-speed, global coverage and high-capacity bandwidth [means] superfast connectivity service in the cabin will be key to keeping passengers content in flight. We could see more airlines considering connectivity solutions either on single-aisle or long-haul fleets, provided the cost and quality of the service is acceptable to the airline operators and their passengers onboard.”

Airlines trying to monetize internet-service delivery face the question of whether they should offer free services to attract more passengers. “I believe every airline will opt for a suitable model to differentiate themselves, as connectivity [can] be a tool to generate revenue and make profits,” she said.

“As staying connected is becoming a key to winning customer loyalty, we see some airlines [offering] the service at no cost to first and business class guests. Also, some airlines offer Wi-Fi service at very attractive [rates] to holiday travelers to enhance their travel experience. We shouldn't forget airlines’ main objective in diversifying their services is to be more profitable.”