The history of world aviation is quite intriguing, and anyone who loved these flying machines would get goosebumps to know how the art of flying evolved across the globe over a period of centuries.
From the 5th-century kites in China to the latest Embraer E-195-E2, Airbus A330-900, and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, the journey of flying has been illustrious.
History has it that the first drafts of a rational aircraft were created by the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci in his paintings in the 15th century.
Later in 1647, Tito Livio Burattini developed a model aircraft featuring four pairs of glider wings, but flying through the clouds remained a matter of ecstasy until 1903, when Orville Wright made the first sustained, powered flight on December 17 in a plane he and his brother Wilbur built, marking the modern age of powered flight.
The twelve seconds they spent in the air then proved to be the gateway to the development of the first practical airplane in 1905 and launched worldwide efforts to build better flying machines. An attempt to showcase the pulsating history of aviation in the Sultanate of Oman was made in the manner of a unique exhibition organised by the national carrier, Oman Air at Stal Gallery in Muscat recently.
Titled ‘Oman Air: A Legacy in the Skies’ the exhibition combined state-of-the-art multimedia, immersive displays, and an array of compelling artifacts that bring to life the nation’s illustrious aviation past and celebrate the key milestones that have shaped Oman Air into the globally recognised Omani brand today.
Oman Air:
The rare photographs and artifacts tell the story of how the national carrier, Oman Air, began operations in 1993 when it was initially founded to serve important domestic routes, and how it has since undergone rapid growth, making it one of the most recognised international carriers connecting cities around the world to Oman’s stunning nature, rich heritage, and welcoming culture.
“This exhibition is the first of its kind to portray the captivating journey of Oman through time, spanning from the reign of His Majesty Sultan Taimour bin Faisal to the present day, promising a truly immersive and enlightening experience for visitors of all ages,” said an Oman Air spokesperson.
Bait Al Falaj Airport:
In Oman, the first commercial air transportation began with the Bait Al Falaj Airport in 1929, which was the first airport in the country and was used mainly for military purposes and a few civilian flights. Needless to say, this airport, located in the Ruwi area, played a great role in the development of civil aviation in the Sultanate of Oman.
Seeb International Airport:
The Seeb International Airport was officially launched on December 23, 1973. It was first called Seeb International Airport and was changed to Muscat International Airport on February 1, 2008.
Muscat International Airport:
The Seeb International Airport was replaced by Muscat International Airport at a new location not very different from the old one on February 1, 2008. The new name highlights Muscat as a city associated with the history of the country. The necessary approvals for the name change have been obtained by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Muscat International Airport is now globally known. Since then, the airport has played a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of the tourism and business sectors.
Amouage, the Oman-based international fragrance house, joined the aviation expo, unveiling the signature scent for Oman Air’s new onboard amenity kits that offer a true Arabic feel.
The history of a nation is predominantly based on its international gateways, as aviation plays a pivotal role in connecting nations and defining the future of the world.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
