The initiative is being organised in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and underlines the carrier's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Announcing the move Paul Gregorowitsch chief executive officer Oman Air said 'Oman Air is pleased to be working closely with the directorate general for people with special needs for the benefit of these people who are also on the low-income brackets on their airline tickets requirement. The tickets will enable them to access treatment or education or take part in other relevant activities.'

He added 'This initiative underlines Oman Air's long-standing commitment to working with public and private institutions to offer a helping hand to those who are in need. As the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman we have a duty to support and enable the people Oman. This is an important element of our corporate social responsibility programme and we are proud to be working with the Ministry of Social Development in achieving it.'

Hilal Mohamed al Abri director general for people with special needs in the Ministry of Social Development said 'This new initiative with Oman Air will provide vital support for people with special needs who are living on low incomes. It will mean that they can more easily access the help and services that they need. We are grateful to our national carrier for their commitment.

He added 'The Ministry of Social Development works as a strategic partner with Oman Air on many projects and in many cases the airline takes the lead. Together we aim to adopt initiatives that deliver positive long-term impact within our communities and create a cooperative united society in which all citizens are enabled to achieve their full potential.'

Oman Air has provided support for people with special needs for some time.

Most recently the airline partnered with the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises and the Al Raffd Fund to run a workshop in Muscat.

Here the importance of providing financial backing for students with special needs was emphasised and students learned about the significance of economic independence. The steps necessary for creating one's own business and the availability of practical and financial support provided by the Al Raffd Fund were also outlined.