OAMC is providing two options to the bidders either to give proposals for a joint venture partner of the currently acting ground handling company (Oman Air) at the Muscat airport or for a second (or independent) ground handling service provider.

In the two stage process OAMC has invited qualified businesses to participate in the Request for Qualification (RfQ) process for the Ground Handling Service Provider at Muscat airport. In the second stage the Request for Proposal (RfP) documents will be released to the shortlisted companies who fulfil the RfQ criteria. In a statement OAMC said Muscat International Airport has a volume of 10mn passengers per annum and 85000 aircraft movement per year.

'OAMC invites proposals for full passenger and aircraft handling activities (not including cargo and mail handling) as a joint venture partner of the current ground handler or a second ground handling service provider.'

It further said that the letter of interest may be submitted for either or both options. However one proposer shall be selected for either option. Proposers expressing interest in both options will be shortlisted by OAMC for one of the options if complying with requirements described in RfQ.

OAMC is also planning to appoint a second ground handling company for regional airports and for cargo handling services at Muscat and Salalah airports in 2016. It will also invite proposals for Maintenance Repair and Overhaul of aircraft in January 2016.