The Ministry of Social Development makes the support of such people a major priority and it works to meet their needs on a daily basis. As part of its continuing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, Oman Air has worked closely with the Ministry to deliver a range of projects, which help these citizens achieve their full potential.

Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air, said, ''As the national airline of the sultanate, Oman Air is proud of its role in working with the Ministry of Social Development to improve the life of our nation.

''Oman Air has to date expanded the range of community initiatives. These have supported those eligible for social insurance, improved the living conditions of those who are least well-off and contributed to the achievement throughout the society of a rewarding and balanced life. We have also provided vital backing for a range of educational, cultural and sporting initiatives throughout the sultanate.''

He added, ''In pursuing this essential aspect of Oman Air''s mission, we have been honoured to develop a genuine partnership with the Ministry of Social Development. Oman Air is therefore pleased to reaffirm our support for the work of the Ministry of Social Development.

''Furthermore, we look forward to continuing our work together to help all Omanis achieve their full potential. In doing so, we can not only help improve the lives of individuals, but also make an important contribution to the economic and social well-being of the sultanate.''

Dr Khalid Abdul Wahab al Balushi, senior manager government relations and sustainability, said, ''Oman Air''s support for the work of the Ministry of Social Development stems from its endeavours to support the community through the Department of Government Relations and Sustainability.''

He added, ''We look forward to continuing our comprehensive CSR programme and working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development to deliver a positive, long-term impact within our communities.''

Oman Air has a record of providing sustained support for people with special needs. For example, 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, the availability of practical and financial support was outlined and the students learned about the significance of economic independence.

Meanwhile, educational CSR initiatives have seen Oman Air partner with the aircraft manufacturer Airbus to jointly host two school workshops conducted in Muscat by The Little Engineer (TLE), an organisation dedicated to instilling an appreciation of science and technology among today''s youth.

Oman Air has also associated with Boeing to run a training and recruitment skills programme for the graduates of the High Technical College in Muscat. Additional educational support has included the donation of a large number of Arabic and English language books to Oman''s Maktabati project, which encourages children of all ages to improve their reading skills.