Oman Air Business Class Review – Bangkok to Rome via Muscat on the B787-8 & B737 MAX 9

Apex Suites Comfort, Gulf Hospitality, and a Touch of Omani Elegance

Fresh from my Finnair A330 Business Class “Airlounge” experience between Sydney and Bangkok — a flight three hours longer than this Oman Air sector — one thing became immediately clear: Oman Air operates in an entirely different league. Thoughtful service, a cabin design that blends space with privacy, and an overall sense of refinement place it firmly alongside the best Gulf carriers in the business.

Ground Experience – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

I arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6:45 a.m. for my 9:15 departure. Mornings here are busy, so arriving early is wise. The dedicated Oman Air Business Class check-in counters were calm and efficient, and my bag was quickly tagged for Rome via Muscat.

As a wheelchair user, I was personally escorted through security and immigration straight to the Oman Air Business Class Lounge on Pier E — conveniently close to our gate. The lounge was impressively spacious, tastefully decorated, and — thanks to its inclusion in the Priority Pass network — buzzing with an interesting mix of travellers.

First Leg: Bangkok to Muscat – Boeing 787-8 Apex Suite

Boarding & First Impressions

I was boarded first and assisted directly to seat 11K, a right-hand window seat in the second row. This aircraft is fitted with Collins Aerospace Apex Suites in a 2-2-2 configuration — but don’t be fooled by the numbers. Every passenger has direct aisle access, thanks to a clever staggered layout, and window seats offer some of the most private business class spaces in the skies.

A sliding privacy shield, generous seat pitch, and open feel (helped by the removal of central overhead bins) eliminate any concern of confinement. Along the window, the seating shell extends considerably, creating extra length for both privacy and comfort.

The muted, calming tones of the cabin instantly put you at ease — a sharp contrast to the more rigid, upright feel of my Finnair AirLounge seat.

The Apex Suite – Comfort Without Compromise

Oman Air’s version of the Apex Suite may just be one of the most comfortable and well-designed business class seats flying today.

• Seat Controls & Adjustability: Full range of positions, including lumbar support and massage function. The only minor flaw was that the last segment of the leg rest didn’t raise completely, leaving a small gap.
• Chaise Mode: The seat extends into an indulgently comfortable chaise lounge.
• Bed Mode: This is where Oman Air utterly destroys most competitors. The bed is wide, long, and unobstructed, with no narrow foot cubbies as found in most reverse herringbone designs. You can easily roll over and shift positions — it’s as close as business class gets to first-class sleeping space.
• Privacy: Window-side seats feel almost like private suites thanks to the staggered layout.

Compared to Finnair’s AirLounge, which shines in bed mode but requires some manoeuvring to get in and out, the Apex Suite feels far more intuitive, spacious, and traditionally luxurious.

Dine on Demand – Gulf Hospitality at Its Finest

One of Oman Air’s hallmarks is dine-on-demand service. Menus and a curated wine list were presented before take-off, and my order taken during taxi.

Meals began with an elegant amuse-bouche, followed by a choice of four appetisers, four mains, and an excellent cheese board or dessert selection — all beautifully plated on high-quality ceramics.

Every dish I sampled was delicious and fresh. Service was as you’d hope from a top Gulf airline: attentive, unhurried, and personalised. The crew moved quietly through the cabin, checking regularly but never intrusively. Multiple hot and cold towel services, quick drink refills, and a constant readiness to accommodate requests made it world-class.

Luxury Amenities

Oman Air has invested heavily in its soft product:

• Bedding: Quilted duvets, silk-trimmed pillows, and a thick mattress topper transform the seat into a genuine bed.
• Sleepwear: Cotton sleeper suits and slippers are provided even in business class.
• Amenity Kits: His and hers versions by Amouage, Oman’s luxury perfume house, stocked with generously sized skincare and comfort essentials. Female kits include a vanity set; male kits a shaving set.

These details — the embroidery, the cushioned feel, the tailored amenity selection — elevate the experience firmly into luxury territory.

In-flight Entertainment – ARIA System

Oman Air’s ARIA IFE is refreshingly polished. The 23-inch HD monitor feels almost cinematic, offering:

• A library of recent films and box sets
• Interactive, zoomable moving map
• Multiple device connectivity (2 x USB, Ethernet, RCA, PC power outlet)

Noise-cancelling headphones are supplied; good, though not at the cutting edge. Wi-Fi is available on the 787 (free for First Class; paid in Business), and while in-flight connectivity is still a developing story for Oman Air, the IFE itself is easy to navigate and content-rich.

Transit at Muscat – A New Hub of Calm

Muscat International Airport, opened in 2018, is modern, airy, and designed around smooth flow. My wheelchair was waiting at the aircraft door, and transfer through security was seamless.

The Oman Air Business Class Lounge is a showcase of understated luxury — spacious dining rooms, a slick spirits bar, multiple seating zones, and shower facilities. I barely noticed my 90-minute flight delay thanks to the peaceful environment and reliable Wi-Fi for clearing emails.

Second Leg to Rome – Boeing 737 MAX 9

This shorter daytime sector used Oman Air’s regional business cabin — 12 leather recliners in a 2-2 layout. While not lie-flat, the seat was generous, supportive, and ideal for the daylight schedule. With the neighbouring seat empty, comfort was excellent.

Return via Milan – Back on the 787

My return from Europe was an overnight B787-8 flight, and unsurprisingly it was another flawless Oman Air experience: same seat comfort, same service warmth, same feeling of being genuinely cared for.

Final Verdict – Oman Air in the Elite Club

Oman Air really is a best-kept secret among Gulf carriers. It doesn’t have Emirates’ marketing machine or Qatar Airways’ route network, but in terms of hard product comfort, personalised service, and refined in-flight touches, it’s easily on par — and in some aspects, superior.

The Apex Suite on the B787-8 delivers one of the most comfortable business class beds in the world, while the overall cabin design maximises both space and privacy. Amenities, dining, and service execution are consistently five-star.

Suppose my Finnair A330 business trip felt innovative but somewhat specialised. In that case, Oman Air feels like the perfected art of business class luxury — executed by a carrier that knows precisely what its discerning passengers value.

I can say without hesitation that Oman Air sits comfortably in my Top 5 business class experiences to Europe, and for travellers seeking a Gulf connection without the crowds, it’s a compelling alternative that deserves far more attention.