Oman Air is the national airline of Oman. Based at Muscat International Airport in Seeb, Muscat; it operates domestic and international passenger services, as well as regional air . Oman Air is a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization. Oman Air can trace its root back to 1970, when Oman International Services was established. The company became a civil aircraft ground handling provider at Beit Al Falaj Airport. In 1972, Oman International Services moved its operations to the new terminal at Seeb International Airport. The company took over Gulf Air's Light Aircraft Division in 1977, before establishing Aircraft Engineering Division in the same year. Rapidly expanding civil aviation industry of Oman led Oman International Services to the building of several facilities – including hangars, workshops and into cater for the increase in activity. In 1981, Oman Aviation Services became a joint-stock company.Oman Aviation Services also purchased 13 aircraft from Gulf Air, allowing the company to replace its turboprops Fokker 27-600 with the −500 series. In1982, Oman Aviation Services jointly commenced jet services, along with Gulf Air. From 1983 to 1993, the company purchased new equipment, including the Cessna Citation, and new facilities to help it improve its services. In 1993, Oman Air was founded. The airline's start was in March, when a wet-leased Boeing 737-300 from Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services (AWAS) flew from Muscat to Salalah. In July of the same year, the airline's first international flight was operated to Dubai, also using a Boeing 737–300.