By: Logistics Middle east

Oman has taken a significant step in industrial logistics with the launch of advanced drone-based air cargo operations for the oil and gas sector, introducing unmanned aerial transport into live production environments for the first time in the Middle East.

ESBAAR confirmed that the new service entered operational deployment following the successful completion of initial cargo flights carried out in partnership with Masar Petroleum.

The flights were conducted using a fleet of locally manufactured unmanned aerial systems produced by SINAN Advanced Industries.

The first mission involved the urgent transport of spare parts for oil production equipment from the Wilayat of Haima to Masar Petroleum’s operations site in Concession Area No. 7. Covering a distance of 137 km, the delivery was completed in one hour and 23 minutes shortly before sunset, compared with an estimated four hours or more by road.

Addressing operational constraints

The use of aerial transport removes several constraints associated with road logistics in oil and gas concession areas, particularly during night-time hours when vehicle movement is often restricted.

ESBAAR stated that the drone-based solution enables continuous logistics support without interruption, reducing the risk of production delays caused by spare part shortages.

By shortening delivery times and eliminating dependence on road access, the system is designed to support time-critical maintenance activities and emergency response scenarios.

The company noted that the ability to operate around the clock provides operators with greater flexibility when managing production assets in remote or environmentally challenging locations.

Malik Al Toubi, co-founder and director of advanced air mobility at ESBAAR, explained that the company’s focus has been on building local capabilities that address complex logistical challenges in strategic sectors.

He commented that the launch reflects a commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, qualifying Omani talent and integrating drone technologies through close collaboration with industrial partners.

Oil and gas operators see immediate impact

Masar Petroleum highlighted the operational value of integrating drone-based cargo transport into its production activities. Eng. Yahya Al Yaqubi, production supervisor at the company, remarked that the service enhances efficiency while improving safety standards across operations.

He noted that the availability of continuous air cargo support helps reduce production downtime and accelerates response during emergency situations, challenges commonly faced by exploration and production companies.

Masar Petroleum confirmed it is the first Omani operator to deploy advanced air cargo technology within active oil and gas operations.

Scalable model supports wider applications

Beyond hydrocarbons, ESBAAR stated that the solution has been designed to scale across other sectors requiring reliable and secure logistics support.

The model is based on dedicated aerial corridors linking operational sites and forming an integrated logistics chain capable of supporting multiple industries.

The company plans to expand its advanced air cargo operations both locally and regionally, supporting Oman’s broader objectives under Vision 2040 to advance knowledge-based industries and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

ESBAAR described the initiative as a demonstration of how locally developed technologies can move from concept to live deployment, contributing to long-term industrial capability and economic diversification.