Edinburgh-based logistics firm John Menzies has signed a memorandum of understanding with Oman Air for ground handling at Omani airports.

Menzies said the announcement is a major step towards a joint venture to provide ground handling services at all nine airports across Oman, including Oman Air’s key hub operation in Muscat.

The companies “will now enter a period of due diligence and focus on regulatory requirements, with the aim of forming the joint venture within the last quarter of 2016.”

Menzies said the venture “will employee some 2,500 people and handle over 50,000 aircraft turnarounds per annum.”

Forsyth Black, president and managing director at Menzies Aviation, said: “This venture represents real progress against our strategy by securing a hub location and by expanding in emerging markets.

“There is a great tradition of co-operation between British and Omani partners; we hope to add this new joint venture to that list.”

Oman Air chief executive officer Paul Gregorowitsch said: “We are pleased to have signed a memorandum of understanding with Menzies Aviation which will see us form a joint venture partnership by the end of this year.

“Menzies Aviation is a highly professional, global company with a proven track record.

“Our partnership will enable us to access new technology, improve training and achieve the highest standards with regard to ground handling operations.”