Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain 27 April 2018: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today welcomed the airline’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft, which landed in Bahrain International Airport at approximately 1500 local time, following its delivery from the Boeing factory in the United States, will service a number of regional routes before it takes on the Bahrain – London, Heathrow route on June 15. With Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Krešimir Kučko and other airline executives on board, the Dreamliner received a water canon salute as it taxied to the terminal and was welcomed at Bahrain International Airport by a delegation of VIPs, dignitaries, government and aviation industry representatives and media members.

Gulf Air’s incoming fleet of 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft will see by end-2018 the arrival of five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and two Airbus A320neo aircraft. Two Dreamliner services have been announced so far this year: the Bahrain – London, Heathrow service and the Bahrain – Casablanca, Morocco service. The new incoming aircraft will facilitate the national carrier’s expansion plans, while maintaining one of the youngest fleets in the region, building upon its award-winning reliability, on time performance and product and service standards.

Gulf Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will offer 282 seats in a two-class configuration, with 26 Falcon Gold Class seats and 256 Economy Class seats – a 32% increase in capacity on the airline’s previous wide body offering. The industry-leading technology of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner boasts superior fuel efficiency, environmentally friendly operations and range flexibility that will facilitate Gulf Air’s planned network expansion and fleet optimisation at a lower operating cost.

Gulf Air Chairman H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani commented, “We are delighted to welcome Gulf Air’s newest aircraft, a game-changer for the Kingdom’s national carrier that will not only elevate Gulf Air’s product and service offering and passenger experience but will also allow us to expand our network in a strategic manner. 2018 will see Gulf Air open eight new routes to Abha, Alexandria, Baku, Bangalore, Calicut, Casablanca, Sharm El Shaikh and Tabuk. With such expansion, we are creating growth opportunities within the Kingdom of Bahrain’s financial and tourism sectors amongst others. Going forward, every kind of traveller will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art, modern, relaxing and memorable experience as Gulf Air’s new fleet will be outfitted with superior seats, Inflight Entertainment and much more. We are looking forward to Gulf Air becoming an airline of choice, which is our strategic goal.”

Passengers will enjoy many improvements with the 787 family such as the largest windows of any jet, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, soothing LED lighting and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is an all-new, super-efficient family of commercial airplanes that brings big-jet ranges and speed to the middle of the market with around 20% less fuel and around 20% fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

In 2018, Gulf Air’s network will serve 49 cities in 26 countries. Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader, continually enhancing its services and tailoring a product offering that best fits its passengers’ needs. The airline is famous for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by its signature family and business friendly products. Today, Gulf Air operates double daily flights or more to select destinations across the GCC, MENA region, Indian Subcontinent and Europe while its network spans the GCC, MENA region, Indian Subcontinent, Europe and the Far East. The airline provides seamless connectivity for passengers travelling across its network via its efficient Bahrain International Airport hub. Further information about the airline’s network, fares and flight schedule can be found online via the official Gulf Air website gulfair.com, by contacting its 24-hour Worldwide Contact Centre on (+973) 17373737 in Bahrain, or any Gulf Air sales offices and approved travel agencies. 

About Gulf Air

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier which, in 2018, will serve 49 cities in 26 countries.

The airline operates double daily flights or more to 10 regional cities, in addition to select destinations in the Indian Subcontinent and Europe, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air currently serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet and has orders for 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft due for delivery commencing in early 2018. Gulf Air’s incoming fleet will see by end-2018 the arrival of 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 2 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The modern fleet will herald a new era for Gulf Air as it continues to enhance its product and service offering. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline’s signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.

Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom’s on-going economic growth.

Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX ever since it made history as the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East in 2004. In addition, the airline has been Official Carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010.

Source: Gulf Air