Airline's new Enterprise Agreement gives access to a wide range of cutting edge IT solutions and services
Manama, Bahrain, 05 March 2012 - The national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain Gulf Air today announced the renewal of its strategic IT partnership with IT giant Microsoft with the signing of 'Enterprise Agreement.'
Under the agreement, signed between Mr. Samer Majali, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air and Mr. Tareq Hijazi, Country Manager for Microsoft in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Sultanate of Oman, Gulf Air will gain access to a wide range of Microsoft's cutting edge solutions and innovations.
Microsoft will supply a range of software solutions and services to upgrade and standardize Gulf Air's IT infrastructure and help improve its operational efficiencies while benefitting from attractive pricing and flexible, cost-effective licensing. Gulf Air will also gain access to extensive technical and operational support from a team of Microsoft experts.
By acquiring this additional technological capability, Gulf Air will be able to boost its customer-interface functions to a faster, more efficient service as the back-end booking engine of the airline's website gulfair.com is supported by Microsoft.
Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali said, "Sound IT infrastructure forms the backbone of our business that plays an important role in improving operational efficiencies, which are crucial to running a successful airline."
He continued, "The agreement helps us improve our return on IT investment by acquiring the best practices in software management as well as a range of services and technologies that would enable Gulf Air to move into the next generation of technology offering our customers with state-of-the-art services."
"Microsoft has long been a trusted partner and provider of IT solutions to Gulf Air and our decision to enter into this Enterprise Agreement reinforces our longstanding relationship," Mr. Majali concluded.
Commenting on the agreement, Hijazi said "Gulf Air has long been a pioneer and early adopter of technology, as we have seen from their recent launch of in-flight internet connectivity. Technology has historically played a role in helping airlines transform into more agile, efficient businesses and Microsoft is well positioned to work with key players, such as Gulf Air, to help them get the most from their IT infrastructure. This agreement is yet another example of the airline's commitment to keeping up with the latest IT trends, while optimizing its operational efficiencies."
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About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is the proud national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. As a pioneering airline in the Middle East region with over sixty years of experience and expertise in flying people across continents, Gulf Air is today one of the most powerful brands and a name to reckon with in the global aviation industry.
One of the prime objectives of Gulf Air is to connect Bahrain to the Middle East countries and the rest of the world. As such the airline currently operates the largest network in the Middle East with non-stop flights while providing seamless onward connections to other international destinations. The airline's current network stretches from Europe to Asia, connecting 54 cities in 34 countries, with a fleet of 36 aircraft.
In tune with the Kingdom's economic blue print, 'Vision 2030', Gulf Air's strategy is to build an efficient, commercially sustainable and dynamic airline that effectively serves the people and the economy of Bahrain and represents the Kingdom on the world stage. Reflecting the needs and aspirations of its customers, the strategy focuses on three core areas: a targeted, more focused international network, a superior, more consistent product and a modern, more efficient fleet that will optimize value. However, Gulf Air's goal remains unchanged; its commitment to the latest aviation technology complemented by its hallmark Arabian hospitality for which the airline is well known.
Gulf Air is the official sponsor of the 2012 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
For more information please visit www.gulfair.com
For media enquiries, please contact:
Katherine Kaczynska
Senior Manager Corporate Communications
Gulf Air Tel: +973 17338416 - +973 36500292
Email: katherine.kaczynska@gulfair.com
About Microsoft Gulf
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com. Microsoft Middle East's Web site is www.microsoft.com/middle east.
For more information
Racha Diwan
Marketing Manager - Microsoft Bahrain and Oman
Tel: +97333424335
Email: rdiwan@microsoft.com
© Press Release 2012
