Manila, Philippine: Gulf Air and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have entered into a historic partnership following the forming of a code-sharing arrangement on selected routes to the Middle East and other destinations.
The partnership was announced in a joint Press conference conducted by Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan and PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista at the Shangri-La Hotel, Makati.
Under the code-sharing arrangement, PAL can sell tickets using the codes (i.e. flight designator or flight number) of Gulf Air to certain destinations in the Middle East where it does not fly to, but which are being currently served by Gulf Air.
As part of the agreement, Gulf Air will allocate certain number of seats in its flights for PAL passengers bound for Bahrain, Oman and other countries where PAL has no flights.
The new arrangement will help the two airlines operate more efficiently and reduce operation costs.
"Code-sharing arrangements offer significant economic and consumer benefits. They give passengers price and service options," says Hogan.
PAL passengers will now be able to experience Gulf Air's world-class amenities and services, including its 'sky nanny' service and 'five-star restaurant in the sky.'
The agreement enables Philippine Airlines to code share on Gulf Air's Bahrain-Manila-Bahrain and Muscat- Manila-Muscat sectors with Gulf Air operating six flights a week between Bahrain and Manila and one flight per week between Bahrain-Muscat-Manila.
Gulf Air already has code-sharing agreements with American Airlines, Thai Airways, BMI, Cyprus Airways, Egyptair, Garuda Indonesia, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM, Olympic Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and Middle East Airlines.
-Ends-
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air's 'smart airline, successful business' vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline's innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
- Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
- Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
- Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
- World's Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
- Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
- Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
- Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
- Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
- Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
- Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
- Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
For further information please contact:
GULF AIR PRESS OFFICE
T: +973 17 338821
F: +973 17 338207
© Press Release 2006
