Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 27 May 2004.  Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has announced that for a limited period starting 21 June, it will offer special introductory fares on its new daily flights from Dubai to London. 

The special fares start from AED 1,999 for Economy Class, AED 6,999 for Business Class and AED 8,999 for First Class.  Tickets must be purchased before 30 June 2004 and travel must be completed by 30 September 2004.

Gulf Air is also offering special packages starting at AED 2399 for travel from Dubai to London and onward to nine destinations across the UK. Or for customers planning a European tour Gulf Air has special deals starting at AED 2599 for travel from Dubai to London and selection destinations in Europe.

"We are delighted to offer this special fare from Dubai to London just in time for the peak summer period," said John Butler, Vice President Marketing and Sales at Gulf Air.  "We hope that customers will take advantage of this new service, which offers greater choice and more convenience for customers between the UAE and the United Kingdom."

The introduction of the London-Dubai route brings to 33, the number of Gulf Air flights between London and the Gulf each week. "Gulf Air now has the greatest frequency of flights to the region out of Heathrow," added Mr Butler. 

The daily Dubai flights are in addition to the twice-daily flights to Abu Dhabi, the two to Bahrain and one to Muscat. This makes Gulf Air the largest carrier out of London's Heathrow airport

Flights will depart Dubai International Airport at 11:30 arriving at London Heathrow at 17:55 after a 30-minute layover in Bahrain. There is, however, no aircraft change. For the return leg, the flight leaves London at 20:00 and arrives in Dubai at 9:40 the next morning. 

Customers from Dubai will travel direct to London in the comfort of one of Gulf Air's luxurious ultra-long haul Airbus A340 aircraft, and enjoy the many innovative services offered on board.  Onboard services include the airline's five star in-flight chef service in the First Class cabin, the equivalent of a First Class menu for Business Class passengers, and the Sky Nanny in all cabins.

For more information on flight schedules and prices, contact Gulf Air or your nearest travel agent or visit http:///www.gulfairco.com.

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About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950.  Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region.  The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 45 cities in 33 countries.  The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.

The airline is in the second year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive, James Hogan.  The airline, which is making rapid strides towards regaining profitability by 2005, aims to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.

The dramatic turnaround in Gulf Air's fortunes has won international recognition.  In January 2004, The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, recognising the airline's commitment to service excellence.

© Press Release 2005