Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, has been independently ranked by UK aviation analysts OAG the third most punctual airline in 2017, amongst Middle East and African airlines, with an average on-time performance (OTP) of 80.22%.

Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Krešimir Kučko commented, “Punctuality is a critical element for travelers and we are delighted to be recognized yet again as a leading global player in OTP. Gulf Air is committed to delivering on its promise to get passengers to their destinations in a timely manner. We are gearing up to welcome our incoming fleet of 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft of which a total of 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 2 Airbus A320Neos will have entered Gulf Air’s fleet by end-2018. With this development, passengers can soon enjoy not only Gulf Air’s punctuality and trademark Arabian hospitality, but also remarkable product and service enhancements alongside network growth.”

Gulf Air has held the top spot in recent years for OTP, ranking as the most punctual airline in 2016, amongst GCC airlines. Gulf Air also ranked first among major airlines from the Middle East and Africa for the 5th Annual Airline On-time Performance Service Awards in 2013. Gulf Air’s network currently serves 42 cities in 25 countries. The airline operates double daily flights or more to select destinations across the GCC, MENA region, Indian Subcontinent and Europe.

OAG leverages the world's largest network of air travel data to provide accurate, timely, actionable digital information and applications to the world’s airlines, airports, government agencies and travel-related service companies. OAG’s annual Punctuality League performance report is drawn from a database of approximately 57 million flight records for 2017 to create a ranking of the best on-time performance (OTP) for the world’s largest airlines and airports. OAG defines “on time” as within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of scheduled arrival/departure time.

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 serving 42 cities in 25 countries spanning three continents.

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 totalling 28 modern aircraft with orders for 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft due for delivery commencing in early 2018. 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.

© Press Release 2018