Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE capital has a new landmark building, with the announcement that Gulf Air today, moved to brand new premises on Rashid Bin Saeed bin Al Maktoum Street - Zone 1
His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, officially opened the new offices in the presence of Gulf Air's President and Chief Executive James Hogan, senior government officials, and other guests from the travel and hospitality industry.
"For 25 years the junction of Old Airport Street and Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi has been known locally as 'Gulf Air corner'," said Khalifa Al Rayes, Gulf Air's General Manager - U.A.E. "Now, in keeping with the new look and feel of the Gulf Air brand we have moved to premises which better reflect that image and provide a luxurious, convenient one-stop shop for every Gulf Air customer's needs - from flights to holidays or cargo. We are confident that these offices will again become a landmark for a different reason, namely for the provision of the highest levels of customer service among any airline in the UAE."
Sheikh Sultan toured the premises which have been designed in keeping with the airline's corporate identity and the style of its lounges, which sees a merger of contemporary design and architecture with Arabic influences.
"The result is an environment that reflects one of our core messages - Ahlan Wa Sahlan - welcome to our home," says Al Rayes.
"More importantly it offers the same level of five-star service that Gulf Air passengers receive in the air and which has been instrumental in the airline's rejuvenation. While there are dedicated areas for First and Business class passengers, through these new offices, our aim is to deliver a first class service for every category of passenger, from their first contact with us through to the time they - or in the case of cargo - their goods, reach their final destination.
"Our philosophy for the new office is simple - treat people on the ground as we treat them in the air," added Al Rayes.
The new two storey premises, which occupy some 2500 square feet, will house around 100 Gulf Air staff working in ticketing, reservations, Gulf Air Holidays, cargo, customer relations sales & marketing, administration, human resources and accounts. It is believed to be the biggest office of any airline operating in Abu Dhabi.
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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 Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 33 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 35 aircraft.
The airline is in the last 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.
Winner - Middle East and North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005
© Press Release 2005
