Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 18 May 2017

Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, has announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors which, chaired by H.E. Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani - Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, is composed of H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Dr Dawood Nassif Dawood, Mr. Jameel Ali Al Matrook, Mr. Essa Mohamed Najibi, Mr. Jean-Christophe Durand and Mr. Jassim Hassan Abdelaal.

Speaking on the new appointments H.E. Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of Gulf Air’s Board of Directors said: “I extend my sincerest thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board for the confidence placed in me. I also extend thanks to the former Chairman H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister and to the former Board members, for their outstanding contributions towards the airline’s performance during their tenure. Going forward, Gulf Air’s new Board of Directors who collectively represent Bahraini professionals and highly experienced business leaders will, I am sure, contribute much to realising our national carrier’s key goals. Their dedication and efforts will help us directly support and strengthen Gulf Air, a key national infrastructure asset that serves the Kingdom’s aviation industry and economic interests.”

Bahrain's national carrier's future plans are geared towards realizing a broad spectrum of positive developments as it achieves full commercial sustainability and increasingly focuses on managing and further investing in its ongoing growth, development and long-term expansion capabilities. Gulf Air's new incoming fleet comprises 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 17 Airbus A321 NEO and 12 Airbus A320 NEO aircraft with deliveries commencing from Q2 2018.

Gulf Air’s 7-member Board of Directors serve a 3-year term and actively support the airline’s management team in implementing a business strategy that, as part of the airline’s greater mission, further strengthens its position as a key national infrastructure asset that supports the Kingdom’s economic growth.

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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.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Azza Mubarak Matar
Senior Manager Communications
Gulf Air Tel: +973 17338765 / +973 39652012
Email: Azza.Matar@gulfair.com

© Press Release 2017