Gulf Air welcomes first Airbus A320neo aircraft

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today welcomed the airline’s first Airbus A320neo, which landed in Bahrain International Airport at approximately 1600 local time. Following its delivery from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France the aircraft will service a number of regional routes within the Gulf Air network. With Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Krešimir Kučko and representatives from Airbus on board, the A320neo received a water canon salute as it taxied to the terminal and was welcomed at Bahrain International Airport by a delegation of VIPs, dignitaries, government and aviation industry representatives and media members. The aircraft is first of the 12 A320neo aircraft ordered during the 2016 Bahrain International Airshow. This delivery also makes Gulf Air the first national carrier to fly the A320neo in the Middle East and Africa region.

Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer commented: “We are delighted to welcome the airline’s newest aircraft and proud to be the first national carrier in the region to operate the A320neo. The history is repeating itself, as we were the first in the region to receive the A320 aircraft in 1992. We have a strong network in the region with multiple daily flights to 10 regional cities and the addition of A320neo into our fleet will strengthen our position in our market. The relationship we have with Airbus is very strong and we continue to work closely with them to further develop our fleet and products to maintain customer satisfaction”.

The airline’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer said: “As we welcome this new aircraft to our base in the Kingdom of Bahrain, we invite our loyal customers to come onboard and enjoy the experience of flying the A320neo. A peak travel period is upon us and I feel glad to receive this aircraft right before Eid break as people travel for holiday. This is a great milestone for Gulf Air”.

Gulf Air’s A320neo (new engine option) is the most advanced A320 version as Airbus continues to invest over 300 million Euros a year in innovation and upgrades for the A320 family to maintain its position as the most advanced and fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft family. Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the market, the new aircraft is equipped with LEAP-1A engines from CFM International and feature large wingtip devices known as Sharklets. Together they deliver 15% fuel burn reduction per seat. The A320neo is also more eco-friendly with 5,000 tonnes less CO2 emissions per year per aircraft and nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

Earlier this year Gulf Air received 3 Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner aircraft as it continues its major fleet development project which will see by end of 2023 a total of 39 new aircraft: 10 Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner, 12 Airbus A320neo and 17 Airbus A321neo aircraft.

In 2018, Gulf Air’s network will serve 49 cities in 26 countries. Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader, continually enhancing its services and tailoring a product offering that best fits its passengers’ needs. The airline is famous for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by its signature family and business friendly products. Today, Gulf Air operates double daily flights or more to select destinations across the GCC, MENA region, Indian Subcontinent and Europe while its network spans the GCC, MENA region, Indian Subcontinent, Europe and the Far East. The airline provides seamless connectivity for passengers travelling across its network via its efficient Bahrain International Airport hub. Further information about the airline’s network, fares and flight schedule can be found online via the official Gulf Air website gulfair.com, by contacting its 24-hour Worldwide Contact Centre on (+973) 17373737 in Bahrain, or any Gulf Air sales offices and approved travel agencies.

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 which, in 2018, will serve 49 cities in 26 countries.

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 and has orders for 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft due for delivery commencing in early 2018. Gulf Air’s incoming fleet will see by end-2018 the arrival of 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 1 Airbus A320neo aircraft. 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:

Talal Al Mahmood

Manager Corporate Communications

Gulf Air Tel: +973 17338192 / +973 39188390

Email: talal.almahmood@gulfair.com

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© Press Release 2018