Gulf Air Fleet Renewal

[Kurt A]

Gulf Air takes advantage of the global recession with aggressive fleet renewal

Gulf Air Chairman Talal Al Zain announced Sunday that the flag carrier will add 13 new aircraft to its fleet through leasing and buying before the end of 2009.

Al Zain said that his airline would take advantage of the global economic crisis by ordering new aircraft at a time when many international airlines have been forced to stop or delay their deals with aircraft manufacturers.
“In preparation to renewing the fleet with 59 most modern aircraft - 35 Airbus and 24 Boeing - we have leased four new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft,” said Al Zain.

“Though Gulf Air hoped to achieve a break-even by 2010-2011, things have changed because of the current economic conditions,” said Alzain.
“However, we are working within to take advantage of the current economic recession to renew our fleet.

“This year, we are taking delivery of four Boeing 777s, four A330s and five A320s.”

Gulf Air chief executive officer Bjorn Naf gave an overview of the B777 aircraft and the carriers achievements and plans for the future at a function held at Bahrain Airport.

“An integral part of the kingdom's growth for nearly 60 years, national carrier Gulf Air shares a great synergy with Bahrain's 'Vision 2030' as our own growth strategy reflects this,” said Naf.

“Gulf Air has established a name for itself over these decades as a powerful brand, well known for its hallmark Arabian hospitality offering innovative products and services to its customers.The award-winning Sky Chef and Sky Nanny are just a proof of this.

“The introduction of this new aircraft is another important step forward in this direction as we constantly endeavour to offer bespoke customer experience on the ground and in the air by introducing new aircraft, new destinations and world-class products and facilities,” he said.

This is first of the four aircraft leased from Jet Airways. The next two leased aircraft will arrive later this month, and the fourth aircraft is scheduled for delivery in May.

“We have ambitious growth plans as we expect more aircraft joining us progressively from this year onwards,” said Naf.

“Gulf Air now operates 840 flights a week to 42 destinations in 27 countries.

“To connect Gulf to the rest of the world, we have signed code sharing agreements with 15 international airlines.”

The majority of Gulf Air’s current fleet - one Boeing 777, 10 A320s, two A 321, two A319, six A330 and nine A 340 – will be replaced in the coming years, said Deputy chief executive officer Ismail Karimi.

-cf