Representatives from Gulf Air and Air India met June 18-19 to finalize cooperation on planned operations to Cochin, that are due to start in July, under a recently signed bilateral agreement between the Gulf Air’s owner states and the Government of India.
“The relationship between our two airlines dates back to the 1970s, when Gulf Air and Air India cooperated to offer the first services between the Gulf region and India,” said Fareed Al-Alawi, Gulf Air’s vice president Network. “This venture offers new opportunities to consolidate and complement the historic ties and the strong relationship between Gulf Air’s owning states and India.”
“We are committed to extending the services we offer into the Subcontinent with a view to serving our customers more effectively with increased frequencies and more destinations,” he said.
“Cochin is a key gateway into Kerala and an increasingly popular tourist destination,” said Shirin Lalwani, general manager Planning and International Relations, Air India. “Our collaboration on this service will serve the region and is important to encourage and facilitate tourism.”
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 43 cities in 32 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 30 aircraft. The airline is in the first year of a three-year strategic recovery program. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
