Gulf Air has revealed that final preparations are underway to resume flights into Baghdad. The airline announced last month that 97 percent of its flights to 43 destinations would operate almost without disruption during the length of the conflict in Iraq.
“Following the de-escalation of hostilities in Iraq and the urgent humanitarian and redevelopment challenges now facing the country, we would like to start flights as soon as possible,” said President and Chief Executive of Gulf Air, James Hogan. “The introduction of regular operations will be crucial in the short term to provide immediate humanitarian aid possibly in the form of food and medicines. However in the longer term air connections with Baghdad will underpin the reconstruction of the country and its economic development.”
Gulf Air, which has the most comprehensive destination network in the Gulf, will also be able to play a significant role in re-uniting the estimated six million Iraqis, who have been living outside the country, with their families.
“Bilateral agreements previously in place between the Gulf Air owner states and Iraq are still valid. It is however still necessary to negotiate with the present authorities to obtain clearances and finalize flight schedules into Baghdad International Airport which is now open to commercial and religious traffic,” explained Vice President of Networks, Fareed Al-Alawi.
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the governments of Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is the only pan Gulf carrier in the region. 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. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
