President and chief executive of Gulf Air James Hogan has reported that Gulf Traveller, the all-economy subsidiary airline of Gulf Air, recorded a profit in each of the first four months of operations.
The airline, which operates out of Abu Dhabi, was launched in June 2003. Hogan, a key note speaker at the Middle East Aviation Finance Conference in Dubai on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, was answering the question: “Gulf Traveller: Is there a market for an all economy airline?” He said that Gulf Traveller, which was born out of the belief that a single airline cannot work in a multi-segmented market, had, in fact, exceeded all initial expectations.
“The success we have achieved in the first few months of operations is a good indication that there is indeed a market for an all economy airline,” he said. “Forward bookings are also looking very encouraging and the product is being well received by customers choosing to fly with us.”
Gulf Traveller offers everything traditionally associated with an economy service on a major international carrier. This includes hot and cold meals, full beverage and bar service, a complete audio and video service which is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the destination, comfort items such as blankets and pillows and comfortable seat pitch in a wide-bodied jet.
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 truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 45 cities in 33 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 33 aircraft. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
