Bahrain’s Gulf Air Plans Major Expansion for 2018

Press release

Published February 27th, 2018 - 12:42 GMT

Gulf Air is expected to buy 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircrafts this year. (Shutterstock)

Bahrain’s national airlines announced that it is planning to double its number of aircraft by 2022, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani said on Sunday.

Gulf Air is expected to buy 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircrafts in 2018 this year. The aircrafts will include Boeing 787-9, Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo.

“In four years we will be doubling what we have currently. This does not mean we will have to double the expenses. However, we will attempt to balance so that we will not impede the growth of the company with extra expenses,” Al Zayani said.

“Our national carrier is an integral part of the Kingdom’s economy and a critical component of its aviation infrastructure,” he added.
Gulf Air contributes over eight percent of the total GDP, Chief Operating officer of Gulf Air Kresimir Kucko said.

Gulf Air’s new corporate strategy includes expansion plans and is geared towards promoting Bahrain’s tourism economy and bolstering the Kingdom’s aviation industry.

Source: Arab News

Background Information

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 serving 47 cities in 26 countries spanning three continents. This year, Malaga and Salalah have been revealed as new seasonal destinations to increase the cities to 49 and in 27 countries.