Gulf Air hosted a meeting of several Arab carriers to discuss ways and means to strengthen ties and expand cooperation to serve their common interests.
“We are delighted to have hosted such a prominent gathering, which is rapidly growing and expanding to include more airlines from the Arab world,” says Gulf Air Vice President Network Fareed Al Alawi.
“We expect more Arab carriers to come into the fold, to promote cooperation among each other.”
The, 3rd Arabesk Executive Board Meeting, chaired by Mr Al Alawi, was ‘extremely fruitful’ as representatives agreed to enter into network alliances with code sharing opportunities.
They also agreed to expand their cooperation in various other fields.
“These included things like the Frequent flyer programmes, airport services such as lounge access and ground handling as well as exploring opportunities in the cargo sector,” says Gulf Air Head of International Relations and Alliances Radhi Abdulla Yousif.
The next quarterly meeting will take place in Sanaa, Yemen.
The seven airlines represented in the Bahrain meeting included, Gulf Air, Yemenia, Middle East Airlines, Egypt Air, Royal Jordanian, Saudi Airlines and Tunis Air.
Caption:
Gulf Air Vice president network Fareed Alalwi flanked by representatives of Arab carriers at the Arabesk 3rd Executive Board Meeting in Bahrain. Gulf Air hosted the meeting aimed at strengthening ties between Arab airlines.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
