Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, bagged the "Best Business Airline" award at the British Travel Awards held on the final day of the World Travel Mart (WTM) expo held recently in London.
Gulf Air was voted to the coveted award by members of the UK travel trade and consumers, in a competition that saw popular carriers Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, British Airways, Virgin, Malaysian Airlines, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and EOS vying for the position.
"It is a great recognition for our successful brand-led business strategy, strengthened by world class premium products and impeccable service standards," says Gulf Air Acting President and Chief Executive Ahmed Al Hammadi.
"This accolade demonstrates Gulf Air’s passion for maintaining its world class standards be it on the ground or in the air. From exclusive check in facilities, to superbly appointed business lounges to award-winning first class and business class products, Gulf Air has become an airline of choice with the world business community."
The 26th edition of World Travel Market, Britain's biggest annual travel trade show, provides a unique opportunity for the global travel trade industry to meet, network, negotiate, conduct business and stay abreast of the latest developments in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards are given in various categories to travel-related businesses at the final day of the expo.
"The award verifies our strong presence in the UK market," says Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave. "The impressive growth in our passenger numbers from the UK to destinations such as Muscat, Bahrain and Bangkok, exceeding our expectations, is a reflection of this.
"Since the airline increased the service between Muscat and London in March 2006, we have witnessed significant growth in our premium class segment with our First Class on the London-Muscat route registering a 37 per cent increase while the Business Class passenger growth on the London to Bahrain route has increased by 23 per cent.
“Our economy class has also been doing very well, with a growth of 35 per cent thanks to the growing popularity of Oman as an fast growing business and tourism destination.”
This award comes to Gulf Air just five months after it received the SkyTrax awards for 'Best Onboard Catering Excellence' and the "Best Regional Airline."
At the WTM, Gulf Air made a strong presence showcasing its popular products and services such as Sky Beds, Sky Nannies and Sky Chefs in addition to its network from the UK to the Middle East and beyond.
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)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
