JEDDAH, 3 August 2007 — Gulf Air has expanded its weekly flight services to three key cities of the Kingdom effective Wednesday. It has also added extra flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
The Bahrain-based international carrier now operates 14 flights per week to Dammam or double its previous service to the city in the Eastern Province. Flights to Riyadh and Jeddah have both increased to 10 flights per week from seven earlier.
In addition, the airline operates two flights on Riyadh-Bahrain-Bangkok route and two other flights on Riyadh-Bahrain-Katmandu route on codeshare arrangements with Saudi Arabian Airlines. These arrangements are in addition to the other codeshare arrangements with Saudia that cover all flights and routes between the Kingdom and Bahrain.
“Saudi Arabia is a very important market for us and we would like to thank the Kingdom’s authorities for granting us these extra slots, which will enable us to execute our network strategy and serve our customers better,” Executive Vice President Network Hashim Mahmood said yesterday.
The airline introduced a totally revamped flight schedule starting this month. The new network offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline.
“The new slots mean business and other travelers will have more travel options throughout the week and will also enhance existing bilateral air links with our Saudi counterpart,” he added.
In September 2006, the airline inaugurated a new office in Riyadh to further tap into the Saudi market which has been witnessing a phenomenal growth, Mahmood said, adding that the airline already has dedicated offices in Jeddah and Dammam with four branch offices in Makkah, Madinah, Yanbu and Qassim.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive markets for business travelers and the airline with strongest network in the Middle East. This will enable us to further boost our ties with Saudi Arabia as well as strengthen our position in the region,” Gulf Air’s Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave said.
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by Bahrain claims to be the only truly pan-Gulf carrier in the Middle East.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline have 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 40 cities in 26 countries. The fleet comprises 28 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A new strategy to create a platform for sustained commercial operation has been put in place as part of a two-phased turnaround program announced in April 2007 by the airline’s new management.
“Gulf Air’s onboard service caters high-quality products and services including the innovative, unique and award winning ‘Sky chefs’ and ‘Sky nannies,’ a senior executive at the airline’s Jeddah office said.