Under the agreement, signed between Samer Majali, CEO, Gulf Air, and Tareq Hijazi, country manager for Microsoft in Bahrain and Oman, Gulf Air will gain access to a wide range of Microsoft's cutting-edge solutions and innovations.

Microsoft will supply a range of software solutions and services to upgrade and standardize Gulf Air's IT infrastructure and help improve its operational efficiencies while benefiting from attractive pricing and flexible, cost-effective licensing.

Gulf Air will also gain access to extensive technical and operational support from a team of Microsoft experts.

By acquiring this additional technological capability, Gulf Air will be able to boost its customer-interface functions to a faster, more efficient service as the back-end booking engine of the airline's website www.gulfair.com is supported by Microsoft.

"Sound IT infrastructure forms the backbone of our business that plays an important role in improving operational efficiencies, which are crucial to running a successful airline," said Samer Majali.

Hijazi of Microsoft said: "Gulf Air has long been a pioneer and early adopter of technology, as we have seen from their recent launch of in-flight Internet connectivity. Technology has historically played a role in helping airlines transform into more agile, efficient businesses, and Microsoft is well positioned to work with key players, such as Gulf Air, to help them get the most from their IT infrastructure."