MANAMA, 23 November 2007 — Bahrain Air, the first privately owned premium low-priced carrier (LPC) with paid-up capital of BD8 million and authorized capital of BD10 million, will start its operations as second national carrier of the Kingdom Bahrain from Jan. 17, the newly established airline’s chairman said yesterday.
Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, chairman of the board of directors, said the airline would set a new standard in its category while tapping the huge base of passengers flying on GCC and African destinations.
Initially, the airline will cover 13 destinations and 140 flights weekly across the region.
Backed by leading investors from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with 68 percent and 32 percent shareholding, respectively, Bahrain Air is upbeat to get the market share by offering an innovative product.
Al-Hamer said: “At this stage there are 10,000 low cost passengers using the available airlines in Bahrain per month.”
According to Bahrain Air’s three-year plan, the airline will have 14 aircraft by the end of 2008 taking the total number of aircraft to 23 in 2009 and 25 by 2010. This will make Bahrain Air the most rapidly growing low cost carrier in terms of fleet expansion with 57 per cent and nine percent growth respectively in 2009 and 2010.
Bookings open on Dec. 16, coinciding with the national day of Bahrain, and passengers can book their flights to Dubai, Beirut, Mashhad and Alexandria through Bahrain Air web booking engine, Bahrain Air Call Center or through appointed travel agents.
Bahrain Air will use a fleet of all modern Airbus A320 aircraft and has ambitious plans to expand its operation within GCC, Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent regions.
Sheikh Mohammed, chairman of Bahrain Air, was joined by Ibrahim Al-Hamer, managing director and other members of the board Faisal Hassan Jawad and Ali Mohammed Al -Musallam and other senior management of Bahrain Air.
Al-Hamer, a renowned aviation industry name and who held a top position in Gulf Air, said that the low-cost carrier concept was still new and getting a lot of interest.
Mohammed Saleh Fakhri, director of commercial operations of Bahrain Air, conducted a detailed presentation to highlight the salient features of Bahrain Air. He said “the airline will create new job opportunities in the market for young and ambitious Bahrainis who wish to take the challenge in serving their country in the commercial aviation field.”
“Bahrain Air will initially operate to Dubai, Mashhad, Beirut, and Alexandria and will continue to expand until it fully covers the GCC, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Sub Continent regions. The airline also aims to promote Bahrain International Airport as a major hub in the region and contribute in promoting tourism to Bahrain,” he further said.
“Bahrain Air will offer on all its routes a two-class service — Business and Economy — and will offer its premium class passengers complementary snacks and refreshments and invitations to Business Class Lounges at all departure airports.” All Bahrain Air premium class passengers will be automatically enrolled in the airlines’ Frequent Flyer Program.
