Gulf Air to Have State-of-the-art Hangar in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain, which has already established itself as a leading financial centre in the Middle East, is now also setting its eyes on becoming a key aircraft maintenance hub in the region.
In support of this aim, Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has signed an agreement with Bahrain Real Estate Company (Edamah) to build a multi million dollar world-class hangar at the Bahrain International Airport as part of the airline's growth and expansion strategy. The agreement was signed on behalf of Gulf Air by Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Naf and Edamah CEO Ma'amoon Al Moayyed.
Edamah has already identified an international firm specialized in building hangars to design and construct the complex, which is slated for completion in 2011. Construction will begin next year and once completed, the facility will be able to accommodate three modern wide-body aircrafts at any time.
"Gulf Air is pleased to partner with Edamah and the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) to build this state-of-the-art maintenance facility, which will make Bahrain a key aircraft maintenance hub in the region," said Mr. Naf after the signing. "This world-class maintenance facility will enable Gulf Air to continue maintaining the highest safety standards as well as keep our existing and future fleet in the best condition possible. This is an important development not only for Gulf Air but for Business Friendly Bahrain and we are delighted to be able to make a contribution to the further development and diversification of the kingdom's economy."
Edamah CEO Mr. Al Moayyed agreed saying this will raise the profile of the Kingdom as a key aviation hub in the region. "Our engagement with the national airline, Gulf Air, is a natural partnership aimed at significantly contributing towards the growth and development of Bahrain." Dr. Osama Al AliCEO of the Bahrain Airport Company, said the growth and expansion of the national carrier will be a boon for the nation that has already established itself as the leading financial centre in the Middle East.
"BAC's main role is to spur economic development of the Kingdom of Bahrain and we are proud to support our national carrier in its development plans that will help bring the world to Bahrain and help promote the kingdom to the world." Gulf Air accounts for more than 70 percent of the traffic to and from Bahrain International Airport and the airline has been heavily involved in the design and construction of the new international airport with aims to make it the fastest connection hub in the world. Gulf Air Deputy CEO Ismail Karimi hailed the joint effort by the three companies owned by the Bahrain Holding Company (Mumtalakat) to set up the hangar.
"We at Gulf Air are very pleased that the Mumtalakat companies are supporting the growth plans of the national carrier and we are looking forward to developing the maintenance hub together with them," said Mr. Karimi. "This is a win-win situation for all."
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 42 cities in 27 countries. The current fleet of Gulf Air consists of 29 aircraft.
On January 17th Gulf Air Board of Directors confirmed the appointment of Bjorn Naf as the Chief Executive Officer for Bahrain's national carrier.
Mr. Naf, who brings across the broad experience in aviation industry, has been instrumental in implementing the new revamped network launched on July 1 and is also the commander of a major alignment program to turnaround Gulf Air. The plan entails a simplified and more efficient organization structure; an improved network with lower connection times and better service to key destinations, better on-board product, better customer service on the ground and a better punctuality, which has been improving under his command.
The new network, based on a "wave" model, offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline.
The airline is also planning to re-fleet itself over the next five years to further strengthen its presence. It recently signed a deal worth nearly US $6 billion with Boeing Co. to purchase up to 24 Boeing 787 aircraft and another deal with Airbus for 35 aircraft, including A320s and A330s.
The airline aims to become the carrier of choice. Gulf Air's onboard service caters high quality products and services, including the innovative, unique and award winning Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies.
Some of the notable recognition include: Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2007 (Sky Trax Awards) Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2006 (Sky Trax Awards) Best Onboard Catering in Business Class 2006 (Sky Trax Awards) Best Business Airline 2006 (British Travel Awards) Best Onboard Service 2006 (Gold) (Mercury Awards) Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2005 (Sky Trax Awards) Best Onboard Catering in Business Class 2005(Sky Trax Awards) Best designed in-flight magazine 2005 (American Creativity Awards) Middle East Leading First Class Airline 2005 (World Travel Awards) World's Leading Airport Lounge 2005 (World Travel Awards) Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge 2005 (PAX International Readership Awards) Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2008
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Alec Peck
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Adnan Malek Tel: +973-17338676 Fax: +973-17338207
