Bahrain’s national carrier to upgrade its fleet with fuel-efficient single aisle aircraft

As part of its fleet renewal strategy, Gulf Air has announced a firm order of 29 A320neo Family. The new order includes 17 A321neo and 12 A320neo of which 10 A320neo have been confirmed in 2012. The contract was signed today at the Bahrain International Airshow between Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam, A/Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, in the presence of H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain and Mr Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad.

Gulf Air currently operates 28 Airbus aircraft; and the new aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s current fleet, thanks to Airbus’ overall fleet commonality, its low operating costs, optimum fuel efficiency and best-in-class passenger comfort of any single aisle aircraft.

Commenting on the agreement, Gulf Air A/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam, said, “I am delighted that we will enhance and simplify our fleet structure building on Airbus aircraft. This restructured order meets Gulf Air’s future fleet requirement and our network expansion plans. As a result, I now look forward to furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process while supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies.”

“We are pleased that Gulf Air has chosen the A320neo Family to complement its long-term growth strategy. The fuel efficient aircraft will provide the airline with a higher operational efficiency and profitability while its wider cabins will open a new dimension of passenger appeal,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer.

Airbus press release