Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa will open the Gulf Air Flight Simulator Centre located at Gulf Air's headquarters in Muharraq on Wednesday 29 March 2006.
The BD3.5 million, state-of-the-art facility, incorporating the latest technologies, modern infrastructure and a unique design, is all set for the grand opening after months of planning and construction.
"The simulator centre will be a great asset to Gulf Air and to the Kingdom of Bahrain," says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.
"We are delighted and honoured that the Crown Prince has consented to open the centre. We appreciate his support and that of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Gulf Air's development plans and growth."
“Internationally, pilots have to undergo training every six months to keep updated and many airlines do not own such a facility. Gulf Air, therefore, is at an advantage with its own state-of-the-art simulator. It also presents us a unique commercial opportunity for other airlines to use the facility."
“The project was conceived in-house by Gulf Air engineers and the aesthetic design of the building is the first of its kind in the region,” says Vice President Operations, Captain Hameed Ali.
"Engineers from Gulf Air and Mazen Al Umran Consulting Engineers - the contractors to the project - worked continuously for over six months to ensure the facility is complete in all respects at par with international standards."
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has 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 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
