Gulf Air has announced as many as 69 additional flights from its Muscat hub to popular destinations in its network, beginning this summer.
This includes introduction of new services to Paris, Amman, Dammam, Kathmandu, Sana'a, Islamabad, and Jakarta and, increasing its services to some of its existing destinations. This makes a total of 195 flights per week flying out of Muscat from its current schedule of 126 flights per week.
The summer schedule will see Gulf Air flying non-stop seven times a week to Jakarta and Kathmandu, six flights to Amman, four flights a week to Paris, two services to Islamabad and Dammam, and a weekly flight to Sana'a. A non-stop four times a week service to Kuala Lumpur has also been introduced.
The summer schedule also offers more flights to some of its existing destinations. For instance, the daily flights to London have been increased to double daily (except Thursdays) non-stop flights making it a total of 13 flights a week. Flights to Indian cities Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai have been doubled while service to Dhaka has been increased from three to five every week.
"The new two hub strategy – of operating out of Bahrain and Muscat - has given us the opportunity to review our network and business operations resulting in optimising our flight operations and bringing in even greater business synergies in our route planning," says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.
"Oman is currently experiencing robust growth across its business and tourism sectors. The Government of Oman is very keen to develop Oman as a major tourism destination through its multi-level and multi-media campaigns and Gulf Air is backing this drive with its new and additional services.
The sustained marketing strategies adopted by the Ministry of Tourism, especially the appointment of market-based representatives (MBRs) in major European countries, have given boost to the increasing inflow of tourists.
And Gulf Air, as the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain, is at a significant advantage to exploit this opportunity.
"We are constantly on the look out for ways to enhance our customers' travel experience by adding new routes and increasing flight frequencies," adds Gulf Air Vice President Network Fareed Al Alawi.
“We have seen a steady increase in traffic to and from Muscat in the recent years and our two-hub strategy has happened at a right time.”
With the summer schedule in place, Gulf Air, together with its code share partner Oman Air, now offers more than 330 flights from Muscat per week.
"Whether it is to GCC destinations, the Middle East, Far East, Indian subcontinent, Africa or Europe, passengers now have wider options than before with Gulf Air – a major incentive for both businessmen and tourists," says Mr Al Alawi.
Passengers on board Gulf Air will enjoy the award-winning hospitality service including the Sky Chef, the Sky Nanny and the Sky beds in First Class.
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)
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Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
