Gulf Air, which introduced the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) in 2002, allowing passengers from Bahrain to take their pet cats and dogs as cargo to London without the animals having to undergo quarantine, has now extended the scheme to Dublin.
"Gulf Air always goes an extra mile to satisfy its customers," says Gulf Air Head of Cargo, Des Vertannes. "With the recognition obtained from European Union Pet Passport System, we are now able to extend this service to Dublin."
Gulf Air is already recognised under the British Pet Travel Scheme. Under the two systems, pets need not undergo the mandatory six month quarantine period in the UK or Ireland, provided they have already been vaccinated against rabies and micro-chipped.
“Ever since we introduced the service to London, it has proved very popular among expatriate pet owners and other customers in Bahrain.
"As cats and dogs are regarded as family members by our customers, this scheme on our non-stop flights to London and Dublin offers them peace of mind and a trouble free way to take their pets on vacation or repatriate them at the same time as they travel,” adds Vertannes.
When pets are sent unaccompanied, owners can follow their journey through Gulf Air web site www.gfcargo.com or the online Air waybill tracking and tracing service so they know where their precious cargo is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is a system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries and certain non–EU countries and return with them to the UK without the need for quarantine. The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.
The European regulation, which sets the rules for dogs, cats and ferrets to travel between EU countries and into EU from other countries, also covers the movement of other pet animals.
For more information please visit Gulf Air Cargo at www.gfcargo.com or contact your local Gulf Air Cargo office.
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)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
For further information please contact:
GULF AIR PRESS OFFICE
T: +973 17 338821
F: +973 17 338207
