Gulf Air is to launch new menus specially designed for children on all its flights. The new kiddies treat will come in brightly coloured boxes.
Each box will be like a treasure trove of pint size delights containing, a specially created mini snack accompanied with loads of tiny treats like chocolates and little interactive games designed to keep every child happily occupied on their flights.
Gulf Air headquarters invited scores of children aged between three and 12 years, from different backgrounds to taste the food on offer and provide feedback.
Judging from the test marketing studies’ response, the youngsters from St. Christopher’s School, the Indian School, the Philippine School as well as toddlers of various nationalities, the new meals on board Gulf Air flights are going to be a huge hit.
“Some of the youngsters were amazing. Children will always tell you whether or not they like or dislike something and the best way to know whether or not you are providing the right thing for them is to get them to give their input,” says Gulf Air Head of Inflight Services Michael Kent.
The menus, created by Gulf Air’s Flying Chefs have taken into consideration the special dietary requirements of children and have been designed to engage and excite every youngster.
“Children are the most challenging customers to please and tremendous amount of market research has gone into creating these menus for our young customers,” says Kent.
“Each box is filled to the brim with a wide array of snacks, games and little treats, each of which we hope will bring a smile to every child’s face. We have taken into consideration the healthy aspects while creating these exciting options.”
The attention to detail is evident from the design of the meal box and its contents.
“Every meal is created in miniature size, we even have mini burgers to fit snugly into the smallest of hands,” adds Kent.
The meals are completely modular and can be customised to suite the special requirements of a child.
“If the parent does not want the child to have a particular component of the meal, then it can be replaced with another more suitable snack, according to the instructions of the parent,” says Kent.
“We want every child to leave our flights happy as a lark, with a face full of smiles and tummy full of yummy goodies.”
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is presently owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the region.
More than half a century later, the regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central in defining the brand and service ethos within the contemporary and global environment.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft.
Under President and Chief Executive James Hogan, the successful implementation of the first phase of a restructuring programme, which commenced in 2003, has resulted in the establishment of a platform for sustained commercial operation.
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 ‘boutique airline’ vision.
The dramatic turnaround in fortunes has won international recognition. The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, which recognised the airline’s commitment to service excellence. Other awards include:
Winner – Middle East Leading First Class Airline, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner – World’s Leading Airport Lounge, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner - Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2006
