Gulf Air will be showcasing its cargo capabilities at the 23rd Air Cargo Forum & Exposition (ACF) in Calgary, Canada from 12 to 14 September 2006.
Gulf Air Head of Cargo Des Vertannes will head a team to the bi-annual event carrying a strong message about Gulf Air’s heritage, experience and its current ambition to be a major player in the industry.
“Gulf Air can boast more than 55 years experience in flying cargo throughout the Middle East region and across the world - more than many of its regional competitors combined,” says Vertannes.
“The drive and ambition to innovate and provide the highest levels of customer service are stronger than ever.
“We will be delivering several key messages to attendees at this event foremost among which will be Gulf Air’s unmatched Middle East network,” he adds. “In addition we will promote our new road feeder services from Muscat to the UAE and from Bahrain to Dammam, Saudi Arabia and new enhancements to our e-commerce offering.”
Vertannes is very bullish about the future of the cargo business in the Middle East and Gulf Air’s ability to grow its business.
“The Middle East is no different to other parts of the world when it comes to the outlook for cargo,” he says. “The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts growth of five to six per cent annually, which is far rosier than the passenger forecasts.”
Freight traffic witnessed double digit growth of 19.9. per cent last year, according to the latest figures from IATA. Freight demand has also grown at a higher rate than the freight capacity in 2005.
Many of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states are reaping the benefits of high oil prices and experiencing a boom in development. This can only bode well for cargo traffic in and out of the region.
TIACA's biennial International Air Cargo Forum and Exposition, which rotates between Europe, North America and Asia, is the premier air cargo industry event, where air cargo decision-makers from around world gather to address current industry challenges and opportunities.
Attendees include representatives from the air cargo logistics industry including: airlines, forwarders, airports, ground handlers, all-cargo carriers, motor carriers, customs brokers, logistics, integrators, shippers, multimodal, customs and educational institutions.
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
