The increase in Gulf Air flights to and from Bahrain and Oman following the airline’s introduction of a two-hub strategy earlier this year has produced record passenger numbers at the airline’s key hubs.
Releasing passenger figures for the year till August 2006, Gulf Air announced a 31.0 per cent increase to 4.7 million passengers through the two hubs, compared to the same period last year.
“Our original studies predicted growth in the region of 25 per cent,” says Gulf Air Vice President Network Fareed Al Alawi.
“It is very pleasing to note however that the numbers have jumped by nearly a third over this period.
“In the first quarter we recorded growth of 24.1 per cent in Bahrain and 20.6 per cent in Oman. However, when the full impact of the two-hub model came into effect with the summer schedule in the second quarter, the growth increased to 41.3 per cent and 39.0 per cent in Bahrain and Oman respectively.”
Passenger numbers in Bahrain for July and August increased by 153,437 from 707,105 in 2005 to reach a record 860,542 passengers for the same period.
Gulf Air traffic now accounts for 68.4 per cent of the activity at Bahrain International Airport. During July and August Gulf Air flights through the airport increased by 31.9 per cent to 6,570.
In Oman, a similar trend is evident, and passenger numbers over Seeb International Airport increased by 122,887 from 331,137 in 2005 to 454,024 for the period July and August 2006, while flights increased 50.1 per cent to 3,478.
“While the growth at each of our hubs is in large part attributable to the implementation of the two-hub model, the delivery of service over this peak period is all due to our staff who have worked exceptionally hard to meet deadlines and provide consistently high service levels,” says Acting President and Chief Executive Ahmed Al Hammadi.
“Growth of this magnitude is impressive and it is testament to the hard work and efficiency of our ground handling management and staff that the airports have stepped up to the challenge so smoothly, especially over the peak summer period. We are indebted to them for their unstinting support and hard work.
“While some challenges and uncertainties remain in 2006, specifically fuel costs, we have a sound basis for continued positive development in the future. Building on the achievements of Project Falcon and with the support of our shareholders, Smart Airline, Successful Business, our new strategic plan provides a blue print for Gulf Air’s success in the future.”
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)
