New routes will help Gulf Air regain regional dominance

Manama: Gulf Air officials have expressed confidence that the three new routes they started this month would increase flight frequencies around the Middle East and help the airline improve its performance.

Gulf Air began a non-stop service to Alexandria on June 2, followed by direct flights to Aleppo, Syria, on June 15 and to Madinah in Saudi Arabia on June 17.

"These are new moves towards regaining our status as a regional and subsequently as an international hub," Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali told Gulf News. The two regional Embraer 170s were acquired by Bahrain's flag-carrier as part of their major revamp. Gulf Air took delivery of the first aircraft earlier this year under a three-year dry-lease.

There are provisions to extend for a further five.

Entertainment

However, keen on securing a high number of passengers, Gulf Air configured the two Embraer 170 jets with seven business-class and 60 economy-class seats, with in-flight entertainment.

Upon signing the deal in January, Majali said: "We are introducing a new concept in regional travel. The realignment and expansion of our regional and international network, and our fleet, will reinforce our position as the carrier with the largest number of Middle East connections through our Bahrain airport hub.

"And to deliver this, we need aircraft that are flexible and can meet these demands."

Majali said Gulf Air would listen to feedback from its customers with a view to placing a larger regional jet order.

The airline is looking at a long-term potential for up to 10 aircraft after it tests new markets.