Abu Dhabi, 6 January 2003 - Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, has announced it will offer the finest dining in the skies between the Gulf and Europe from 1st February, following the complete upgrade and enhancement of its in flight dining product in all classes. 

According to James Hogan, President & Chief Executive of Gulf Air, the process of enhancement began with the introduction of the airline’s innovative In flight Chef service on flights between the Gulf and London last September.  Passengers travelling in Business and Economy classes will now also find a completely new premium offering. 

“We are expanding the In flight chef service and our new menu, which was introduced last December, on our routes to and from Paris and Frankfurt in response to popular demand from our passengers for this contemporary service,” said Mr Hogan.

“The new and modernised first class menu has already been extremely well received on the London route, and it provides customers with a food and beverage experience normally only associated with fine restaurants.  Passengers flying First Class to and from Paris and Frankfurt will be introduced to Gulf Air`s unique ‘Amuse Gueule`, a pre-appetiser, which replaces the standard canapé service offered by most other airlines in first class,” he added.

The selected cuisine for the new menus combines the flavours of European and Middle Eastern produce, and is plated in a contemporary style.

Gulf Air’s Business Class passengers are set to enjoy an eight-tier service offering the individual selection and plating of a wide choice of dishes.  The premium service is set to become the envy of many airlines’ first class offerings, and is in fact, a First Class service in a Business Class cabin. 

On offer are canapés and the most extensive main course selection ever presented by Gulf Air, comprising a selection of hot or cold entrees as well as a `light` choice, as well as a large selection of fresh fruit, a choice of premium cheeses combined with date paste, lavosh bread and crudities as well as plated individual desserts, garnished and sauced to style.

Traditional Arabian sweets, coffee and tea, will be served at the end of the meal and the airline’s first class signature Arabian coffee and date service will also move through the business class cabin.

“All service offerings will be presented personally and individually on `First Class` standard crockery, reinforcing our claim of a First Class dining experience in Business Class,” said Michael Kent, Head of In-flight Services.

Passengers traveling Economy Class will also be provided with a number of exciting new changes. 

“Our main meal will be in two servings, with the appetiser and entree presented to the customer as the first dining course and the dessert and tea/coffee presented separately - just like a restaurant,” added Mr Kent.
“Throughout the duration of the flight the cabin service will also conduct regular `hydration runs` while the introduction of a unique treat box will provide additional enjoyment to the in-flight entertainment experience. Add to this ice cream being served mid-flight and a small hot or cold snack prior arrival and you have a dining experience to rival many other airlines` business offering.”

About Gulf Air: Gulf Air was founded in 1950. It is owned by Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Oman and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 43 cities in 32 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 30 aircraft.

The airline is in its first year of a three year strategic recovery programme, headed by President & Chief Executive, James Hogan. The airline’s aim is to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.

Gulf Air is also intent on ‘going the extra mile’ for its costumers. It has subsequently made a concerted effort to focus on efficiency, to eliminate bureaucracy and implement processes that are required to above all, improve customer satisfaction. 
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