Gulf Air’s Chief Commercial Officer today reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to Europe following the announcement of its new strategic direction last Monday which aims to make Gulf Air a sustainable and profitable business by 2012 with a more focussed international network and a simplified, modern fleet.   

Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer said: “Questions have been raised as to Gulf Air’s commitment to Europe under the new strategy.  Gulf Air fully intends to continue flying to all our strategic European points in London, Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul, Athens and Larnaca.  In the not too distant future we plan to strengthen our presence in Europe, leveraging Bahrain’s position as the financial hub of the Gulf and connecting it with leading financial centres in Europe.  Expansion into Europe becomes more viable, under the new strategy, not less.“

Under the new strategy, Gulf Air’s fleet composition will focus primarily on narrow-body aircraft and regional jets.  This will include a number of long-range narrow-body aircraft which will connect the airline’s Bahrain hub to key financial centres in both Europe and Asia.

Mr Boulter continued: “Our priority is to provide our customers with a reliable, convenient, professional and value driven service.  Our new-look international network will reflect our customers’ needs and enable us to consolidate and expand our existing position as the carrier with the largest number of Middle East connections through our efficient Bahrain Airport hub.”