Gulf Air’s move to a two hub strategy has proven a huge success, with
the airline recording a significant increase in passenger numbers at the
twin hubs of Bahrain and Muscat.
Releasing passenger figures for the year until August 2006, Gulf Air saw
4.7 million passengers travel through Bahrain and Muscat, representing a
31 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Gulf Air has also recorded very positive passenger numbers in the UK,
with routes such as Muscat and Bangkok exceeding expectations and the
airline’s premium product continuing to reap rewards.

Oman, one of Gulf Air’s two owner states, is experiencing a boom across
its business and tourism sectors. Since the airline increased the
service from London Heathrow to Muscat in March 2006, Gulf Air has been
profiting from the growing popularity of the destination, with Economy
Class passenger figures up by 35 per cent on the route.

Gulf Air’s London to Bangkok service has experienced impressive growth,
with passenger numbers across all cabins increasing by 69 per cent since
2005. The London to Singapore route has also seen a 21 per cent year on
year increase.

“We have worked hard to improve the connection times on the Bangkok and
Singapore routes, and this seems to be paying off. We are delighted with
the strong performance of these services; Thailand continues to be an
ever popular destination for the UK market,” says Gulf Air UK General
Manager Clive Wratten.

Gulf Air’s premium classes are also performing well in the year to date,
with Business Class figures on the London to Bahrain route increasing by
23 per cent, and a 37 per cent rise in First Class figures on the London
Muscat route. This demonstrates the success of Gulf Air’s impressive
premium offering, which includes award-winning five-star Sky Chefs in
First Class, fully-trained in-flight Sky Nannies to provide a welcome
pair of hands in all cabins and the latest Sky Beds. 

“Overall, we are very encouraged by the performance this year to date.
Gulf Air is committed to providing the very best services and
connectivity, and our latest figures show we are succeeding,” says
Wratten.
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