Gulf Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines have signed an agreement to strengthen and extend their current code share operational services.
The new agreement will include all flights operated by the two carriers between Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Muscat International Airports, as well as the two terminals of King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, the southern terminal used by Saudi Arabian Airlines and the northern terminal used by Gulf Air, with effect from August 1, 2005.
Saudi Arabian Airlines Vice President Marketing and Planning Dr Omar Abdullah Jefri said this significant move would provide more flights for passengers.
“We are currently working with Gulf Air to increase the strategic co-operation we enjoy. We held a very positive meeting in Jeddah last month,” he said.
Gulf Air Vice President Network Fareed Al Alawi said the two carriers were working to include flights to Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at Al Madina Al Monawwarah, with effect from next winter schedule.
In 2003, Gulf Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines signed a strategic co-operation agreement, which included the common use of First and Business class lounges owned by the two carriers.
In addition, they agreed on code share services between Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Muscat International Airports, as well as Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah International Airports and between Dammam and Kathmandu Airport in Nepal.
The two Gulf carriers are discussing the addition of more international destinations on their networks and the use of their Frequent flyer programme to provide more privileges for their customers, such as free flights, extra baggage allowance , access to VIP lounges, fast check-ins and other services.
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.
The airline, in the last year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive James Hogan, is making rapid strides towards regaining profitability in 2005 and aims to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.
The dramatic turnaround in Gulf Air’s fortunes has won international recognition. In January 2004, The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, recognising the airline’s commitment to service excellence.
Winner - Middle East and North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005
