Gulf Air, the airline with the biggest network in the Middle East, is all set to enhance its cargo presence and activities in and out of Greece and its neighbourhood with the appointment of an exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA).
Spyrou Exelixi S.A. a leading independent freight management company in Greece with decades of experience in air freight wholesaling has been appointed by Gulf Air as its GSA exclusively to promote the airline's cargo sales.
"Greece, a country of some 11 million people, controls nearly 20 per cent of the world's merchant fleet by tonnage," says Gulf Air Vice President Business Units Ali Murtada.
"With increasing demand on timely and fast delivery of air cargo to and from the Greek market, there is good potential for Gulf Air to grow our market share from this region.
Greece is traditionally known for the export of ship spare parts to the Middle Eastern market and the import of Tuna from Oman. The appointment of Spyrou Exelixi (SA) comes at the right time when the Greek market is expanding and also providing a route to the Balkan region, which is in itself an emerging market.
Gulf Air operates a daily non-stop flight between Athens and Bahrain with a wide body Boeing 767 aircraft, which offers large cargo capacity.
“Therefore, we are at an advantageous position to serve the trade and industry in Greece and the Balkan region on a daily basis," adds Mr Murtada.
As one of the oldest freight transportation management companies in Greece and the first established IATA cargo agent, our company has more than 40 years experience in handling freight for the Greek as well as the Balkan market.
"We are glad to be appointed as the GSA for Gulf Air Cargo. I am confident that our association with Gulf Air, which also has more than 50 years reputed standing in the airline industry, will greatly benefit each other," says Spyrou Exelixi S.A Managing Director Christos Spyrou.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
