Gulf Air has extended its title sponsorship for the prestigious Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix until 2010, following an agreement with Allsport management.
“Formula 1 Grand Prix is the most prestigious motor sport event which shares its popularity with high profile events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup,” says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.
“This year’s event overshadowed the success of the previous races in Bahrain and we are delighted and proud to be the title sponsors for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix once again.”
Being the title sponsor has had tremendous benefits for Gulf Air in terms of boosting the carrier’s already strong image through brand association with the sport, resulting in significant revenue growth.
Aside from thousands of visitors and huge loads of freight for the event, Gulf Air flew in some 300 guests, including important decision makers, media and high profile customers.
“We are delighted with the sponsorship of Gulf Air once again. We have formed a very close relationship with Gulf Air over the last three years. The airline is a perfect partner for this prestigious event,” says Allsport President Patrick McNally.
With the strongest regional network, Gulf Air looks ahead to continue on its path to build on its considerable success over the past few years.
“Sponsoring the Bahrain Grand Prix falls in line with Gulf Air’s new ‘Smart Airline, Successful Business’ strategy,” says Mr Hogan.
As the official carrier and title sponsor, Gulf Air embarked on a series of publicity and marketing campaigns, including road shows in Lebanon, Dubai, Kuwait and Egypt.
It also engaged in other associated activities, attracting international motor sport participants, enthusiasts and spectators alike to Bahrain to witness the greatest racing event of the year.
"As a national carrier, we are committed to building on the success of the Middle East’s only Formula 1 event and grab the opportunity to promote Bahrain as a hub for tourism and business in the region,” says Mr Hogan, of Gulf Air, which contributes more than four per cent to Bahrain’s GDP.
Bahrain has already made its mark in the international motor racing scene with its state-of-the-art Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) as one of best Formula 1 venues in the world and Gulf Air is only too happy and proud to be associated with the event that will reinforce Bahrain's position firmly in the international motor sport map. The kingdom is also the leading financial centre in the region.
The Formula 1 World Championship has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious, popular, exciting and technically-sophisticated competitions in the international sporting calendar.
The sport transcends all boundaries of age and nationality to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of millions of people and its global popularity finds its rivals in the Olympic Games or the world football championships.
Last year's event drew several international race champions, celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and more than 50,000 spectators from around the world to Bahrain.
It received overwhelming positive comments and popularity from every corner of the world. The plaudits from the FIA, the teams - especially the drivers - and visiting fans alike is that Bahrain is now a race that ranks high on the list of the Formula 1 calendar.
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)
