Following the huge success of the last two Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix races, Gulf Air is fully geared up to welcome the 2006 race due to be held on 12 March 2006.
As the official carrier and title sponsor, Gulf Air has lined up a series of publicity and marketing campaigns and other associated activities, attracting international motor sport participants, enthusiasts and spectators alike to the Kingdom of Bahrain to witness the greatest racing event of the year.
“We are delighted and proud to sponsor, third time in a row, one of the most exciting international events,” says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.
"Gulf Air, along with the Government of Bahrain and the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), is committed to building on the success of last year’s event and will make sure the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2006 becomes an even more spectacular international event.
“We will utilise this important opportunity to show case the salient features of the country to tourists, business visitors and potential investors."
Bahrain has already made its mark in the international motor racing scene as having the Middle East's best circuit.
The event 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 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix F1 drew several international race champions, celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and more than 50,000 spectators from around the world to Bahrain.
The event 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 F1 calendar.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is presently 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.
More than half a century later, the regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central in defining the brand and service ethos within the contemporary and global environment.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft.
Under President and Chief Executive James Hogan, the successful implementation of the first phase of a restructuring programme, which commenced in 2003, has resulted in the establishment of a platform for sustained commercial operation.
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 ‘boutique airline’ vision.
The dramatic turnaround in fortunes has won international recognition. 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, which recognised the airline’s commitment to service excellence. Other awards include:
Winner – Middle East Leading First Class Airline, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner – World’s Leading Airport Lounge, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner - Middle East & 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 2006
