Gulf Air has joined hands with the Regional Institute for Active learning (RIA), Bahrain, to celebrate International Day of Peace, being observed worldwide on 21 September.
The airline will be displaying the peace message, 'Peace! One Day at a Time, painted on cloth with palm prints by children with special needs at the RIA along with supporting banners in its Bahrain lounge and check-in counters on the day.
"It is a small gesture, which we believe will go a long way in getting the message across," says Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave.
"The youngsters’ imprints and the message, Peace! One Day at a Time,' confirm the importance of peace and unity in the world."
Last year, on the day, Gulf Air carried giant doves of peace on its flights, which were made by the RIA students.
"We are very thankful to Gulf Air for its support in this cause," says RIA Principal Christine Hasan.
"In these troubled times, this message is very relevant, especially when spread through children. It is like the children saying, 'please let us have a peaceful world.'
The United Nations (UN) formally established an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence, which was named the UN International Day of Peace, fixed in the global calendar on 21 September. All sectors of society are encouraged to honour and celebrate the Day.
RIA, established in 1999 as a non-profit organisation, caters to the needs of students with communication disorders and, the RIA Centre has been promoting and spreading the concept of peaceful co-existence and respect as one of its basic tenets. The centre engages students, at a very young age, in community as well as school based peace projects.
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)
