Flights to further boost Sultanate’s business and tourism growth
Oman’s business and tourism will receive a shot in the arm as Gulf Air will introduce direct flights between Muscat and Paris in July.
The airline’s non-stop flights between Seeb International Airport and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday every week beginning July 1.
“French tourists are believed to be the highest spenders in Oman. We believe there is a genuine demand for business and leisure between Oman and France that needs to be tapped into,” says Gulf Air General Manager Oman Jaffar Juma.
According to news reports French are the highest spenders in Oman, with an average spending of 501 Omani riyals (US$1,300) per tourist per visit.
Gulf Air is already increasing its daily flights from Muscat to London from 27th March, 2006.
“Oman is currently experiencing robust growth across its business and tourism sectors. The Government of Oman is very keen to develop Oman as a major tourism destination and Gulf Air is proud to back the initiative with its non-stop flights,” says Mr Juma.
Oman, which is nestled at the bottom of the Arabian Peninsula is blessed by monsoon rains. The sultanate’s magnificent landscape, sandy beaches, forts, rugged mountain terrains and lush south are unmatched in the Gulf region.
“Oman is one of our two owner states and the new flights are part of our business strategy to operate a smart airline and enjoy successful business,” says Juma.
“A key part of our operations is also to promote and boost the business and tourism of our owner states.”
Onboard, Gulf Air passengers will be able to enjoy the first class service that the award-winning airline has introduced, which include Sky Chefs, the world’s only Sky Nannies and new Business and First Class cabins.
The flight schedule, starting 1 July 2006, will be as follows:
Muscat to Paris Charles de Gaulle
GF 0029 departing 14:00 arriving 20:20
Paris Charles de Gaulle to Muscat
GF0028 departing 21:50 arriving 07:05
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)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
