Two of the fastest animals on earth have been transported on one of the fastest routes between South Africa and Pakistan.
Gulf Air Cargo was given the responsibility for the carriage of two cheetah cubs from Johannesburg to a leading zoo in Karachi for breeding purposes.
Gulf Air provides one of the quickest connections between the two continents and the two cubs arrived safely at their destination, with only one requirement – to get out of their travel cage and stretch their long legs.
"The transit times and connecting flight on Gulf Air offered us the quickest connection into Karachi,” said Jason Constant from Air Alternative Africa.
“Gulf Air representatives were extremely efficient in advising details of the flight and when the cargo arrived at final destination, proving once again that the service being offered by the GSA of Gulf Air was nothing but outstanding. We will certainly make use of the airline for any future exports we may have and I will recommend Gulf Air to anyone needing to export live animals or any cargo to destinations covered by the airline.”
Gulf Air Cargo flights have a lower deck capacity of 15 tons and fly three times per week from Johannesburg to Bahrain with timings designed to provide excellent connectivity onwards to not only Karachi, but Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Istanbul and a number of other destinations in Gulf Air’s extensive network.
Since the Johannesburg service was launched last December, the route has been very successful.
“Carrying exotic animals, is a rarity and required us to meet a number of strict conditions, which of course were complied with fully,” says Gulf Air Head of Cargo Des Vertannes.
“On a more commercial basis, the growing IMPEX Business between South Africa and the Middle East continues to represent excellent business opportunity for the Cargo division, helping to justify our decision to return to Johannesburg.
“The South African Export Business has found Bahrain the ideal gateway to the Arabian Gulf as well as providing excellent onward connections within the Gulf Air network which extends across the Middle East as well as Eastbound and Westbound to Europe, Asia and Australia.”
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)
