Gulf Air daily non-stop service resumed smoothly with its first flight landing safely at Beirut international airport.
Flight GF 911 landed at Rafik Hariri International Airport with 108 passengers following a non-stop three-hour journey. The flight took off from Bahrain International Airport at 11.30am and arrived in Beirut at 2.20pm.
Passengers aboard GF911 received a warm welcome upon landing, from Gulf Air staff when they were presented with white roses, symbolising peace.
The return flight to Bahrain and beyond, GF912 had 130 passengers.
Besides carrying passengers, Gulf is now also in a position to transport humanitarian cargo directly to Beirut. Last month Gulf Air flew tons of relief cargo, free of charge, to Damascus as a humanitarian gesture towards the Lebanese people.
“Our announcement on the resumption of flight bears testimony to our commitment to see swift rebuilding of Lebanon,” says Gulf Air Vice President Operations Captain Hameed Ali.
“The airline worked closely with local and international authorities to ensure the safe and swift re-start of flights.”
Gulf Air suspended services into Beirut on 12 July 2006, as a result of the hostilities in Lebanon. It introduced increased capacity from Damascus, to help people return to Bahrain and other destinations and has constantly been monitoring the situation to resume flights as early as possible.
During the assault, Gulf Air continued to operate a series of extra flights to neighbouring Syria.
Within 10 days Gulf Air carried nearly 9,000 passengers from Damascus to Bahrain and beyond.
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
