The increase in Gulf Air flights to and from Oman and Bahrain following the airline’s introduction of a two-hub strategy earlier this year has produced record passenger numbers at both the airline’s hubs.
Releasing passenger figures for the year till June 2006, Gulf Air announced a 30.1 per cent increase to 1,137,482 travellers through Muscat, and a 32.3 per cent increase to 2,181,227 travellers through Bahrain compared to last year.
“In our original estimates, we thought Gulf Air’s passenger traffic through Oman would grow by around 25 per cent,” said airline President and Chief Executive James Hogan. “But in fact the numbers have jumped by a third for the first six months of the year.
“In the first quarter we recorded growth of 20.6 and 24.1 per cent respectively. However, when the full impact of the two hub model came into effect with the summer schedule in the second quarter, the growth increased to 39.0 per cent in Oman and 41.3 per cent in Bahrain.
“Few airports in the world could handle year-on-year growth of even half that level. It is testament to the hard work and efficiency of airport management, staff and catering companies Oman Airport Services and Bahrain Airport Services that Seeb and Bahrain airports have stepped up to the challenge so smoothly.
“We have started to see significant trends coming from our two-hub operation, in terms of crewing, aircraft utilisation and network connections with the full impact becoming apparent in April, following the introduction of the summer schedule. Overall we expect a positive impact on our services this year as a result.
“While some challenges and uncertainties remain in 2006, notably fuel costs, I believe we have a sound basis for continued positive development in the future.”
Since the introduction of the two hub strategy, the number of direct non-stop Gulf Air flights to and from Seeb International Airport has increased by 45.5 per cent over last year and the airline now accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the passengers at the airport.
Meanwhile flights to and from Bahrain International Airport have increased by 41.9 per cent over last year and the airline now accounts for 70 per cent of the activity at Bahrain International Airport.
“Summer is our peak period. Our normal operations increase significantly to accommodate all the holiday traffic,” said Hogan.
“This year, we have also had to cope with the knock-on effects of the crisis in Lebanon, which has placed additional pressure on our routine operations.
Performance indicators for the period January to June 2006
• Seat factor up by 1.7 percentage points to 71.3 per cent
• Premium cabin revenues up by 17.1 per cent
• Gross unit revenue up 6.5 per cent
• 32.3 per cent increase in passengers through Bahrain; 30.1 per cent increase in passengers through Muscat
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 46 cities in 32 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)
