Manama, Bahrain: Gulf Air held a gala ceremony in Dublin to launch its Dublin-Bahrain-Dublin service in the presence of Ireland's rich and famous and more than 300 trade representatives.
The function, held at Lillie’s Bordello, a popular venue in Dublin frequented by the rich and famous including Bono from U2, introduced Gulf Air's first direct flight from Dublin to Bahrain as well as the unique and innovative products and services Gulf Air offers.
Co-hosted by Catherine Thomas, Ireland's renowned television host the travel programme No frontiers, the function offered some fun and excitement with various prizes and competitions to invitees.
Lucky ones won tickets on Gulf Air flight to Bahrain with two nights accommodation at a five star hotel in one of the two Gulf Air partner hotels, Jumeirah in Dubai and the Ritz Carlton in Bahrain.
A special draw was also held to select 10 travel agents to travel in the inaugural flight the following morning.
"The event was a great opportunity to endorse and remind the trade of the unique and innovative products Gulf Air offers to its discerning passengers," says Gulf Air General Manager Ireland James Harrison.
"Ireland is an important market with enormous potential, which is growing rapidly. Gulf Air is perfectly placed to link the trade and industry of Ireland and the Middle East directly.”
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is presently owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the region.
More than half a century later, the regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central in defining the brand and service ethos within the contemporary and global environment.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft.
Under President and Chief Executive James Hogan, the successful implementation of the first phase of a restructuring programme, which commenced in 2003, has resulted in the establishment of a platform for sustained commercial operation.
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 ‘boutique airline’ vision.
The dramatic turnaround in fortunes has won international recognition. The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, which recognised the airline’s commitment to service excellence. Other awards include:
Winner – Middle East Leading First Class Airline, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner – World’s Leading Airport Lounge, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner - Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2006
