Gulf Air orders 35 Airbus aircraft

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has placed a firm order for 35 Airbus aircraft. Gulf Air's current fleet includes ten A320s, six A330-200s and nine A340-300s and the new order will be more than double the number of Airbus aircraft in their fleet.

The contract was signed by Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Björn Näf and Airbus President and CEO, Mr. Tom Enders, at the Berlin Air show.

"Gulf Air is taking huge strides forward in its strategy to re-fleet and expand its network and this contract is a significant milestone in this direction as we aim to become the airline of choice and the pearl of the Gulf," says Mr. Näf.

"Expanding our fleet with Airbus will ensure a smooth introduction of the new aircraft into our existing fleet with the best operating economics in their class and our customers will appreciate the high levels of passenger room and comfort."

The A320 will serve Gulf Air's regional destinations, while the A330 will operate on the airline's European routes and enhance its Far Eastern services.

"Gulf Air is undergoing a rapid expansion and Airbus is delighted to be a partner of the airline in their ambitions," says Mr. Enders.

"It is a mark of the quality of our aircraft that Gulf Air has chosen aircraft from two of our family of products. These aircraft not only offer unbeatable economics, but in today’s world where green issues are a concern, Gulf Air have chosen the world’s most fuel efficient and productive aircraft on the market," concludes Mr. Enders.

Over 6,100 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and over 3,400 delivered to more than 275 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world's best-selling commercial jetliner ever.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330 and A340 aircraft family is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimized for the medium - to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. The A330-300 remains the most economic means of flying 300 or so passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort.