DUBAI: Gulf Air will continue to focus on expanding its fleet and adding network capacity, its outgoing CEO has said.
Another key focus for the company is improving the in-flight experience as competition among Gulf carriers becomes more intense. And help Bahrain reach its goal of 14.1 million tourists by 2026.
Gulf Air, once described as the “granddaddy” of Arabian skies, needed to move away from a passenger-heavy approach to compete with regional heavyweights Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.
Captain Waleed Abdulhamed Alarawi, who is stepping down as CEO at the end of this month, says Gulf Air will instead aim to become a “boutique luxury product” targeted at corporate and millennial travelers. He says he aims to achieve this.
Additionally, Bahrain International Airport’s new passenger terminal – the country’s largest infrastructure project to date – is “equipped” to allow airlines to operate at maximum capacity, Alalwai said.
The aviation industry veteran began his career as a pilot with Gulf Air in 1980 and has continued to lead the airline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
new fleet
“We want to portray this airline as a strong national asset that serves the Kingdom of Bahrain while also catering to an international audience,” Alarawi said.
Like other airlines, Gulf Airlines is waiting for more aircraft to join its fleet to achieve its growth plans. “We have begun to make great strides towards improving our regional base and position in the global aviation market,” Alalwai said.
Currently, Gulf Air has a fleet of 39 aircraft, including 8 A320ceo, 4 A321ceo, 10 B787-9 Boeing Dreamliner, 6 A320neo, 8 A321neo, There are three A321neo HDs. The airline took delivery of its 10th Airbus A321neo in November last year.
Expand your network
Gulf Air is focused on exploring new opportunities in the airline’s portfolio, particularly in destinations in the Far East. The airline will expand service to Guangzhou and Shanghai in China this month.
“China is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and a global tourism market. This is key to our strategy of coordinated network growth. The flight will offer passengers greater choice and flexible travel experiences and create a new pipeline of travelers.” Trade, tourism and cooperation will benefit both countries.
“The new routes will strengthen Gulf Air’s global network and enable us to connect Bahrain with key destinations around the world under Bahrain’s National Economic Recovery Plan.”
The airline operates scheduled flights from its hub at Bahrain International Airport to more than 40 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. In the first half of 2023, Gulf Airlines accepted 2.8 million passengers, up from 2.01 million in 2022, an increase of 39.7%.
The airport carried 4.09 million passengers, an increase of 43.2% from last year’s 2.86 million.
Has the “boutique” model helped you?
Allalwai claims that the “boutique business model” has helped the company shine among its competitors.
He added: “We are becoming more product and customer experience focused, which gives us a competitive advantage. This is reflected in the class experience, new destinations and more.”
Gulf Airlines is currently focused on developing products that provide travel opportunities targeted at corporate and millennial travelers.
Bahrain International Airport’s new terminal (14 million passengers per year) also operates a boutique model. “This design will allow passengers to move through the arrival and departure areas faster than at other airports in the region, allowing them more time to enjoy the amenities on offer,” the CEO said. he added.
“Automation streamlines the most time-consuming processes, reduces waiting times and provides a smoother experience for passengers,” Alalwai said.
Plans are being made to strengthen the strength of staff, particularly in senior management, to foster the growth of Bahrain’s aviation sector.