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Responding to increasing sales and to provide better customer service as part of its new network strategy, Gulf Air has expanded its weekly flight services to three key cities in Saudi Arabia.
Gulf Air now operates 14 flights per week to Dammam or double its previous service to the city in the ‘Eastern Province’ of the kingdom. Meanwhile, flights to the Saudi capital Riyadh and to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah have both increased to 10 flights per week from seven earlier.
In addition, Gulf Air operates two flights on the Riyadh-Bahrain–Bangkok route and two flights on Riyadh-Bahrain-Kathmandu route as part of various share arrangements with Saudi Arabian Airlines.
“Saudi Arabia is a very important market for us and we would like to thank the kingdom’s authorities for granting us these extra slots which will enable us to execute our network strategy and serve our customers better,” says executive vice-president network, Hashim Mahmood.
Gulf Air introduced a totally revamped flight schedule starting this month.
The new network offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline.
“The new slots mean business and other travellers will have more travel options throughout the week and will also enhance existing bilateral air links with our counterpart in the Saudi Arabia,” says Mr Mahmood.
Last September the airline inaugurated a new office in Riyadh to further tap into the Saudi market which has been witnessing phenomenal growth.
The airline already has dedicated offices in Dammam and Jeddah with four branch offices in Mecca, Medina, Yanbu and Qassim.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive markets for business travellers and for us as the airline with strongest network in the Middle East, this will enable us to further boost our ties with Saudi Arabia as well as strengthen our position in the region,” added executive vice-president marketing and sales, Lee Shave.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 40 cities in 26 countries.
The fleet comprises 28 aircraft and a new strategy to cut losses has been put in place by the airline’s management.
