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Gulf Air has unveiled its new A320 aircraft - the first of 10 the national carrier will receive as part of its modernisation programme, writes ANASUYA KESAVAN.
The airline has signed deals to purchase 35 Airbus aircraft estimated at $5 billion and 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners for $6 billion. This is in tandem with a redesign of the fleet's interiors, together with its livery, uniforms and passenger lounges.
The technically and environmentally advanced A320 was given a traditional fire-truck water-cannon welcome as it touched down at the Bahrain International Airport on Sunday.
Powered by CFM56 engines it is considered the most modern single aisle aircraft boasting advanced aerodynamics, weight saving materials and industry-leading avionics that help make it operationally the most efficient aeroplane in its class.
Describing it as a proud moment, Gulf Air chairman Talal Al Zain said: "By investing in our fleet now, we are securing the future of Gulf Air. With a modern, more efficient fleet we can lower our costs and at the same time deliver a better service to our customers."
Chief executive officer Samer Majali added: "The start of our fleet renewal is another milestone for us and is extremely timely as we continue to shape our new strategic direction.
"This new A320 aircraft together with the nine others that will follow between now and the end of 2010 will be used to replace our older narrow body aircraft which are less fuel efficient and becoming more expensive to maintain.
"They will also be used to grow our Middle East network on important strategic and high yielding routes such as our expansion into Iraq."
The new aircraft also boasts eco-friendly paint. The environmentally sustainable chromate-free paint uses 15 per cent less paint when applied to the aircraft, which in turn allows the plane to weigh less resulting in less fuel burned and ultimately less aircraft CO2 emissions.
