Gulf Air places big Airbus order

GULF Air has placed a firm order with Airbus for 35 aircraft. The order comprises 15 A320 single aisle aircraft and 20 A330-300s. The contract was signed by Björn Näf, Gulf Air chief executive officer and Tom Enders, Airbus president and chief executive as the Berlin air show.

Gulf Air already operates 10 A320s, six A330-200s and nine A340-300s. The new order will more than double the number of Airbus aircraft in their fleet.

“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,” said 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 partner the airline in their ambitions. It is a mark of the quality of our aircraft that Gulf Air has chosen aircraft from two of our families of products. These aircraft not only offer unbeatable economics, but in today’s world where green issues are a concern, Gulf Air has chosen the world’s most fuel efficient and productive aircraft on the market,” said Enders.