Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today welcomed a brand new A320 aircraft into its fleet. The arrival of the new aircraft marks the start of the airline's re-fleeting programme.   From now until April 2010, Gulf Air will receive one A320 aircraft per month and an additional two A320s in December 2010, completing the delivery of its first batch of A320 aircraft on order.

Prior to entering service for the first time, the aircraft was officially received on the apron at Bahrain International Airport by Gulf Air Chairman, Talal Al Zain and Chief Executive Officer, Samer Majali.  The technically and environmentally advanced A320 looked absolutely splendid in the airline's distinctive gold and white livery, proudly displaying the golden falcon emblazoned on the tail fin. 

Talal Al Zain, Chairman, Gulf Air said: "This is a proud moment for Gulf Air as we take another step forward in our mission to deliver a national airline that we can all be proud of and a dynamic and focussed business that supports the national economy.  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."  

Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali said: "These are exciting times for Gulf Air.  The start of our fleet renewal is another milestone for us and is extremely timely as we continue to shape our new strategic direction." 

He continued: "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."  

"We chose the A320 due to the innovations and performance advances Airbus has made which makes this aircraft more operationally efficient and reliable whilst at the same time achieving the highest levels in comfort for our customers.  Its environmental performance was also a consideration, which is the best among all single aisle aircraft."

Gulf Air has a total of 13 narrow-body aircraft: nine A320s; two A319s; and two A321s.  It plans to phase in 10 new A320  by the end of 2010 and phase out 5 narrow-body planes.

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers says: "The A320 is already the world's most modern and popular single aisle aircraft flying today and it keeps getting better. It is greener and stays a step ahead of the competition through constant upgrades made possible by technological advances as well as investment in innovation. Airbus congratulates Gulf Air on chosing the A320 family to modernise their fleet."

Powered by CFM56 engines, Gulf Air's new A320 aircraft will carry 136 passengers in a two class configuration with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats. The A320 has one of the widest cabins available for single-aisle jetliners creating a feeling of space onboard and adding to the levels of comfort for passengers. It is the most modern single aisle aircraft with advanced aerodynamics, weight saving materials and industry leading avionics to make it operationally the most efficient aircraft in its class.

The new aircraft also boasts eco-friendly paint. The environmentally sustainable chromate-free paint uses 15% less paint when applied to the aircraft, which in turn allows the aircraft to weigh less, which results in less fuel burned and ultimately less aircraft CO2 emissions produced. The arrival of the new aircraft is an important milestone for the airline and the Kingdom of Bahrain as it works towards becoming an efficient and sustainable business that effectively serves the demands and aspirations of the people and economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain.