Gulf Air Orders 29 A320neo Family Aircraft

Bahrain’s national carrier to upgrade its fleet with fuel-efficient single aisle aircraft

Photo source: Airbus

As part of its fleet renewal strategy, Gulf Air has announced a firm order of 29 A320neo Family. The new order includes 17 A321neo and 12 A320neo of which 10 A320neo have been confirmed since 2012.

The contract was signed recently at the Bahrain International Airshow between Maher Salman Al Musallam, A/Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer.

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations.

“The fuel efficient aircraft will provide the airline with a higher operational efficiency and profitability while its wider cabins will open a new dimension of passenger appeal,” said Fabrice Brégier”, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer.

Gulf Air currently operates 28 Airbus aircraft and the new aircraft is expected to fit seamlessly into the airline’s current fleet, thanks to Airbus’ overall fleet commonality, its low operating costs, optimum fuel efficiency and best-in-class passenger comfort of any single aisle aircraft.

“This restructured order meets Gulf Air’s future fleet requirement and our network expansion plans”, said Gulf Air A/Chief Executive Officer Maher Salman Al Musallam when commenting on the agreement.

“As a result, I now look forward to furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process while supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies.”

With nearly 4,500 orders received from some 80 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured a 60 percent share of the market.

Gold Star Aviation is Gulf Air’s General Sales Agent (GSA) for Greece.