Bahrain Air participates in The Second Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit

Aviation Outlook Middle East is firmly established as the top strategic aviation forum in the region, where the key decision makers from airlines and airports across the Middle East and North Africa brought together to outline their strategic vision for the forthcoming years.

The participation of Bahrain Air in this conference came within the company's efforts to explore various opportunities in creating new networks of new destinations in several countries in MENA and neighboring areas, in addition to exchanging experiences and knowledge with other regional and International airlines.

Mr. Ibrahim Abdulla Al Hamer said, "Despite economic turbulence, budget carriers in the region seem prepared to soldier on. The aviation industry in the world are facing significant challenges, in light of the economic crisis in various countries around the world and various industries, and this conference is to discuss and examine how to create appropriate and effective solutions to restore the situation, indicating that what distinguishes this conference, is the existence and the participation of a major airline in the world."

Mr. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Hamer highlighted that budget carriers in the Middle East witnessed quick growth during the last few years. He expects that budget carriers development will be notable promoted within the coming period because of the current world economic crisis.

He point out that budget airline companies witnessed a huge demand during the last period owing to significant economic developments in the region and the large number of passengers, either expatriates or tourists, from/to the region.

Moreover he added, "The adverse economic conditions will not stop Bahrain Air operation from becoming one of the region's leading carriers. Budget carriers will benefit from frugal passengers seeking more 'attractive and affordable flights.' across the Middle East."

Meanwhile, the airline's network will cover 21 destinations across the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. Once the expansion strategy is complete, the airline is confident that passenger loads, which have increased from 20 to 60% since Bahrain Air's inception in early 2008 - will continue to rise and that budget carriers will witness increased growth because of the current world economy crisis and under liquidity. Therefore, a large number of passengers are expected to turn to affordable airlines owing to its reasonable fares compared to legacy airlines.

As for Bahrain Air developments, Mr. Al Hamer indicated, "To capitalise on this demand, Bahrain Air plans to increase its fleet of leased A320s and A319s to 10 by 2012, a new modern Airbus planes will join Bahrain Air fleet very soon, pointing out that Bahrain Air is now flying from Bahrain to 14 destinations and will be increased to 17 destinations within the coming month of the current year, 2009. In this month 2009 Bahrain air will launch its first direct flight to Abu Dhabi, Kozhikode in India and Kathmandu in Nepal and more to be announced soon making the total destinations in 2009 to 24."