Gulf Air joins hands with TNT

Notes and media contacts

About TNT:

TNT provides businesses and consumers worldwide with an extensive range of services for their mail and express delivery needs. Headquartered in the Netherlands, TNT offers efficient network infrastructures in Europe and Asia and is expanding operations worldwide to maximise its network performance. TNT serves more than 200 countries and employs more than 163,000 people. Over 2008, TNT reported €11.1bn in revenues and an operating income of €982m. TNT is officially quoted on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. TNT recognises its social responsibility and has formed partnerships with the United Nations World Food Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme to fight hunger and pollution in the world. Our efforts are being recognised: in 2008 TNT again reached the highest score of all companies included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and in the Carbon Disclosure Project in the carbon intensive sector.

About Gulf Air:

Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 42 cities in 27 countries. The current fleet of Gulf Air consists of 29 aircraft.

On January 17th, Gulf Air's Board of Directors confirmed the appointment of Björn Näf as the Chief Executive Officer for Bahrain's national carrier.

Mr. Naf, who brings on board a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, has been instrumental in implementing the new revamped network launched on July 1, and is also the commander of a major alignment program to turnaround Gulf Air. The plan entails a simplified and more efficient organization structure, an improved network with lower connection times and better service to key destinations, including better on-board products, efficient customer service on the ground and improved punctuality, which has been expanding under his command.

The new network, based on a "wave" model, offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline.

The airline is also planning to re-fleet itself over the next five years to further strengthen its presence. It recently signed a deal worth nearly $6bn with Boeing to purchase up to 24 Boeing 787 aircraft and another deal with Airbus for 35 aircraft, including A320s and A330s.

The airline aims to become the carrier of choice. Gulf Air's onboard service caters high quality products and services to its passengers, including the innovative, unique and award winning Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies.

Some of the notable recognition awards include:

- Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2007 (Sky Trax Awards)
-Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2006 (Sky Trax Awards)
- Best Onboard Catering in Business Class 2006 (Sky Trax Awards)
- Best Business Airline 2006 (British Travel Awards)
- Best Onboard Service 2006 (Gold) (Mercury Awards)
- Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2005 (Sky Trax Awards)
- Best Onboard Catering in Business Class 2005(Sky Trax Awards)
- Best designed in-flight magazine 2005 (American Creativity Awards)
- Middle East Leading First Class Airline 2005 (World Travel Awards)
- World's Leading Airport Lounge 2005 (World Travel Awards)
- Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain
- International Airport lounge 2005 (PAX International Readership Awards)
- Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2008

For further information please contact:

Gulf Air Corporate Communications Team
Corporate Communications Department
Gulf Air
P.O. Box: 138, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain