Register | Forgot password?
Switch to Arabic
Friday, November 13 - 2009

Gulf Air chooses Honeywell to provide APU for its new Airbus fleet

National carrier Gulf Air announced today that it has chosen Honeywell Aerospace to provide fifteen 131-9A Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and a maintenance programme to its new Airbus A320 aircraft, whose deliveries are scheduled from 2009 through 2012.

Article continues below
  • Gulf Air airplane.
    Gulf Air airplane.
The contract, valued at more than $8m, also covers maintenance through 2022.

Mr. Bjorn Naf, Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer, said:
"Gulf Air has chosen the APUs after carefully considering various factors such as reduced emissions and fuel efficiency."


"In addition to providing reduced operating costs, Honeywell provides a highly reliable APU with great performance. The maintenance programme provides us with Honeywell's expertise in APUs while allowing us to focus on our customers," added Naf.

An APU is a small gas-powered turbine engine that provides bleed air for main engine starting and electrical power for cockpit and galley systems. The 131-9A APU has been in service since 1998, though recent engineering has yielded fuel burn and reliability improvements. The 131-9A is fitted in more than 1,400 aircraft and serves more than 100 customers.

"The 131-9A APU reduces emissions and fuel consumption over the life of the APU," said Mike Madsen, Vice President, Airlines, Honeywell Aerospace.

"The total cost of ownership is further reduced by high reliability and low maintenance costs; our on-aircraft maintenance costs are 36% less than other APUs because of the simple design," he added.

Honeywell's after-market service programmes provide a comprehensive range of cost-effective maintenance and asset availability solutions to support airline operations throughout the life span of the aircraft.

Honeywell's wide ranging support services can also be customized to create cost-effective, packaged solutions that allow airlines to better manage and predict maintenance spending, asset requirements and repair needs, while lowering operating expenses with a reduced total cost of ownership.
Also consider reading:
Log in to request more information from Gulf Air

Notes and media contacts

About Gulf Air:

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, was founded in 1950 and is one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East. It is owned by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holdings Company.

Backed by more than half a century of experience, expertise and customer care, Gulf Air has established as a powerful brand and today, it is the carrier of choice for most people in the region. However, its goal has remained unchanged - the commitment to providing state-of-the-art flying experience, complemented by its traditional Arabian hospitality.

One of the prime objectives of the carrier is to connect Bahrain to the Middle East countries and the rest of the world. The airline offers customers the unique advantage of operating the largest network in the Middle East with non-stop flights while providing seamless onward connections to other destinations. Gulf Air's current network stretches from Europe to Asia, connecting 42 cities in 27 countries, with a fleet of 39 aircraft. The airline has code-share agreement with 15 airlines across the world offering a wider choice of flights that can be booked directly with Gulf Air.

In alignment with the dynamic growth plans of the Kingdom as laid out in 'Vision 2030', Gulf Air has embarked on a business strategy to re-fleet itself over the next five years to further strengthen its presence as a leading player. The airline has placed an order to purchase 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and another order with Airbus to purchase 35 aircraft that includes A320s and A330s.

Gulf Air is the Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2009 and London-based football club Queens Park Rangers.

About Honeywell:

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Honeywell's $12bn aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.

Honeywell International is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges.

For further information:

Ms. Katherine Kaczynska
Gulf Air
P.O. Box 138 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Phone: 00973 17338416

Disclaimer:

Articles in this section are primarily provided directly by the companies appearing or PR agencies which are solely responsible for the content. The companies concerned may use the above content on their respective web sites provided they link back to http://www.ameinfo.com

Any opinions, advice, statements, offers or other information expressed in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited. AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited is not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or reliability of any material, advice, opinion or statement in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site.

For details about submitting your stories, please read the guide - all content published is subject to our terms and conditions