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Gulf Air achieves record first week sales for Iraq

National Carrier Gulf Air's recently announced service to Iraq has achieved record breaking first week sales.

Tickets went on sale on 6 August for Gulf Air's new five times weekly service to the capital of Iraq Baghdad which starts on 1 September, and ticket sales have smashed previous first week sales figures of a newly launched Gulf Air destination.

"I am absolutely delighted to have seen such a high uptake in flights for travel to the newest destination on the Gulf Air network just one week after announcing the start of services to Iraq,"


said Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali.

"The hard work we put in to start services as soon as we could following the agreement between the Governments Bahrain and Iraq is really paying off. There is a great business potential out there as Iraq's economy bounces back in the coming months and years. I strongly believe we have an opportunity to become the market leader in our operations there." concluded Mr. Majali.

In addition to Baghdad, Gulf Air will be launching services to the Holy City of Najaf and Erbil, in northern Iraq by end of September. The airline is also looking to start services to two more destinations in Iraq before the end of the year.

Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Willy Boulter added:
"The excellent sales we are experiencing in flights to Baghdad within just a few days of launching the service proves beyond doubt that a direct service to Iraq is much-needed. Our service will open up vast opportunities between Bahrain and Iraq as the business communities can take full advantage of the rapid growth Iraq will witness."


"We have conveniently timed our flights between Baghdad and Bahrain so that it provides seamless connection to our flights to and from our destinations in Europe in less than two and a half hours via our Bahrain hub."
Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali.
Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali.
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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.

For further information:
Ms. Katherine Kaczynska
Gulf Air, P.O. Box: 138. Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Phone: 00973 17338416
Mobile: 00973 39433991

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