The arrival of the maiden flight into the Holy City of Najaf takes the number of cities Gulf Air flies to in Iraq to two and the airline's total route network to 44 destinations in 29 countries.
The packed Gulf Air flight, operated by an Airbus 320 aircraft, carried a delegation of senior officials from Gulf Air as well as government, business, religious, diplomatic and media representatives and a number of guests.
In a speech given prior to leaving on the inaugural flight Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr Samer Majali said: "As we continue on our journey as the leading GCC carrier into Iraq, I am very proud to be on this flight to Najaf today. We have identified Iraq as a niche destination to which, building on our previous experience and knowledge of operating to the country, we can provide a trusted and important link to our customers and be their first choice when flying to the country based on excellent connectivity, value for money, and friendly service."
He continued: "A large number of pilgrims visit the sacred shrine of Imam Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad, in Najaf and other holy sites nearby each year. As Iraq continues to rebuild and prosper we envisage that Najaf will become a centre of religious and cultural tourism. The potential is enormous and as such we plan to increase the service from four times per week to daily as part of our 2009/2010 winter schedule from 26 October, by which time we will have received two of the 15 brand new A320 aircraft we have on order."
Gulf Air's four times weekly service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until 25 October after which it will go daily.
Gulf Air has planned its schedule to Najaf to compliment its extensive Middle East network as well as to provide excellent connections for key destinations on its route network in Asia and Europe.
Najaf Summer Timetable valid to 25 October:
Flight GF202 Depart Bahrain (BAH) Arrive Najaf (NJF)
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday 11:20 12:55
Flight GF203 Depart Najaf (NJF) Arrive Bahrain (BAH)
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday 14:10 15:40
All timings are local and subject to change.
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Services begin into Gulf Air's second destination in Iraq, Najaf
- Bahrain: Sunday, September 27 - 2009 at 08:26
- PRESS RELEASE
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, commenced a brand new four times weekly service to Najaf in Iraq.
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About NajafNajaf is the renowned home of the sacred shrine of the 4th Caliph os Islam Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (also known as "Imām Alī"). It is also a key centre for Islamic theological teaching. It is located 30 kms from the ancient city of Babylon and 161 km south of Baghdad.
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 36 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
Posted by Lara Lynn Golden, News EditorSunday, September 27 - 2009 at 08:26 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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