Gulf Traveller celebrates banner first year

"With average loads in excess of 70 percent, Gulf Traveller has achieved much better results than our confident projection," said James Hogan, Gulf Air President and Chief Executive. "Since its establishment in June 2003, the successful division has contributed significantly to Gulf Air's strengthened financial position and strong performance."

As a leading innovator in the region's aviation industry, Gulf Air recognised, ahead of its regional competitors, the shifting trend in the global aviation industry, which is forcing airlines to respond to changing market demographics and its multiple customer segments. With its key strategic focus on customer satisfaction, efficiency and profitability, Gulf Air introduced the new, customised model in order to drive revenue growth in specific market segments. Gulf Traveller distinguishes itself from the mainline operation by virtue of its tailored services, while still retaining the recognisability and links with the strong Gulf Air brand.

Gulf Traveller should not be confused with the "budget, no frills" airlines that operate in the American and European markets. It is a unique business model in the world of aviation, in which cost efficiencies are achieved through simplified processes and not a reduction in service levels.

"Gulf Traveller was born out of the belief that a single airline cannot prosper in a multi-segmented market," added Mr. Hogan. "When we say economy we don't mean budget, as our aim is to offer standard economy services at competitive rates, dictated by market demand."

Gulf Traveller offers everything associated with a traditional economy service. The full service leisure airline, with Boeing 767 aircraft, serves key destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah), the Indian Subcontinent and Asia. This includes exotic leisure destinations like Nepal, Sri Lanka and India.

In-flight services on Gulf Traveller are specifically tailored to cater to the cultural needs of the market destinations they serve. This is reflected by the dining product, the range of in-flight entertainment and by the multi-lingual flight attendants on board each flight.

The all-economy class cabins also offer much more comfort. The in-flight dining is culturally sensitive with menus that cater to various cultural palates and religious requirements. Main dining options are complemented by a complete beverage service and supplemented with snacks, ice cream and movie treats throughout the flights. In-flight entertainment offers a variety of films and audio channels available in a broad range of languages.