Gulf Air's Abu Dhabi passenger traffic reaches new, record levels

Performance figures for the period from January to December 2004, just released by the national airline of the UAE, Kingdom of Bahrain and Sultanate of Oman show that over three and a quarter million passengers flew to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport during this period - an increase of 22 per cent on the same period last year - and the busiest year on record. Gulf Air accounts for 40 per cent of the traffic at this regional hub.

'In 2004, we operated just over 24,556 flights to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport. This is an increase of 13.6 per cent on the figures for the same time last year,' said Khalifa Al Rayes, General Manager in the UAE for Gulf Air. 'More significantly the airline has directly contributed in the region US$315 million to the Emirate's local economy.'

Al Rayes said that he was confident that the growth, which was boosted by the introduction of flights to Ras Al Khaimah and increased flight frequencies out of the airline's gateway to destinations such as Frankfurt, would continue during 2005.

Abu Dhabi's success, coupled with strong passenger traffic out of Al Ain, played a significant role in Gulf Air achieving record total passenger levels for 2004. The airline carried close to seven and a half million revenue passengers across its 33 country, 50 city network, up from six million last year.

'We are delighted that more and more people are choosing to fly with us,' he added. 'Despite increased competition, the investments we have made in a wide range of service areas including on-board service, flight frequencies and network connections are paying dividends. Today Gulf Air's service is second to none, and combines more than 50 years of experience with modern, innovative new ideas.'

Gulf Traveller, the airline's all economy full service subdivision, which is based in Abu Dhabi, also registered pleasing growth with an average seat factor of 75 per cent and has been profitable in every one of the 19 months of its operations.

Gulf Air operates more international flights to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport than any other carrier, with 472 flights a week serving the needs of both business and leisure travellers.