Premium traffic rose across the Gulf Air network by 26 per cent and Revenue per Available Seat Kilometre (RASK), a key indicator for airline performance, rose by 10 per cent.
Growth was focused at Bahrain airport, which saw passenger numbers rise 7.9 per cent to 3.6 million (2004: 3.3 million), and Muscat, which saw numbers rise 15.1 per cent to 1.8 million (2004: 1.5 million). Gulf Air passengers at Abu Dhabi airport were 2.7 million, down 16.9 per cent on 2004, a result of reductions in Gulf Air capacity at the airport.
"We were pleased to report continued growth for the airline in 2005, despite an increasingly tough competitive environment," says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.
"The Middle East is fast becoming one of the most competitive air travel markets in the world, with new carriers and new capacity increasing regularly. That makes our growth a satisfying achievement.
"2006 will be another tough year, but we now have the clarity of focus and shareholder support to continue to build this business for the long term.
"We expect strong growth in passenger numbers at Bahrain and Muscat again in 2006, as we switch capacity into these two hubs from Abu Dhabi. However we will continue to serve Abu Dhabi strongly with direct routes and one-stop connections."
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Gulf Air records growth in key hubs in 2005
- Bahrain: Saturday, February 04 - 2006 at 15:03
- PRESS RELEASE
Gulf Air reported a strong increase in passenger traffic through its hubs in Bahrain and Muscat during 2005, whilst recording a reduction in traffic through Abu Dhabi, reflecting a switch in capacity from the airport.
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About Gulf AirFounded in 1950, Gulf Air is presently owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the region.
More than half a century later, the regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central in defining the brand and service ethos within the contemporary and global environment.
Today the airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft.
Under President and Chief Executive James Hogan, the successful implementation of the first phase of a restructuring programme, which commenced in 2003, has resulted in the establishment of a platform for sustained commercial operation.
It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air's 'boutique airline' vision.
The dramatic turnaround in fortunes has won international recognition. The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, which recognised the airline's commitment to service excellence. Other awards include:
Winner - Middle East Leading First Class Airline, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner - World's Leading Airport Lounge, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner - Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2006
For further information please contact:
GULF AIR PRESS OFFICE
T: +973 17 338821
F: +973 17 338207
Posted by Lara Lynn Golden, News EditorSaturday, February 04 - 2006 at 15:03 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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