Gulf Air partners with AFS

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'77775';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[
    {
        'caption' => 'Mr Hujair, left and Mr Hogan at the signing ceremony.',
        'col' => 'picture',
        'name' => 'A.jpg',
        'url' => '/5/21765-A.jpg'
    }
];

Notes and media contacts

About Gulf Air:
Founded 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

About AFS:
Founded in 1984, AFS is the region's leading provider of electronic -payments and consumer finance outsourcing services. Created by the financial industry to service and support financial institutions in the region and beyond. AFS is owned by 45 of the region's leading banks and currently provides outsourcing services to over 50 banks and financial institutions.

Through leveraging best-in-class technology and know-how, AFS provides clients with reliable, efficient and easy-to-use systems, supported by processing services for their card issuing, merchant acquiring and consumer finance. The comprehensive range of services offered by the company include application and transaction processing, authorizations, customer service, card issuance, fraud detection and reporting, statement issuing and dispatching, dispute and chargeback processing, reporting, settlement, reconciliation and loyalty programs.

For further information please contact:
GULF AIR PRESS OFFICE
T: +973 17 338821
F: +973 17 338207

AFS Media Contacts
Radwa Allabban
PR Senior Account Manager
Memac Ogilvy Public Relations
T: +973 17578726