Gulf Air has announced a new order for up to 18 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as part of its international network expansion plans, and the fleet modernization strategy of the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Gulf Air has announced a new order for up to 18 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as part of its international network expansion plans, and the fleet modernization strategy of the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Announced during an event held in Washington DC attended by officials from Boeing, Gulf Air, and the governments of Bahrain and the US, Gulf Air's new order comprises of 12 firm orders and options for 6 more. Worth around USD $4.6 billion (~BHD 1.73 billion) based on list price, the newly ordered aircraft will be powered by engines from GE Aerospace.
The new order will bring Gulf Air's current firm order book for the widebody 787s to 14.
At present, Gulf Air currently operates a fleet of over 40 aircraft including 10 787-9 Dreamliners. According to planespotters.net, Gulf Air's 787-9 fleet – considered the backbone of the carrier's long-haul operations - has an average age of around 6 years, with the first delivered in April 2018.
The newly ordered aircraft will support the airline’s long-haul operations, route expansion plans, and sustainability targets.
"This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the industry's most advanced and efficient aircraft," said Khalid Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group. "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub."
Taqi further stated: “This agreement to acquire additional 787 Dreamliners – an aircraft already well-regarded by our passengers – contributes over 20% additional passenger capacity representing a significant step forward in Gulf Air’s ongoing journey of growth and modernization. It also reflects our strategic vision to offer a more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and passenger-centric flying experience.”
From Boeing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope said: “We are excited to build on our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air as we deliver the market-leading 787 Dreamliner to help the airline serve more passengers and connect more destinations. This investment in the 787 Dreamliner demonstrates Gulf Air’s commitment to new technology and sustainable development, reinforcing Bahrain's position in the aviation sector.”
The announcement of the new order for 787s by Gulf Air coincides with a separate announcement by the carrier of its plans to return to the US with the relaunch of flights between Bahrain and New York starting October 1.
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