Bahraini BIAS 2014 proves to be a great success for gulf air

 For Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the third Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) proved highly successful with the airline signing a number of key agreements, with a combined value of over USD150 million, for aircraft maintenance and product enhancement thereby taking the carrier another step forward in its strategic direction."The BIAS is undeniably a significant and strategic industry event with considerable positive impact on both the Kingdom of Bahrain and its national carrier," said Gulf Air Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam. "Importantly, we have been able, in our capacity as official carrier of the 3-day event and national carrier of the Kingdom, to encourage growth in Bahrain’s tourism sector and promote it as an aviation industry hub with this significant business platform in the form of the Bahrain International Airshow." "On behalf of the national carrier I would like to convey my congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Head of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Bahrain International Air Show and the organizing committee for the grand success of the event" concluded Mr. AlMusallam.On the inaugural day, Gulf Air signed a USD100 Million TotalCare 5 year service extension agreement with Rolls-Royce extending Rolls-Royce TotalCare support for Gulf Air’s fleet of six A330 aircraft powered by Trent 700 engines. The agreement allows Gulf Air to maximize engine availability, essential towards meeting high fleet utilization targets, while providing forward visibility of service costs, helping Gulf Air better manage costs and focus on passengers’ needs - important as it transitions from a period of restructuring to one of development. On the second day of the show, Gulf Air signed a 3-year maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) Agreement with JorAMCo to meet the airline’s Heavy Maintenance and ‘C’ check fleet requirements. lowered operational costs for Gulf Air while maintaining the highest quality standards. Gulf Air also unveiled its new A330 product, scheduled to be entirely retrofitted by Q4 2014, and part of the airline’s on-going proactive re-fleeting and product enhancement strategy. The airline also took to the skies participating in a daily flying display with its A330 that saw Gulf Air joined by eight Bahrain Defense Force Fighter Jets before a daily solo flight that showcased the airline’s A330 and was performed by three of Gulf Air’s most experienced crew members. The airline also exhibited a aircraft from its A320 fleet.Reflecting the airline’s pioneering role in the aviation industry Gulf Air also showcased a series of the airline’s historic cabin crew uniforms at the Airshow with Gulf Air cabin crew members touring the Airshow grounds and greeting visitors in an assortment of uniforms spanning the different eras. The uniforms on display included some of the airline’s first outfit designs of the 1960s to date.Visitors were treated to a selection of highlights of the Gulf Air journey since the airline’s establishment. Most notably: a glimpse into part of the rich history of Bahrain’s national carrier when they visit the Gulf Air Exhibition Stand. The Gulf Air Exhibition Stand in the BIAS 2014 Exhibition Centre was adorned with Gulf Air images from the 1950s to date, highlighting key events and occasions in the airline’s history with images of key dignitaries, VIPs and celebrities who have all been a part of the Gulf Air journey - such as, His Highness the late Emir of Bahrain Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.Numerous people visited the Gulf Air Chalet at the BIAS event ground that included representatives of the Royal family, several multinational companies from the aviation and related industries, senior government officials, members of the media and public.