Gulf Air signs enhanced MoU with RAK International Airport

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has signed an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK International Airport), building on the original MoU that was signed earlier this year between the two entities which aimed at building connectivity between the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and Bahrain.

The enhanced MoU will see Gulf Air connecting RAK International Airport and Bahrain International Airport (BIA) with two weekly flights and with views to turn the direct flights into a year-round scheduled service between the two airports.

The MoU will also provide opportunities for wider expansion to connect Ras Al Khaimah beyond Bahrain to regional and international destinations of Gulf Air’s global network.

The signing ceremony took place at the Dubai Airshow with attendance from both companies, represented by  Zayed R. Alzayani, Chairman to the Board of Directors at Gulf Air,  Shaikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation, Gulf Air’s Acting CEO Captain Waleed AlAlawi and RAK’s CEO Atanasios Titonis including executive management members from both sides.

“As the region’s leading boutique carrier with a global footprint, we look forward to adding Ras Al Khaimah to our network of seaside destinations and increasing our UAE points to 3 with Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Earlier this year we visited Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and we were impressed with their facilities and services and this is key to our customers’ experience. Today we signed an enhancement to the existing MoU to proceed with operations and provide our passengers with a new destination that is known for quality tourism appeal and attracts tourists from GCC and Europe,”  Zayed R. Alzayani, said.

“This MoU will expand Ras Al Khaimah International Airport’s airspace by introducing multiple destinations from East to West on a full-year basis. It is a great development to cater to the needs of passengers and international travelers. The aim of this agreement is to explore potential services between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE,” Shaikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, said.

“Gulf-state connectivity is a key factor of our expansion strategy, and Gulf Air is an ideal partner for this mission. We are looking forward to developing our partnership and providing more scope for our passengers to select their destination of travel from our airport,” Atanasios Titonis said.

Gulf Air commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. The airline operates scheduled flights from its hub at Bahrain International Airport to cities in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Far East. Gulf Air currently serves all its destinations with a combination of wide and narrow body fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Gulf Air is rated Five Star Major Official Airline by APEX, a rating program that is based solely on certified passengers’ feedback. This milestone for Gulf Air is a testament to the success of its boutique strategy and the ongoing enhancements to its products and services.