Gulf Air has joined the exclusive club of carriers offering first-class suites aboard their long-haul aircraft. Similar to the luxury accommodation introduced by the likes of Singapore Airlines and Emirates, the Gulf Air suite was unveiled last week when the Bahrain-based carrier previewed the first of four new Boeing 777-200ERs that it is leasing from Jet Airways of India.
Media representatives and other guests toured the aircraft while it was parked at the VIP terminal of Bahrain International. The first-class private suite design includes bespoke furnishing, a fully flat bed and a personal wardrobe. Business class features herringbone-arranged lie-flat seats, while even the economy seat offers 130-degree recline and an adjustable hammock headrest.
The rest of the new 777s will join the Gulf Air fleet in the coming weeks. The aircraft will be used on a number of routes, including Bahrain to London, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and for intra-Gulf services, gradually replacing Airbus A340s.
“We have ambitious growth plans, with more aircraft joining us progressively from this year onwards,” commented chief executive Björn Näf. Currently totalling 29 aircraft, the Gulf Air fleet will expand as a result of recent orders for up to 24 Boeing 787s and a total of 35 Airbuses, including A320s and A330s.
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This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
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