Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, is currently exploring the potential addition of either Boeing B787-8 or B787-10 aircraft to its fleet, according to comments made by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Goh, to Aviation Week (and updated by ch-aviation). The decision on this significant order with Boeing is anticipated to be made in the near future.
As Gulf Air evaluates its strategic direction, the focus appears to be shifting towards the double-aisle segment. “As we have a healthy number of narrowbodies [on order],” Goh emphasized the airline’s current preference for expanding its capacity with larger aircraft types.
The carrier’s existing fleet, as detailed by the ch-aviation fleets module, consists of 41 aircraft, which includes models such as the A320-200, A320-200Ns, A321-200, A321-200NX, A321-200NX(LR), and B787-9. The fleet expansion plan includes orders for 12 additional aircraft, comprising six A320neo, four A321neo(LR)s, and two B787-9s.
Goh revealed the airline’s near-term delivery schedule, stating that Gulf Air is set to welcome one more narrowbody aircraft this year and another six next year. The schedule also includes the arrival of two more B787s, although the exact timing of these deliveries was not specified.
Financially, the state-owned airline has faced scrutiny over its economic stability. In an attempt to address these concerns, Goh expressed optimism about the airline’s future, noting, “We’re hoping that this will be a better year than last year in terms of passenger numbers and financial performance.”
Gulf Air’s strategic considerations indicate a clear focus on enhancing its long-haul capabilities and financial health amidst the dynamic and challenging landscape of the global aviation industry.