Bahrain Aerospace

Aerospace Bahrain

24 June 09

Gulf Air's new MRO service provider takes charge

National carrier Gulf Air's newly appointed maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service provider SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) took over the responsibility with effect from today from SRTechnics, who have been looking after Gulf Air's fleet until now.

In a handing-over function held at the Gulf Air hangar at the Bahrain International Airport, Mr. Felix Ammann, Vice President Gulf Region Operations SR Technics handed over a symbolic key to Mr. Johnny Eng, General Manager SIACE in the presence of Gulf Air senior management to mark the transition.

Thanking the SRT team for its cooperation and support in the transition process over the last 3 months, Gulf Air Director of Special Projects Mr. Jasim Al Marzooqi said, "The change in MRO service is part of our overall management strategy as it provides us with an opportunity to refocus on our engineering and maintenance systems and processes in order to improve our operational reliability, manage costs and have a self sufficient and robust aircraft maintenance system."

Mr. Al Marzooqi also thanked members of the SIACE team for their cooperation and support in taking over the MRO service responsibility from SRT.

"It has been a cordial and successful partnership with Gulf Air, one of our major clients," said Mr. Amman in his farewell speech.

Thanking SRTechnics and Gulf Air Mr. Eng said,"We are delighted to have been appointed as the MRO service provider to Gulf Air's fleet and we look forward to a fruitful and successful relationship with Gulf Air- a highly progressive international airline in the Middle East."

Gulf Air signed a long-term Fleet Management Programme (FMP) contract with SIEAC in March this year. Under the contract, SIAEC will provide a wide range of services for Gulf Air's Airbus fleet, which will be performed in Bahrain and Singapore.

Aerospace Bahrain

22 June 09

Gulf Air launches services to popular destinations for the summer season

National carrier Gulf Air launched today it summer season services to three new destinations - Aleppo, Alexandria and Salalah.

In a ceremony held today, Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Björn Näf formally launched the services in the distinguished presence of the ambassadors and their representatives of Syria, Egypt and Oman, members of the media and leading travel agents.

"We are constantly on the look out for ways to enhance our customers' travel experience by adding new routes and increasing flight frequencies," says Mr. Näf.

"We chose these three popular destinations as part of our summer schedule in response to positive customer feedback by expanding our network in tune with the demands of the season. With competitive fares and convenient flights from Gulf Air, I am sure travelers can enjoy their best summer vacation by visiting these fabulous cities," concludes Mr. Näf.

Adds Gulf Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ismail Karimi, "Gulf Air has carved a niche among the regional carriers for operating one of the largest networks within the region and the excellent connectivity it offers. Through these additional destinations we are offering more choices to our customers seeking a quality vacation. I am sure these will be a great attraction."

Salalah provides a welcome relief with its cool climate, monsoon rains, misty mountains, flowing wadis and verdant gardens while the popular Salalah Khareef Festival offers a wholesome family vacation.

Alexandria offers fascinating insights into its proud Greek and Roman past that blends well with beautiful mosques, some lovely gardens and an undulating, scenic Corniche, just perfect for a stroll or to relax by the azure waters.

Aleppo is no less; one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in history, the city offers plenty for those interested in culture, heritage or family vacation that includes the imposing Citadel and the labyrinthine, aromatic souk known for selling spices of every kind.

Service to the Egyptian city of Alexandria starts today (22 June) with five flights a week - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Flights to Salalah in Oman will commence on 01 July offering three flights a week on Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Aleppo service will start from 2 July with two flights per week- Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights to all these destinations are available until mid-September 09.

Customers can book tickets online at www.gulfair.com taking advantage of the 'best fare guaranteed' or by calling our worldwide contact centre at 17335777 or at any of Gulf Air sales offices located at Manama, Seef and Sanad.

Aerospace Bahrain

17 June 09

Gulf Air chooses Honeywell to provide Auxiliary Power Unit for its new Airbus fleet

National carrier Gulf Air announced today that it has chosen Honeywell Aerospace (NYSE: HON)to provide fifteen 131-9A Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and a maintenance programme to its new Airbus A320 aircraft, whose deliveries are scheduled from 2009 through 2012.

The contract, valued at more than $8 million, also covers maintenance through 2022.

"Gulf Air has chosen the APUs after carefully considering various factors such as reduced emissions and fuel efficiency," said Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Björn Näf.

"In addition to providing reduced operating costs, Honeywell provides a highly reliable APU with great performance. The maintenance programme provides us with Honeywell's expertise in APUs while allowing us to focus on our customers."

An APU is a small gas-powered turbine engine that provides bleed air for main engine starting and electrical power for cockpit and galley systems. The 131-9A APU has been in service since 1998, though recent engineering has yielded fuel burn and reliability improvements. The 131-9A is fitted in more than 1,400 aircraft and serves more than 100 customers.

"The 131-9A APU reduces emissions and fuel consumption over the life of the APU," said Mike Madsen, Vice President, Airlines, Honeywell Aerospace.

"The total cost of ownership is further reduced by high reliability and low maintenance costs; our on-aircraft maintenance costs are 36% less than other APUs because of the simple design."

Honeywell's after-market service programmes provide a comprehensive range of cost-effective maintenance and asset availability solutions to support airline operations throughout the life span of the aircraft. Honeywell's wide ranging support services can also be customized to create cost-effective, packaged solutions that allow airlines to better manage and predict maintenance spending, asset requirements and repair needs, while lowering operating expenses with a reduced total cost of ownership.

Aerospace Bahrain

17 June 09

Gulf Air and French National Railway SNCF Commence Codeshare

Passengers flying to and from France with Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air can now enjoy seamless travel to nearly 20 destinations across France, thanks to a codeshare agreement between the airline and France's national railway SNFC (Soci?t? Nationale des Chemins de Fer Fran?ais).

The combined Gulf Air / tgvair ticket allows passengers to buy a single ticket for the entire TGV and Gulf Air journey either originating from or travelling to key destinations on the SNCF network.

The 19 stations included under the codeshare agreement are Aix en Provence TGV Angers St Laud, Avignon TGV, Bordeaux St Jean, Champagne-Ardenne TGV, Le Mans, Lorraine TGV Lille - Europe, Lyon - Part Dieu, St Charles, Montpellier St Roch, Nantes, N?mes, Poitiers, Rennes, St Pierre des Corps / Tours, Strasbourg, Toulon, Valence TGV.

The Gulf Air / SNCF codeshare also allows the airline and travel agents around the world to market the nineteen provincial cities with all their customers.
Commenting on the codeshare agreement Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Björn Näf says, "France is a key premium market for Gulf Air and this codeshare agreement with SNCF will further strengthen our presence in the country and enable us to cater even more efficiently to the substantial passenger demand in France to travel to the many popular Gulf Air destinations."

Gulf Air increased its service from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Bahrain from a daily service to a nine times weekly service in October with the addition of two evening services on Wednesdays and Fridays.

"As the national carrier we are confident this will also result in further strengthening Bahrain-France business ties and encourage more leisure tourism traffic between the two countries. This agreement is perfectly in line with our expansion strategy, which seeks growth in markets through partnerships where a non-stop service is not a viable option," Mr Näf concluded.

Mireille Faugere, Director SNCF Voyageurs France Europe, says, "We are delighted to have entered a codeshare agreement with Gulf Air. It not only reinforces the development of our connections and the promotion of our rail network at an international level but it provides our customers across the whole of France the opportunity to discover new, exciting destinations on the Gulf Air network."

The codeshare is being marketed across France and the Middle East through Gulf Air's distribution network including the airline's website www.gulfair.com, its call centre, local travel agents and other key trade partners.

Gulf Air operates nine flights per week to Paris, offering its award-winning Sky Chef and Sky Nanny services throughout the journey. With convenient connections at the award winning* Bahrain International Airport, Gulf Air can offer exciting destinations such as Bangkok, Katmandu, Manila, Muscat, Dubai and several destinations in India.

*Bahrain was voted to be the best airport for connections in GCC in 2008 by independent auditor, Skytrax.

Aerospace Bahrain

15 June 09

Gulf Air Orders Rolls-Royce Engines for its new A330s

Gulf Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding today with Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company. The final contract is expected to be signed at a ceremony during the Bahrain International Airshow. The Trent 700EP (Enhanced Performance) engines worth US$1.5bn at list prices will power Gulf Air's new A330s. The contract will also include a TotalCare long-term service agreement.

The new engines will power 20 Airbus A330 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2012. The Trent 700EP (enhanced performance) has the best performance, lowest emissions and lowest fuel burn on the A330. In addition, Gulf Air also renewed TotalCare long-term service agreements on Trent 700s that power ten A330s already in service.

Gulf Air Chairman Talal Al Zain signed the contract with Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Sir John Rose today at Paris Air Show - Le Bourget. and Gulf Air CEO Björn Näf, and Phil Harris, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President Airlines were also present at the signing.

Gulf Air Deputy CEO, Ismail Karimi commented, "As Gulf Air progresses with its ambitious re-fleeting and product enhancement strategy, we need an engine to power our future A330s. After exploring an number of various options, we have selected the Trent 700 EP as the one best suited to meet our future needs. The Rolls-Royce engine offers the best deal for Gulf Air technically, operationally, commercially and environmentally."

He continued, "Our new aircraft will offer improved customer service in terms of comfort and reliability and will also continue our drive to keep operating costs to a minimum. We have had excellent experience with our existing Trent 700s, both in terms of operational performance and the comprehensive TotalCare service package, which were important factors in our decision making on the new purchases and service renewal."

Phil Harris, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President Airlines - North Asia and Middle East, said: "I am delighted that Gulf Air has selected our Trent 700EP technology and TotalCare package to power its new aircraft. Rolls-Royce technology will enable the customer to receive excellent technical performance and world-class service support."

Rolls-Royce has secured more than 70 per cent of the A330 market over the last three years and eight of the nine Middle East A330 operators have selected Trent 700 engines to power their fleets.

In the widebody aircraft market, Rolls-Royce has established a leading position with the Trent engine family. More than 1,500 Trents have been delivered and a about another 2,500 engines are on order. The Trent family have more than 30 million hours in service with more than 2,200 operators around the world.

Aerospace Bahrain

Bahrain International Airport Cargo

Bahrain Airport Services manages the 18,000 sqm modern Cargo Center at Bahrain International Airport which is operational 24 hours per day 365 days a year.

The Cargo Department provides a full range of services to both scheduled and chartered passenger and freighter aircraft operators. These services are enhanced by export cargo sales, and effective arrangements for transshipments, inter-airport trucking and customs clearance. In addition break bulk facilities are available for consolidators and bonded warehousing for specialist companies.

The 18,000sqm-closed warehouse has a handling capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum. Space is maximized by the use of high level racking. In addition specialized freezers, chillers and cold room storages are available to enable perishables cargo to be handled in a controlled environment.

Specialized handling systems permit aircraft ULD’s to be efficiently and effectively handled via roller beds and elevated transfer vehicles. Forklift trucks with capacities up to 12 tones, and Cargo ULD weighing facilities for items up to 30 tones and 20ft long dollies are also available. Instant communication is provided by means of trunked radio system.

Special storage facilities are available, for dangerous goods, livestock room (air-conditioned), radioactive material storage, and valuable cargo. Separate storage area for diplomatic mail/cargo and airmail are also provided.

State-of-the-art computing and communication facilities are in use to for managing its multi-faceted operations. It has ambitious plans to connect entire area of cargo operations by wireless network and to introduce RFID and bar code technology to manage consignments and documents with in the cargo complex.

Needless to say, our round-the-clock activities and commitment to customer service is total, thereby ensuring the effective and efficient movement of cargo at the Bahrain International Airport.

Air Freight Services

Bahrain Airport Services Air Freight Forwarding services are most sought after due to our swift execution and punctuality. Our air freight division comprises of experienced cargo professionals with years of industry experience thereby easing the communication flow and accelerating the decision making among all clients.

We have a choice of multiple carriers giving you that much needed flexibility and dependability. With a reputation based on trust and integrity, we offer you a means of transport that's both cost-efficient and time-critical.

The salient features of our air freight forwarding services includes:

• Export and import air freight consolidations.

• Special air freight rates for bulk movements.

• Association with all major Airlines.

• Attractive rates for chartered services.

• Flexible and dependable scheduling options.

• Increased security during transit.

• Qualified personnel for handling dangerous goods.

• Option of carriers based on your cargo needs.

• Project work & flight chartering.

Cargo Warehousing

Bahrain Airport Services also provides cargo warehousing services as part of our services enabling you to reduce overheads, increase efficiency and cut down valuable management time. Our warehousing services include:

• Modern and well-equipped warehouses.

• Adequate insured private warehousing space.

• Safe storage of goods.

• Control checks on entry & exit of goods.

Customs Clearance

Bahrain Airport Services possess much knowledge in customs clearance, fostered by many years' experience. We save time and energy through integrated services that match user needs, and offer optimum distribution to international businesses.

Bahrain Airport Services is a licensed GHA and pays special attention to all the details involved in the customs clearance process both national and international and ensures its customs department is constantly updated regarding new laws and regulations.

The salient features of our custom clearance services include:

• Customs Documentation.

• Carting / Receiving Goods.

• Inspection of Shipments.

• Handling of stuffing & de-stuffing at Ports, and Customers.

Logistics

Bahrain Airport Services uses the most efficient methods available for transportation and order fulfillment and coupled with our many years of experience, we can be a single-source solution to meet your total logistics and distribution needs.

• Planning: Our experienced personnel can help you in the planning and streamlining of your supply chain so that you get the maximum benefit from it, enhancing your competitive advantages.

• Transportation and Distribution: Whether your goods are transported and distributed regionally, nationally or globally, we can help you turn your supply chain into a channel that does it in the most efficient, effective way possible.

• Supplier Management: Managing your vendors and orders can be a daunting task when you factor in varying languages, culture, time zones and distance. Our Supplier Management service can provide you with the critical components to proactively manage your overseas suppliers and logistics.

Door to Door Delivery

Bahrain Airport Services provides a port-to-door and door-to-door delivery solutions for customers who want to simplify logistics management, reduce costs, and minimize the risk of loss or product damage. By leveraging the breadth and reliability of our global network, we can remove days from your supply chain, delivering goods from overseas directly to your customers' locations.

Based on your customized requirements, your packages can be directly delivered to the customer in the destination country after following arrival and customs clearance procedures.

The salient features of our Door-to-Door delivery services include:

• Port-to-door and door-to-door service from shipper to consignee.

• Integrated service includes carton labeling, freight transportation and package delivery services.

• Streamlines processes by eliminating issues with multiple carrier bills.

• Consolidated customs clearance.

• Warehousing & Distribution of cargo.

Trucking

Bahrain Airport Services is the leader in the provision of scheduled bonded trucking services within the GCC countries. Our services are customized to meet your specific requirements and guarantee time sensitive over-night deliveries.

We have a vast network of distributors and regional offices thereby enhancing our efficiency and customer service. Our fleet of trucks is modern and meets all the Regional Transport Organization's criteria.

The salient features of our bonded trucking services include:

• Special rates for bulk movements.

• Octroi, customs clearance & documentation formalities.

• A large fleet of bonded trucks of various specifications and capacities.

• Specialized trucks with air-ride suspensions catering to highly sensitive machineries.

• Open top and side loading trucks catering for odd-sized & over-sized cargo.

• Increased security during transit.

• A high standard of mandatory preventive fleet maintenance that keep our trucks in top condition

Sea Freight Service

Bahrain Airport Services with its many years of experience in the sea freight business steps in and delivers your goods, from any point of origin in the world to any destination.

We ensure efficient handling of your cargos by providing appropriate vessels and handling the related formalities. We offer both FCL (Full-container load) and LCL (Less-than-container load) service with a wide choice of ocean carriers, giving you both flexibility and dependability.

Our representatives stay close to your shipment from pick-up to delivery, keeping you closely informed of its progress. We provide advice, technical assistance and supervision in order to guarantee safe delivery of the cargo at the entire satisfaction of our clients.

The salient features of our sea freight forwarding services include:

• Sea Freight Forwarder

• Warehousing Services, Distribution and delivery.

• Door to Door delivery.

• Custom brokerage.

• L.C.L and F.C.L Consolidation.

• Multi-Model Transport Operators.

• Access to the on-board infrastructure essential to handling refrigerated cargo, garments on hangers, and other special needs.

• Forwarding experts who help ensure that your shipment is in compliance with a country's import/export regulations.

• End-to-End solutions and long-term relationships with major carriers mean that we do all the groundwork, allowing you to concentrate on your core business.

Other Services

Bahrain Airport Services can plan and execute multi modal service for all types of cargo especially complying with specific statutory requirement of the respective country.

The complexities of shipping oversize or heavy cargo can be challenging. Your company requires a trusted provider to deliver your cargo where it needs to be - on time and without hidden fees or costs.

Bahrain Airport Services can help. We provide specialized freight services to meet the needs of customers with heavy freight shipments that fall outside the standard freight offerings due to shipment size or weight.

The salient features of our other freight forwarding services include:

• Exclusive use of equipment to meet time critical delivery.

• Special rates for bulk movements.

• Engaged in multi-modal transport using various modes of transportation.

• Door to door delivery of cargo.

• Order follows up tracking system.

• Flexible and dependable scheduling options.

• Increased security during transit.

Aerospace Bahrain

Bahrain International Airport ~ History

The first scheduled commercial flight arrived in Bahrain in October 1932 en-route from London to Delhi and was operated by a Handley Page HP-42 aircraft named "Hannibal". The aircraft only carried 24 passengers and the flight from London had taken several days flying at speeds of 100mph.requiring frequent refuelling stops and overnight stays in hotels for the passengers. Nonetheless with the commencement of these regular services, Bahrain became established as the the Gulf's first international airport.

Prior to the commencement of scheduled services, Imperial Airways, the forerunner of BOAC and later British Airways had operated several proving flights through the Gulf in the late 1920's. According to records, the first Imperial Airways flight to Bahrain occurred in August 1927 when a local pearl merchant chartered a de Havilland aircraft from Baghdad to Bahrain. Even for this relatively short sector an overnight stop in Basra was required.”

The Handley Page HP 42 was to become the standard long-haul aircraft for Imperial Airways and was used on the route between the UK and India after the airline began scheduled services via Basrah, Bahrain and Sharjah, with Kuwait added soon after as an optional calling point. By 1936 the operation had been stepped up to a twice-weekly frequency.

In 1937 the limelight in commercial aviation was stolen by the flying boats and Bahrain was to see the start of regular service by the famous Short's Empire seaplanes. The "landing strip" for these lumbering giants was a stretch of water between where today the Marina Club is located and Mina Sulman. A passenger terminal, known as "Bahrein Marine Airport", (the spelling of Bahrain had yet to be standardized) was located nearby on dry land from where passengers were ferried to the aircraft.

Flying-boat services to Bahrain continued into the early 1950s. At their height, what by then had become BOAC was operating several services a week through Bahrain. These included weekly services to Karachi, Singapore, Hong Kong and three times a week to Sydney.

By 1950 BOAC was already looking to return to more traditional forms of air transport, which offered a greater passenger payload, This saw the return of commercial passenger flights to Muharraq using Argonauts, a four engine aircraft, which could carry up to 60 passengers. Services were steadily built-up to the point where there were three Aeronaut services a week from Europe terminating in Bahrain. But 1950 was a significant year not only for Muharraq as an international airport, but also for Bahrain's own commercial aviation history. This was the year in which a new local airline, Gulf Aviation Company, was formed - the forerunner of Gulf Air.

The airline was created with just one aircraft, a second-hand Anson Mark ll, which was used initially on services to Dhahran. But within two years the fleet had expanded to four de Havilland aircraft and four DC-3s for use on a steadily growing network in the Gulf.

By this time Bahrain was firmly established as an international staging post. It was easily the most modern and advanced airport in the Gulf with a good runway, control tower, lighting, communication facilities and even restaurants. It began to attract other carriers such as Middle East Airlines, Air India, Air Ceylon and Iran Airways - all mostly operating Dakotas.

In 1954 Bahrain's position as the major airport in the region was further enhanced with the establishment of a new Flight Information Region based in Bahrain to cover the navigation of aircraft in transit through Gulf airspace. This saw the installation of modern navigational and communications equipment. Soon after this Bahrain was to enter the jet age with the arrival, first of the Comet and then the Boeing 707. These aircraft reduced the number of stops the airlines had to make on long-haul routes. With many intermediary stops withdrawn, the advent of the jet age again focused attention on Bahrain as a major stopover point between Europe and the Far East.

To cater for this growing transit traffic a new passenger terminal was opened at the airport in December 1961. But the decade was to witness an explosion in aviation growth, brought about largely by the advent of the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which could carry 400 passengers.

It became obvious that if Bahrain were to retain its position as a leading regional airport and transit hub it would have to expand yet again. In December 1971 new passenger facilities were opened with an apron area which could accommodate four B747 aircraft.

Together with other capital costs the whole project amounted to BD 4 million at a time when the annual revenue of the whole of the State of Bahrain was BD 13 million.

But it was an investment, which was to quickly pay dividends. Qantas, BA, Air India and Singapore Airlines all began to use Bahrain International Airport as a major transit stop with their B747 aircraft. Unfortunately for Bahrain, all the carriers wanted to make their transit stops at around about the same time. Even with the new expanded airport facilities it quickly became obvious that further expansion would be needed to accommodate these "jumbo peaks." A further expansion phase of the airport was completed in 1976, just five years after the opening of the new passenger terminal.

The year 1976 also marked another significant first for Bahrain International Airport with the inauguration of supersonic flights, which saw the start up, of regular BA Concorde service between London and Bahrain.

By this time what was now Gulf Air, had been progressively expanding its network of services and in 1976 took delivery of its first Lockheed Tri-Star aircraft. It was to herald Gulf Air's transformation from a local regional airline with all the significance that implied for its home hub of Bahrain International Airport.

Further expansion of the airport's facilities took place in the early eighties as a prelude to the major expansion and refurbishment programme that was completed in March 1994. The new US$ 100 million terminal was inagurated in 1994 and this expanded the handling capacity of the airport to 10 million passengers a year.