AIRLINE - Gulf Air and BeOnd to codeshare from Bahrain

Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain International) and BeOnd (B4, Malé) will launch a codeshare and loyalty partnership from Bahrain International in the 2026 winter season, covering 1x daily Malé flights and European services operated by BeOnd. 

The network will include Gulf Air's flights to Paris CDG, London Heathrow, Zurich, Moscow Sheremetyevo, Milan Malpensa, and Rome Fiumicino by winter, with Málaga, Nice, and Geneva added in summer.

CH Aviation
 

DUBAI AIR SHOW - ORDER - Gulf Air Increases Boeing 787 Dreamliner Order

Bahrain flag carrier orders 15 787 jets, building on its July 2025 commitment

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Gulf Air announced today the airline has finalized a firm order for 15 787 Dreamliners with options for three more as the Bahrain-based carrier looks to further develop its international network.

The order adds three Boeing 787s to the airline's commitment this July(opens in a new tab) and brings Gulf Air's order book to 17 of the versatile widebody jets.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow by Martin Gauss, chief executive officer of Gulf Air, and Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

"Today's signing marks a significant advancement in Gulf Air's long-term fleet development efforts. By confirming our acquisition of the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, we are accelerating our strategy to increase capacity, strengthen long-haul operations, and deliver an elevated, more sustainable travel experience to our passengers," said Khalid Husain Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group. "This agreement also builds on the long-established relationship between Gulf Air and Boeing, a partnership that has supported our growth for decades."

The 787 Dreamliner, recognized for its fuel efficiency, range and passenger experience, is integral to Gulf Air's long-haul operations connecting over 50 destinations. With 10 787 airplanes in service, the airline is well-positioned to grow its network, serving new and existing markets across Asia, Europe and the U.S.

"Gulf Air is taking exciting steps to expand its global footprint and we are honored the airline has confirmed the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as the cornerstone of its fleet today and in the decades ahead. The 787's superior efficiency and passenger comfort fit perfectly with Gulf Air's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

As Gulf Air's flagship airplane, the 787 features the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

 

ORDER - Gulf Air to Add up to 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its Widebody Fleet

- Flag carrier of Bahrain to grow its all-787 widebody fleet for expanding international network

- Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Boeing and Gulf Air to announce the agreement

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Gulf Air today announced an agreement for the purchase of 12 787 Dreamliner jets with options for six more as the Bahrain-based airline looks to further develop its international network. Once finalized, this order will bring the carrier's firm order book to 14 of the versatile widebody jets and will support 30,000 jobs across the U.S.

Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi to witness the signing. 



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The flag carrier of Bahrain, Gulf Air, will grow its all-787 widebody fleet adding up to 18 787 Dreamliners to its widebody fleet.


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Pictured from left to right are Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi; Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa; U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick; and Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope. (Photo: Robert Hyatt)


"This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the industry's most advanced and efficient aircraft," said Khalid Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group. "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub."

The 787 Dreamliner, recognized for its fuel efficiency, range and passenger experience, already serves as the backbone of Gulf Air's long-haul operations connecting over 50 destinations. With 10 787 airplanes in service, the airline is well-positioned to grow its network, serving new and existing markets across Asia, Europe and the U.S.

"We are excited to build on our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air as we deliver the market-leading 787 Dreamliner to help the airline serve more passengers and connect more destinations," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This investment in the 787 Dreamliner demonstrates Gulf Air's commitment to new technology and sustainable development, reinforcing Bahrain's position in the aviation sector."

The 787 Dreamliner family has transformed global air travel by opening over 425 new nonstop routes and carrying more than 1 billion passengers worldwide since its commercial introduction in 2011. As Gulf Air's flagship airplane, the 787 features the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

From its first DC-3 in 1961, Gulf Air has taken delivery of 37 Boeing airplanes, including the 787 jets currently in its fleet.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  


 

FLEEET - Bahrain to buy 12 Boeing jets worth $7bn for Gulf Air

Bahrain will buy at least twelve Boeing jets worth USD7 billion, with an option for six more, for its flag carrier Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain International) as part of USD17 billion investment package from the kingdom in the United States, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa announced during a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on July 16.

Bloomberg earlier reported, citing sources, that Gulf Air was looking at a dozen B787s in a firm order, with an option to buy more. The deal also includes the sale of forty General Electric engines, representing a move away from Rolls-Royce. As ch-aviation previously reported, Gulf Air, like many airlines, has faced Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine shortages, resulting in one of its B787-9s having been grounded for nearly two years.

ch-aviation has contacted Gulf Air for more details of the new order.

The announcement follows Trump’s earlier trip to the Middle East and adds to a series of regional investment pledges, including USD1.2 trillion from Qatar and USD600 million from Saudi Arabia.

Gulf Air currently operates a widebody fleet of ten B787-9s (with two more to be delivered at the end of 2026 and in 2027) powered by Rolls-Royce engines. Its narrowbody fleet comprises eight A320-200s and four A321-200s with CFM International CFM56 engines, plus seven A320-200Ns, nine A321-200NX, and five A321-200NX(LR)s with LEAP-1A engines.

During the prince’s US visit, Gulf Air also announced a new direct flight to New York JFK, starting October 1, using a B787-9.

CH Aviation

Image: Gulf Air 

ROUTES - GULF AIR NW24 SOUTH ASIA SERVICE REDUCTIONS

 Gulf Air at the launch of Northern winter 2024/25 season plans to reduce various services to South Asia, reflected in recent schedule update. Planned operation changes include the following.

Bahrain – Chennai eff 27OCT24 Reduce from 10 to 7 weekly

Bahrain – Dhaka eff 27OCT24 Reduce from 9 to 7 weekly

Bahrain – Faisalabad eff 27OCT24 3 weekly service cancelled

Bahrain – Hyderabad eff 27OCT24 Reduce from 9 to 7 weekly

Bahrain – Karachi eff 27OCT24 Reduce from 10 to 7 weekly
Bahrain – Kochi eff 27OCT24 Reduce from 7 to 4 weekly

Bahrain – Multan eff 27OCT24 6 weekly service cancelled

Bahrain – Peshawar eff 27OCT24 4 weekly service cancelled

Bahrain – Sialkot eff 27OCT24 5 weekly service cancelled

Bahrain – Thiruvananthapuram eff 27OCT24 Reduce from 7 to 4 weekly

Images: GULFAIR

FLEET / ORDER - Gulf Air mulls new Boeing widebody order

Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain International) is actively considering adding B787-8s or B787-10s, the group's chief executive officer, Jeffrey Goh, told Aviation Week, adding that a decision on an order with Boeing could be made soon.

The Bahraini carrier is more interested in the double-aisle segment “as we have a healthy number of narrowbodies [on order],” he told the digital publication.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows Gulf Air currently operates a fleet comprising 41 aircraft, including eight A320-200s, six A320-200Ns, four A321-200s, nine A321-200NX, four A321-200NX(LR)s, and ten B787-9s. It has orders for 12 additional planes (six A320neo, four A321neo(LR)s, and two B787-9s).

Goh said Gulf Air expects to receive an additional narrowbody this year and half a dozen next year, with two additional B787s in the pipeline, without specifying when they would arrive.

The state-owned carrier has recently been under fire about its financial position. “We’re hoping that this will be a better year than last year in terms of passenger numbers and financial performance,” Goh said.
ch-aviation has reached out to Gulf Air for comment.

Photos: Gulf Air
 

GULF AIR / B787-9 / A9C-FB

Ton Jochems  - AMS

Gulf Air 01MAY20 – 15MAY20 operations as of 0915GMT 29APR20

Gulf Air in the last few days further reduced operation to Europe, as well as The Philippines. During the period of 01MAY20 – 15MAY20, the airline schedules following flights.

Bahrain – Frankfurt 1 weekly A320
Bahrain – London Heathrow 3 weekly 787-9
Bahrain – Manila 1 weekly 787-9
Bahrain – Paris CDG 1 weekly A320

Routes Online

Gulf Air ends A330 operations

Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain Int'l) ended A330-200 operations on January 20, 2020, when its last unit of the type, A9C-KE (msn 334), operated its last commercial flight as GF251 Dhaka-Bahrain Int'l.

"This A330 aircraft served the national carrier for almost 20 years and supported our growth during the last two decades. Gulf Air started its fleet modernization programme in 2018 which began with the delivery of the B787-9 Dreamliner. As of today, all our long haul routes are operated exclusively by Dreamliners," Chief Executive Krešimir Kučko said during the farewell ceremony, as quoted in a press release.

A9C-KE was ferried to St. Athan on January 27, 2020, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. The Bahraini carrier owned the 19.8-year-old twinjet, according to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module.
Following the retirement of the A330s, Gulf Air continues to operate fifteen A320-200s, five A320-200neo, six A321-200s, and seven B787-9s. It expects to take another three B787-9s by the end of the year. Also, by 2023, the airline intends to operate twelve A320neo and seventeen A321-200neo (including nine LRs) as the A320-200s and A321-200s are retired.

ch aviation

GULF AIR - A320NEO - F-WWDI

Alain Charpentier - TLS

GULF AIR - A320 NEO - F-WWBX msn 8779

Alain Charpentier  -TLS

Gulf Air becomes the first national carrier to fly the A320neo in the region

Gulf Air, the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, took delivery of its first A320neo today. The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, made its maiden journey from Toulouse to Bahrain, landing at the Bahrain International Airport at 16:00 local time.

The aircraft is the first of the 29 A320neo Family aircraft ordered during the 2016 Bahrain International Airshow. This delivery also makes Gulf Air the first Middle Eastern national carrier to fly the A320neo.

Gulf Air currently operates 28 Airbus aircraft. The new addition complements the airline’s existing fleet and thanks to Airbus’ overall fleet commonality, the airline will benefit from low operating costs, optimum fuel efficiency and seamless, best-in-class passenger comfort of any single aisle aircraft.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured nearly 60 percent share of the market.

Gulf Air receives first A320neo

FLIGHT DASHBOARD BY: DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW LONDON

Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air has received its first Airbus A320neo, following a delivery flight from Toulouse.

The aircraft (A9C-TA) is the first to be handed over to a flag-carrier in the region, says Gulf Air.

Kuwaiti budget carrier Jazeera Airways took the first A320neo in the Middle East earlier this year.

Gulf Air’s aircraft – one of 12 on order – touched down on Bahrain’s runway 30R at around 16:00 on 18 August.

“History is repeating itself, as we were the first in the region to receive the A320 aircraft in 1992,” says chief executive Kresimir Kucko.

The carrier will use the twinjet, which is powered by CFM International Leap-1A engines, on regional routes.

Gulf Air also has orders for 17 of the larger A321neo, and its fleet modernisation has included taking three of its 10 Boeing 787-9s this year. The 39-jet renewal will be completed in 2023.

Gulf Air moves forward Boeing 787 Europe debut to mid-May 2018

Gulf Air is moving forward its planned Boeing 787-9 service debut to Europe, as the airline filed one-time 
Bahrain – Paris CDG service with the Dreamliner. The 787 is scheduled to operate on 16MAY18, replacing Airbus A320.

GF019 BAH0135 – 0720CDG 789
GF018 CDG1100 – 1810BAH 789

Planned 787-9 service to Moscow Domodedovo from 12JUN18 to 14JUN18, and 2 daily London Heathrow service from 15JUN18 remains unchanged.
EDIT: Based on data from FlightRadar 24, Gulf Air on 12MAY18 also operated Boeing 787-9 aircraft to Paris CDG.

By Jim Liu - Routesonline

Gulf Air adds maiden B787-9

Gulf Air  has taken delivery of its first B787-9, A9C-FA (msn 39996). The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000-powered twinjet features 282 seats in a two-class configuration, with 256 Economy Class seats and 26 Falcon Gold Class seats.

According to schedule data, it is expected to make its commercial debut with flights to Dubai Int'l and Jeddah on May 5 and 7 respectively. Thereafter, it will be deployed on flights to Riyadh from June 4, Moscow Domodedovo from June 12, London Heathrow from June 15, and Casablanca Int'l from July 9.
Gulf Air is expecting to add five B787-9s by the end of 2018 with an additional two aircraft arriving in 2019 and three in 2020. It currently operates six A330-200s which average almost 20 years of age.

Brian Worthington - Boeing - USA

Gulf Air reveals new branding, prepares for first 787

Bahraini flag carrier Gulf Air expects to take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 by the end of this month, the airline said April 6, as it unveiled the first look at its new branding.The airline expects its Boeing 787-9—the first of 10—to be delivered on April 27. It marks the start of a complete rollover of the airline’s fleet, with the new orders including 17 Airbus A321neo and 12 A320neo, as well as six further options for 787s.

The new aircraft will replace the A320s, A321s and A330-200s that currently constitute the fleet.

The first two 787-9s will serve Gulf Air’s double-daily London Heathrow service, offering increased capacity and improved on-board products and services, from June 15.

The 787-9s will have a two-class, 282-seat configuration with a 26-seat Falcon Gold business-class cabin, plus 256 seats in economy.

A new business class section will be “best in class,” according to CEO Krešimir Kučko, who has said that new business-class seats had been benchmarked not against other carrier’s business class, but first-class, seats. While declining to give further details, he said the cabin would be considerably better than normal business-class offerings from other airlines.

“The same goes with the neo. It will have lie-flat seats in business-class in the A321s flying the longer destinations, such as Paris and Frankfurt.” The airline’s current A321s also have this feature—unusual in a single-aisle aircraft. Gulf Air says that the arrangement has proved popular on the Bahrain-Paris run.

The airline also unveiled its new branding. The current livery of a gold forward fuselage and dark blue engine nacelles will be replaced with an all-white fuselage, with oversized Gulf Air titles on the forward fuselage and a more naturalistic rendition of the company’s falcon logo on the fin. The engine nacelles are painted gold.

The airline said it will reveal further details over the coming weekend, during the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix motor race.

Alan Dron alandron - ATW

Photos: Do Tran Huy - Everett Snohomi - USA
B787-9 Dreamliners  - Gulf Air -  N1789B - LN689

Gulf Air plans Boeing 787 London service from June 2018

Gulf Air in last week’s schedule update opened bookings for its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, set to enter service in the first-half of 2018. With a configuration of J26Y256, the airline’s Dreamliner is currently scheduled to serve Bahrain – London Heathrow route on 15JUN18, operating twice daily. This route is currently operated by A330 (A320 operating during off-peak season).


GF007 BAH0115 – 0625LHR 789 D
GF003 BAH1010 – 1520LHR 789 D

GF002 LHR1000 – 1835BAH 789 D
GF006 LHR2205 – 0640+1BAH 789 D

By Jim Liu

Gulf Air confirms maiden B787-9 due in early 2Q18

Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain Int'l) has announced it will take delivery of its maiden B787-9 during the second quarter of next year.

In January last year, the Bahrain-based operator confirmed it had revised an existing order with Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) for sixteen B787-8s into the larger -9 variants.

As it stands, an official press communique states a total of five B787-9s will be delivered by the end of 2018 with an additional two aircraft arriving by end-2019 and three arriving by end-2020. The second batch of six will be delivered between 2023-24.

Gulf Air’s B787-9s will seat 282 in a two-class configuration; twenty-six in Falcon Gold Class and 256 in Economy Class. The Trent 1000 from Rolls-Royce has been selected to power ten of the jets.

With their deliveries, the B787-9s will gradually replace Gulf Air's fleet of six A330-200s which currently average around 17 years of age.

In terms of its narrowbody fleet renewal plans, Gulf Air will replace its sixteen A320-200s and six A321-200s with twenty-nine A320neo Family aircraft ordered direct from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac). The order entails seventeen A321neo and twelve A320neo (ten of which were confirmed in 2012). Of the A321neo, nine will be standard with the remainder Long Range variants.

ch aviation

As part of its fleet renewal strategy, Gulf Air has announced a firm order of 29 A320neo Family. The new order includes 17 A321neo and 12 A320neo of which 10 A320neo have been confirmed in 2012. The contract was signed today at the Bahrain International Airshow between Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam, A/Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, in the presence of H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain and Mr Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad.

Gulf Air currently operates 28 Airbus aircraft; and the new aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s current fleet, thanks to Airbus’ overall fleet commonality, its low operating costs, optimum fuel efficiency and best-in-class passenger comfort of any single aisle aircraft.

Commenting on the agreement, Gulf Air A/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam, said, “I am delighted that we will enhance and simplify our fleet structure building on Airbus aircraft. This restructured order meets Gulf Air’s future fleet requirement and our network expansion plans. As a result, I now look forward to furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process while supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies.”

“We are pleased that Gulf Air has chosen the A320neo Family to complement its long-term growth strategy. The fuel efficient aircraft will provide the airline with a higher operational efficiency and profitability while its wider cabins will open a new dimension of passenger appeal,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer.

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. With nearly 4,500 orders received from some 80 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured a 60 percent share of the market.

Boeing, Gulf Air Announce Order Conversion at Bahrain Air Show

MANAMA, Bahrain, 22 Jan., 2016 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Gulf Air announced the airline’s decision to convert its 16 787-8 Dreamliners on order to 787-9s as part of its long-term, twin-aisle fleet strategy and expansion. The value of the airplanes is $4.2 billion at current list prices.

“I am delighted that we have arrived at mutually agreeable solutions with Boeing and can now successfully restructure our order to this larger and longer-range model of the 787s,” said Maher Salman Al Musallam, Acting CEO, Gulf Air. “This restructured order more effectively meets Gulf Air’s future fleet requirement and our network expansion plans. As a result, I now look forward to furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process while supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies.”

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 Dreamliner family. With the fuselage stretched by six metres (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 can fly up to 20 percent more passengers and 23 percent more cargo farther, yet with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

“As Gulf Air modernizes and expands its operations, Boeing is proud that the 787 Dreamliner will be an integral part of the airline’s fleet strategy and the flagship for its long-haul, international operations,” said Marty Bentrott, Vice President – Sales, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The industry leading efficiencies of the 787 family will provide Gulf Air with superior fuel conservation, reliability and passenger comfort and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership.”

The 787-9 leverages the same visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as the industry’s largest windows, large overhead bins, modern LED lighting, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort as well as technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.



Today, more than 60 customers from across the world have placed orders for over 1,100 787s – including the Middle East - making the Dreamliner family the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.