International Air Transport Association (IATA) has commended Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air for its tremendous support to the global aviation industry during Covid crisis by continuously operating its flights in such challenging times.
Lauding its steely resolve, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said Gulf Air remained one of the few airlines that never stopped flying even during the pandemic. He was speaking after receiving Bahrain’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of national carrier Gulf Air Zayed R. Alzayani at IATA’s headquarters in Geneva.
The two discussed a number of aviation-related issues, and elements of this vital economic sector to various revenue-generating fields such as tourism and investment.
Al Zayani commended Walsh on IATA’s efforts in supporting and developing the ever-changing aviation industry and highlighted the importance of its role in sustaining aviation, especially amidst the great impact of the recent pandemic.
The airline recently announced plans to launch its private charter services, to help its global clientele book private direct charter flights with personalized itineraries.
They also signed a number of key codeshare agreements at the recently concluded Dubai Air Show, including a codeshare partnership with Emirates and EgyptAir; an MOU with Rask Al Khaimah International Airport to introduce direct flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Bahrain; an agreement with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance for CFM56-5B engine support and an agreement with Safran for maintenance, revision and overhaul (MRO) operations on the landing gear of six Airbus A321 and one A320.
Established in 1945, IATA is one of the most notable associations in the aviation industry, connecting many commercial airlines through its membership. Gulf Air has been an active member of the IATA association since 1981.
