Gulf Air begins direct flights to Geneva

Gulf Air today commenced scheduled direct flights to Geneva as its first Swiss destination.

Flight GF 0023 departed from Bahrain International Airport this morning and arrived at Geneva International Airport to a ‘fireman’s salute’ water-arch ceremony. Later Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali hosted an event that was attended by a number of government, business, aviation and media VIP dignitaries from Geneva and Bahrain. The Chargé d'affaires of the permanent mission of Bahrain to the UN, Ms. Mona Abbas Radhi and Swiss Consul General to Bahrain His Excellency Mr. Claus Buchi, as well as Geneva International Airport Chief Executive Officer Mr. Robert Deillon were among the dignitaries at the ceremony to mark the occasion.

Above: Gulf Air’s inaugural flight to Geneva from Bahrain is greeted with a water-arch salute upon arrival at the Geneva International Airport in Switzerland.

Talking to guests at the event Mr. Majali the airline’s CEO said: “I am delighted to see Gulf Air flying again to Switzerland; it further demonstrates our commitment to connect Bahrain to the region and the rest of the world including some of the world’s leading financial markets, to support Bahrain’s financial services and trade sector.”

“I would like to personally thank the Swiss authorities for granting us the rights to fly to Geneva and the airport authorities for facilitating this. I am sure our new direct route linking Geneva with Bahrain and onwards through our extensive Middle East network will open up excellent opportunities for business and leisure travellers throughout the region and in Switzerland.”

“2011 has been a busy year for Gulf Air, with five new routes opening up since January – Milan, Basra, Isfahan, Addis Ababa and Kabul” he concluded.
Commenting on the start of the new direct service, Ms. Mona Abbas Radhi said: "Switzerland has always been one of the favourite destinations for thousands of Bahrainis and GCC nationals. By launching direct services to Geneva, Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air has made it much easier not only for the Arabs, but also for expatriates and Swiss nationals wanting to visit Geneva for business, leisure or winter sports.”

Above: CEO of Geneva International Airport Mr. Robert Deillon (first from left), Gulf Air CEO Mr. Samer Majali (second from left), Mr. Marcus Bernhardt, Gulf Air Chief Services Officer (third from left) and His Excellency Mr. Claus Buchi, Swiss Consul General of the Consulate General of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Bahrain (fourth from left) are seen addressing media members, dignitaries and other officials at the press conference in Geneva.