Gulf Air begins services to Milan

Mr. Majali said: “Milan is one of the EU's and the world's major financial and business centres boasting Europe's fourth highest GDP. From finance to fashion, from designer automobiles to discerning music, from architecture to art, the city of Milan is undeniably one of the most popular destinations in Europe attracting millions of visitors every year.

“By launching services to Milan we are not only opening new doors of trade and tourism opportunities this city offers to the people and businesses of Bahrain and the region, but also bringing new commercial and other opportunities to Bahrain, the gateway of the Arabian Gulf and beyond.”

“With four flights a week arriving and departing in Milan at convenient timings, we hope the business community as well as leisure passengers from Bahrain will find our service perfect for their needs.”

H.E. Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of Bahrain Mr. Enrico Padula said: “The historic and commercial ties between Italy and Bahrain are further enhanced by the opening of this new Gulf Air route. We will do everything in our disposal to support the Milan route, and we are certain that it will encourage passengers in both countries to explore everything Bahrain and Milan have to offer.”

Above: H.E. Mr. Marco Esposto, Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain (centre) and Mr. Samer Majali Gulf Air CEO (to his left) along with a passenger cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the debut flight to Milan at the Bahrain International Airport.

Milan is the capital of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan . The city proper has a population of about 1,315,000; this is the second largest city in Italy (after the Italian capital Rome). An international and cosmopolitan city, 15.2% of Milan's population is foreign born. The city remains one of Europe's main transportation and industrial hubs, and Milan is the EU 's 10th most important centre for business and finance (2009) with its economy being the world's 26th richest by purchasing power.

Following the start of its service to Milan, Gulf Air will be commencing flights to the Swiss city of Geneva on the 29^th of March with three weekly flights.