Bahrain Airshow: Gulf Air moves for two regional jets at short notice

Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air is on the verge of taking the first concrete steps in the right-sizing of its fleet today when it signed a preliminary agreement with Embraer, to lease two E170-AR (Advanced Range) jets.

PICTURED: Embraer's Jose Luis Molina and Gulf Air's Samer Majali at today's provisional signing.

The agreement was signed at the Bahrain Air Show today and is based on a three year dry lease of the two aircraft with provision to extend for a further five years.

The lease company is still to be confirmed but both Gulf Air and Embraer say the aircraft ownership issue will be resolved quickly. The first aircraft already in Gulf Air colours came to the Sakhir airbase as a surprise addition to the air show.

Embraer only started taking to Gulf Air about the need for fleet restructuring three months ago. Luis Molina, Embraer Vice President Airline Market – Europe, Middle East and Africa. Described it as “remarkable” that the Brazilian manufacturer was able to get two aircraft ready for Gulf Air to begin line operations in March.

“We were fortunate that we had another customer who was happy to delay delivery of their aircraft and so we were able to get Gulf Air the aircraft they needed.

Gulf Air chief executive Mr. Samer Majali said this was another step forward in the airline’s new strategic direction. “Our selection of the E-Jet family is based on Embraer’s competitive product offering. The size, reliability, comfort and unbeatable economics of the E-jets also speak for themselves and this aircraft has most certainly proved itself in setting the standard for regional airline transport throughout the world .”

While the airline insists this is still a provisional deal only while final negotiations between the airline, the manufacturer and any prospective lessor continue, Majali has clear plans for the moment the two regional jets join the Manama-based airline's fleet. He said the aircraft will be utilized right across the Gulf Air network of less than two hour journeys. The airline will monitor customer acceptance and see whether the operations will deliver the potential savings of 30% on existing narrowbodies and open or prove new routes.

“The introduction of regional jets will introduce a new concept in regional travel for our passengers. We have analysed every aspect of the Gulf Air travel experience and the value for money it offers our customers and we recognize that, given today’s economic realities, our passengers’ expectation of full service air travel is no longer just about the seat, the onboard cuisine or the IFE. The network, its reach and frequency, have become an equally important consideration as travellers scrutinize the cost of the entire travel experience vis-à-vis the value they receive.”

“The realignment and expansion of our regional and international network and our fleet will reinforce our position as the carrier with the largest number of Middle East connections through our Bahrain Airport hub. Eventually, I hope we can serve every Arab capital with at least a double daily service to enable our customers to easily do business or even just go shopping in one day. To deliver this, we need aircraft that are flexible and can meet these demands. The inclusion of regional jets in the Gulf Air fleet will bring a new dynamic to Gulf Air and a new dimension to our customers.”

The aircraft will be delivered to Gulf Air in February and then configured to meet the airline’s particular needs and will feature seven seats in business class and 60 in economy. They will entre service in March

Business Class passengers will have a seat pitch of 36 inches with a relaxing recline of 8 inches with PC power outlets for each seat. Economy class passengers will have 31 inches seat pitch and a comfortable 4 inches recline. The aircraft will also feature a state-of-the-art in seat In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system with over 3000 video titles and audio channels to choose from.

Majali said that if the trials of the E170 go to plan, the airline could require as many as ten aircraft. It will be carrying out a full analysis and evaluation of all the regional jets on the market including Embraer, Airbus, and Bombardier before deciding on what aircraft will be the optimal regional jet to complement Gulf Air’s strategic blueprint.

As part of its fleet modernization and efficiency programme, Gulf Air has received five of the ten brand new A320 aircraft expected to join the fleet by the end of year. They are being used to replace older, existing aircraft. Gulf Air has also sold two of its A340 aircraft and is in negotiations over a number of other aircraft within its fleet