Gulf Air places order for 29 A320neo with Airbus

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 ten A320neo were initially confirmed in 2012.

The contract was signed at the Bahrain International Airshow between Maher Salman Al Musallam, chief executive, Gulf Air, and Airbus president Fabrice Brégier.

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, 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 modernisation process while supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies.”

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 per cent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent 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 per cent share of the market.

“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 Brégier.