Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier was officially welcomed by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to the new Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC) during an official ceremony held today to mark the opening of the new airport. During the event, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum welcomed Gulf Air's Acting CEO, Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam to Al Maktoum International and congratulated the airline on becoming the first full service carrier to commence its operations to the new airport. The ruler also touched upon the longstanding relationship between Bahrain's national carrier and the Emirate, dating back to 1960 when Gulf Air first started its operations to Dubai International Airport. Gulf Air's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the successful opening of Al Maktoum International and expressed Gulf Air's pride in being part of such a significant event in regional aviation history. Gulf Air will be the first full-service network carrier to fly into Al Maktoum International when it commences a daily service linking Bahrain to Al Maktoum International effective December 8, 2013. The new flight will attract those travellers who value the new airport's convenience and proximity to new Dubai. The additional frequency is an addition to the airline's current operation of 51 flights per week (seven daily flights on Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri and eight daily flights on Thur and Sat)into Dubai International. Gulf Air's daily evening flight to DWC will provide additional travel options and seamless connections through Bahrain to over 30 destinations, maximizing passenger convenience. Furthermore, the airport's close proximity to the holiday, residential and business developments of Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina, Dubai Media City and Palm Jumeirah, make it an attractive, alternative, time-saving travel proposition for passengers located in or travelling to these areas. Gulf Air will be operating its new A320 aircraft on all of it its flights between Bahrain International Airport and Al Maktoum International. The aircraft are equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment technology. Al Maktoum International offers full retail as well as food and beverage amenities. It is serviced by one main runway, 64 remote aircraft stands and has capacity for up to 7 million passengers per year.
