Gulf Air executives have been discussing plans for the airline to resume flights to the United States for a long time. One step closer to being a reality.
Gulf Air used to be the largest airline in the region. Politics in the region were different when this happened, and before we saw the development of airlines in the U.A.
Gulf Air has not been able to compete with its peers in the region. The airline didn't have a global route network. The airline has undergone a major transformation in the past few years, which included modernizing its fleet, opening a new terminal, and focusing on its core strengths.
The majority of Gulf Air's long haul fleet is comprised of Boeing 787-9s. There are seven of these in the airline's fleet.
Some of the new A321neos feature fully flat beds in business class, which is great for regional flights. As of now the carrier only flies as far west as London and as far east as Manila, but it is becoming more appealing.
The former CEO of Gulf Air stated that the airline wanted to start flights to the US in three years.
“We will be operating in the coming years more in Europe and also the Far East. Hopefully, in the coming two, maximum three years, we would be able to open flights to the US.”
The airline flew to New York and Houston in the past, but now only flies to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
You would think that New York would be the obvious choice if Gulf Air were to resume flights.
The oil minister stated that the country was looking at setting up a nonstop flight to Houston. Either route seems to be possible.
The route from New York to Houston would take almost 8,000 miles.
The Pandemic has slowed down Gulf Air's plans to launch service to the US, but there is a positive update. Gulf Air has just applied for a foreign air carrier permit.
Upon receipt of all required government approvals, Gulf Air expects to launch non-stop service fromBahrain to the US.
I would like to see this happen with Air Canada and Gulf Air having a partnership. You can redeem miles for travel between the United States and the Middle East.
Is Gulf Air considering returning to the US because it thinks it can make money there, or is it just about prestige and business ties?
The company hopes to play on the fact that the airline is more of a boutique carrier. The CEO admitted as much.
“You can’t compete with airlines that are bigger in size, volume or with prices. You can only compete in quality. I can compete with any airline, no matter the size, with the quality of my product. That’s the battle I willingly participate with a chance to win.
We want to offer our passengers traditional Arabian hospitality. Which for that to really put true meaning into practice, you really need to offer something unique.”
I appreciate a CEO who wants to invest in the product, but he acknowledged that his airline couldn't compete in terms of schedule or price
Even though Gulf Air is known for its excellent products, its competitors are also known for their excellent products. I don't think Gulf Air will be able to find people willing to pay a premium for flights over those airlines.
Adding service to the US doesn't seem to make a lot of money. Thanks to smaller, more fuel efficient planes, like the Dreamliner, long haul economics are better than before.
Gulf Air is planning to resume flights to the US in a few years. I don't think it's a good idea to make these kinds of announcements since a lot can change.
The airline has filed a request with the US DOT for permission to begin flights to the United States.
If Gulf Air does resume flights to the U.S., it seems like it wouldn't be done to turn a profit, but to improve energy ties between the two countries. It sounds like it would be pretty likely. I will be watching this...
Do you believe Gulf Air will launch flights to the US?
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