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Gulf Air and Pakistan International Airlines Explore Areas of Cooperation

Posted on: Thursday, 18 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

Gulf Air's President and Chief Executive, James Hogan, today received the Chairman and Chief Executive of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Tariq Kirmani and his delegation at the airline's Head office in Manama.The leaders of the two carriers discussed areas of future cooperation including the synchronisation of schedules over PIA main hub markets of Karachi /Islamabad /Lahore / Peshawar and Gulf Air's three hubs of Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Muscat and on to other destinations beyond the respective networks."By working together we can leverage economies of scale in a number of other areas enabling us to provide more choice and better services for our respective customers," said Hogan. "We examined a number of initiatives including the possibility of a formal code share agreement."Hogan added that Gulf Air has sought to establish a number of strategic partnerships and alliances over the past few years to complement and add value to the Gulf Air network.Mr Kirmani said: "Our discussions were very positive and explored a number of new avenues that will support the operations and integration of the PIA and Gulf Air with the aim of enhancing the capabilities and the position of both airlines on a regional and global level."The two presidents have committed to establish steering group to accomplish what was agreed at today's meeting.Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.

The airline, in the last year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive James Hogan, is making rapid strides towards regaining profitability in 2005 and aims to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.

The dramatic turnaround in Gulf Air's fortunes has won international recognition. In January 2004, The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, recognizing the airline's commitment to service excellence.

Winner - Middle East and North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005

2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Source: Al Bawaba

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