Tourexpi
Boeing
[NYSE: BA] and Gulf Air have announced a new agreement for the purchase of 12
Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, with options for an additional six aircraft. The
deal reflects Gulf Air’s ambition to expand its global network and enhance its
long-haul capabilities. Once finalized, the order will increase the airline’s
firm backlog to 14 Dreamliners and support an estimated 30,000 jobs across the
United States.
The
announcement was made in Washington in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of
Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and U.S.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, alongside Boeing Commercial Airplanes
President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi.
“This
agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey as
we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the
industry's most advanced and efficient aircraft,” said Khalid Taqi, Chairman of
Gulf Air Group. “The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional
aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our
confidence in its performance, passenger appeal, and contribution to our
sustainability goals. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and
reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub.”
Gulf
Air currently operates 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which serve as the backbone
of its long-haul fleet, connecting passengers to more than 50 destinations
across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. The addition of up to 18 new Dreamliners will
allow the airline to strengthen existing routes and open new ones.
“We
are excited to build on our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air as we
deliver the market-leading 787 Dreamliner to help the airline serve more
passengers and connect more destinations,” said Stephanie Pope, President and
CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This investment in the 787 Dreamliner
demonstrates Gulf Air’s commitment to new technology and sustainable
development, reinforcing Bahrain’s position in the aviation sector.”
The
Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, long range, and
passenger comfort. It features the largest windows of any widebody jet,
improved cabin pressure and humidity levels, and advanced turbulence-reducing
technology for a smoother ride. Since entering service in 2011, the Dreamliner
family has helped launch over 425 new nonstop routes and has flown more than
one billion passengers worldwide.
Gulf
Air’s relationship with Boeing dates back to the delivery of its first DC-3
aircraft in 1961. To date, the airline has taken delivery of 37 Boeing
aircraft, including its current 787 fleet.
Boeing
is a leading global aerospace company and the top U.S. exporter. It designs,
manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space
systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing’s global workforce and
supply chain drive innovation, sustainability, and economic impact. The company
is committed to a core set of values: safety, quality, and integrity.
Image
Credit: © Gulf Air
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