IAA, Manama (Bahrain), 28 August 2012: Gulf Air registered a 13% increase in passenger numbers in the first half of the year, showing signs of significant improvement across its business operations. The Bahraini national carrier's revenue increased by 6%, while seat load factor reached 77%, registering 5% growth.

"We were able to achieve these results with the combined efforts of rationalised route network, fleet optimization, improved sales efficiency, products and services, cost efficiency measures and expenditure reduction," said chief executive Samer Majali.

"This is by no means a small achievement considering factors such as the temporary suspension of eight profitable routes and high fuel prices that have had a negative impact on our traffic and revenue."

Gulf Air credited the positive figures to passengers' increasing preference for the airline due to the introduction of several new features and facilities.

The carrier operates one of the youngest fleets in the region, with an average fleet age of 4.7 years. Its technical dispatch reliability reached 99.4%.

"We will continue to be the flag carrier of Bahrain and support the country's economic ambitions by being a commercially sustainable and dynamic airline that effectively serves the people and the economy of Bahrain, and represents the kingdom on the world stage," Majali added.

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