Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), welcomed the arrival of Gulf Air’s first Airbus A320neo, which landed on August 18 at the airport following its inaugural flight from the Airbus production facility in Toulouse, France.

In addition to its wide single aisle cabin, the A320neo incorporates the latest technologies including new generation engines and fuel-saving wingtip devices known as Sharklets, which together reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 15 per cent. The narrow-body aircraft has a range of 6,300km in a typical two-class configuration of 165 seats.

BAC chief executive officer, Mohamed Yousif Albinfalah, said: “BAC extends its congratulations to Gulf Air on the arrival of this new aircraft, which is an important milestone for the airline and the country’s aviation sector as a whole. With its high seat capacity and impressive fuel efficiency, the Airbus A320neo will enable Gulf Air to fly further and more economically. BAC is delighted with the continued growth of Bahrain’s flag carrier, which plays an important role by stimulating trade, boosting tourism, and promoting the Kingdom’s national identity around the world. As Gulf Air’s hub, BIA is looking forward to welcoming its other incoming aircraft orders later this year. The Airport Modernisation Programme will not only elevate the infrastructure and services at BIA, it will also help to establish a solid platform for Gulf Air’s commercial aspirations, which include maximising the aviation sector’s contribution to the national economy in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030.”