INSPIRED by the legacy of Gulf Air’s ‘Five-star Tri-Star’ service of the late 1970’s and 80’s, Gulf Air is re-creating the golden age of travel with a complete redesign of the First and Business Class cabins.
The first of six refurbished Airbus A330s entered service on the London Abu Dhabi route. Five additional Airbuses’ are due to be completed by July 2005. The $10 million investment is set to usher in exemplary standards in passenger comfort and care in today’s modern commercial aviation environment.
James Hogan, president and CEO of Gulf Air, said: “As we maintain our growth strategy, we are acutely aware that what really sets apart carriers today is service and comfort. What we are now offering is new, unique and extraordinary. State-of-the-art ‘skybeds’, which are central to the refurbishment programme, are the most advanced seats in the sky, provided by EADS Sogerma, the industry leader in cabin outfitting and aircraft modification.
“Two decades ago, the Gulf Air 5-Star Tri-Star service was renowned throughout the world, and we are now set to re-create that golden age of travel through this refurbishment,” he said.
“The refitted A330s will set the industry benchmarks for comfort, quality and service. This investment heralds a new era in passenger travel and we are proud to once again be at the vanguard of modern aviation.”
The rich, deep-pile carpet of the first class cabin draws guests into the sumptuous cabin, where warm ‘Arabian’ colours and the highest quality fixtures and fittings create a luxurious ambience. In the reconfigured cabin eight new state of the art Sogerma’s seats offer unrivalled comfort and style.
Finished with leather armrests, large head wings, lumbar support and individual power outlets for laptop use, the first class seats are state-of-the-art. On-board entertainment is delivered via an impressive 15-inch flat screen monitor and high-tech, noise-excluding headsets. Oversized tables create a comfortable space for work and dining.
Privacy is paramount in preparing for a restful night and guests are invited to use the unique on-board changing room. The spacious is enhanced with luxurious timber flooring and exclusive, ‘spa-to-go’ Temple Spa products.
Cabin crews are trained to the standards of personal butlers laying out pyjamas, slippers, eye shades and hanging clothes in a suit carrier. When fully reclined, the Class 180 seats transforms into a fully functional bed, complete with sheets, duvets, over-sized pillows and silk cushions.
Each skybed is designed to provide a luxurious – and private - bed space, mellowed by ambient mood lighting, giving the cabin the feel of a five-star hotel room. Award winning Sky Chefs offer bedtime snack and hot drinks to order to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
Gulf Air’s award - winning Sky Chefs provide freshly - prepared five-star quality cuisine chair side on a dine on demand basis allowing guest to select gourmet meal option finished to passenger exact specifications. The new cabin concept has been designed to allow a private companion dining option with space for up to four diners, with 18 different meal choices on offer and a world-class selection of vintage wines.
In Business Class 24 ‘Evolys’ Skybeds will be fitted, allowing an incredible 63 inches of leg room, and no middle seat - both industry firsts. The seat employs a lounge-bed profile, an ergonomic design which is ‘scientifically proven’ to provide the healthiest and most comfortable sleeping position for air travellers.