Manama, November 9 (BNA) Gulf Air and Emirates Airlines have officially signed a unilateral code-sharing agreement, starting this December.
The new agreement will provide easy connections and expanded options for Gulf Air customers connecting to Dubai and beyond to a range of Emirates destinations across Europe, Africa, South America and the Far East.
The agreement was signed on the first day of the Bahrain Air Show, signaling the growing relationship between the two companies following the cooperation framework established last year.
The agreement was signed by Gulf Air CEO Captain Walid Al-Alawi and Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark and in the presence of Gulf Air Chairman Zayed R. Zayani.
The signing ceremony was also attended by members of the executive management teams of each airline.
The expanded partnership will see Gulf Air place its own marketing code ‘GF’ on Emirates operated flights out of Dubai to a selection of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations, providing new holiday options for Gulf Air customers.
Travelers will be able to connect to points including Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Algeria, Tunis, Bali, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei and Sao Paulo.
The combination of unique points of the new codeshare agreement comes as travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are becoming more value-conscious and knowledgeable, and are increasingly looking for new and diverse experiences and attractions beyond their traditional holiday destinations.
The new partnership will also provide customers with convenience through a combination of ticketing and check-in, a unified policy and seamless baggage transfer, and competitive single fares on a multi-airline flight when calling Emirates.
Customers can book their flights on the Gulf Air website, through Gulf Air sales points and online travel agencies as well as with local travel agents.
Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed Al Alawi said: “Our relationship with Emirates Airlines has always been strong, and today we are reaching a higher level of cooperation with many other opportunities on the horizon between the two companies.”
“This partnership will enable both of us to offer travelers a better experience and expand their travel options.”
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said they are delighted to partner with Gulf Air to provide their customers with greater access and strong connectivity opportunities to unique destinations on their network, complemented by Emirates’ distinctive in-flight service and hospitality throughout their journey from Dubai.
“We look forward to working together and achieving more with Gulf Air in the near future, and further strengthening our relationship,” he said.
This codeshare partnership with Emirates is the 16th addition to Gulf Air’s partnership portfolio.