Gulf Air, the national carrier for Bahrain, began its five year plan to replace its fleet by putting the first of 15 new ‘fuel efficient’ Airbus A320 aircraft into service.  Gulf Air chairman Talal Al Zain officially welcomed the aircraft at the Bahrain National Airport.   He said “By investing in our fleet now, we are securing the future of Gulf Air.”, and called it a proud moment for the airline because it is another step forward towards their mission of delivering a national airline “that we can all be proud of.”

The new A320 aircraft can carry 136 passengers – 16 business class and 120 economy class seats.  Gulf Air chief executive officer Samil Majali said the new A320 aircraft are replacing the older narrow body aircraft that are less fuel efficient and more expensive to maintain.  Gulf Air will receive one new A320 each month until April 2010, then another two A320’s in December, 2010.