Emirates and Gulf Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a deeper commercial partnership, including a potential codeshare cooperation across both networks and reciprocal loyalty benefits.
On Sunday (November 14, 2021), Emirates announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gulf Air to establish a deeper commercial cooperation. The MoU lays the framework to establish a potential codeshare cooperation across both networks and reciprocal loyalty benefits for Emirates’ Skywards and Gulf Air’s Falconflyer loyalty program members, as well as cargo cooperation. The MoU was signed by Emirates Airline’s President Sir Tom Cook and Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Captain Waleed AlAlawi during the first day of the Dubai Airshow. Emirates will initially place their ‘EK’ code on Gulf Air operated between Bahrain and Dubai, while Gulf Air will add their ‘GF’ code to Emirates’ routes.
At today’s signing ceremony, Emirates Airline’s President, Sir Tim Clark, said,
“We are pleased to partner with Gulf Air on developing this codeshare agreement, which will give customers significantly enhanced choices, convenient schedules and flexibility to connect between Dubai and Bahrain, and beyond to cities in our extensive long-haul network. We believe that our new partnership will bring real benefits to our customers and business, and today’s agreement is a positive step in our cooperation, and we are on the way to further strengthening our relationship in the future.”
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Captain Waleed AlAlawi, said,
“This will be a remarkable partnership between one of the first airlines in the Gulf region and one of the biggest carriers in the world. We’re proud to explore opportunities with Emirates to expand our reach and at the same time extend our boutique services to Emirates’ passengers when flying on our network Gulf Air and Emirates operate multiple flights between Bahrain and Dubai and this agreement will provide passengers with more choices beyond our hubs.”
Emirates is an award-winning international airline with a network that spans six continents, connecting passengers and facilitating trade through their modern Dubai hub. The carrier operates a modern fleet of spacious and comfortable Flagship Airbus A380s and efficient Boeing 777s. Emirates has a culturally diverse workforce with team members from over 160 nations worldwide. The carrier serves their global customer base by delivering exceptional services and world-class products.
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain and normally serves 49 cities in 27 countries. From its hub at Bahrain International Airport, the airline offers twice daily service to 10 or more regional cities as well as international flights to the Indian subcontinent and Europe. Gulf Air currently operates a modern fleet of 33 narrow and widebody aircraft and by 2023 their fleet will consist of 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 12 Airbus A320neos and 17 Airbus A321neos. The airline is known for its traditional Arabian hospitality, and Gulf Air is committed to becoming an industry leader by developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of their guests.
Source(s): Emirates, Gulf Air