#Boeing #Bahrain #Manama #Dreamliner #Gulf Air

Gulf Air Expands Fleet with Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Gulf Air, the national airline of Bahrain, is making significant strides in expanding its fleet with a recent agreement to acquire 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, along with options for an additional six aircraft. This announcement reflects the airline's commitment to enhancing its international services and modernizing its fleet.

On July 17, 2025, the agreement was formalized during a key ceremony attended by Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, along with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and top executives from Boeing and Gulf Air. This partnership not only underscores Gulf Air's growth ambitions but also highlights the modernization efforts geared toward establishing Bahrain as a pivotal player in the global aviation sector.

Khalid Taqi, Chair of Gulf Air Group, expressed that the deal represents a transformative step for the airline. `The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has become a cornerstone for our long-haul routes, and this investment is a vote of confidence in its capabilities, passenger comfort, and sustainability targets.` Taqi emphasized the significance of partnering with Boeing to bolster the airline's global footprint.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is celebrated for its fuel efficiency, spacious cabin atmosphere, and advanced technology, making it a preferred choice for many airlines operating international routes. With the current addition of up to 18 Dreamliners, Gulf Air aims to expand its service to a broader array of destinations, which includes both new markets and established routes in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes' President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, remarked on the long-standing relationship between the companies, stating, `This agreement marks a continued commitment to innovation and sustainable aviation.` The Dreamliner family has a powerful legacy, having opened over 425 new routes and transported more than 1 billion passengers worldwide since its launch in 2011.

Gulf Air currently operates ten 787s, which have been essential for long-haul journeys connecting over 50 global destinations. This new order will elevate the airline’s total firm order of 787s to 14, reinforcing its competitive edge in the aviation market. The Dreamliner features the largest windows of any widebody aircraft, sophisticated cabin pressurization systems, and technologies that significantly reduce the impact of turbulence, thereby enhancing passenger comfort.

As Gulf Air scales its operations, it prepares to fulfill growing travel demands while aligning with sustainability goals through innovative technology and ultra-modern fleet compositions. The enhanced fleet will not only contribute to job creation within the U.S., supporting around 30,000 jobs, but will also assist Bahrain's ambition to become a significant global aviation hub.

In conclusion, Gulf Air's strategic investment in Boeing's Dreamliner aircraft signals a new era for the airline, marked by modernization, expansion, and a deepening partnership with Boeing. As it prepares to launch this new chapter, Gulf Air remains committed to fulfilling its vision of providing world-class aviation services while contributing positively to the industry's environmental footprint.