Gulf Air orders 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners for fleet expansion and network development

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Boeing and Gulf Air sign major contract for 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Bahrain-based airline Gulf Air today signed an agreement to order 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with options for an additional six. This decision is a key component of Gulf Air‘s strategy to further expand its international network and modernize its fleet. Upon completion of this order, the airline‘s firm order portfolio would increase to 14 of the versatile wide-body aircraft, while supporting the employment of approximately 30,000 workers in the United States.

Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick were present at the signing ceremony. Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Khalid Taqi, Chairman of the Gulf Air Group, also attended the ceremony.

Strategic expansion of Gulf Air

Khalid Taqi, Chairman of the Gulf Air Group, emphasized the transformative significance of this agreement: “This agreement marks a critical step in our strategic growth journey as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the most advanced and efficient aircraft in the industry. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an excellent aircraft for our long-haul flights. This new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal, and contribution to our sustainability goals. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a major global aviation hub.”

Boeing 787 Dreamliner – backbone for long-haul flights

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family is known for its outstanding fuel efficiency, range, and first-class passenger experience. At Gulf Air, the 787 already forms the backbone of its long-haul operations, connecting over 50 destinations worldwide. With ten 787s currently in service, the airline is well positioned to expand its network and serve both new and existing markets in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented on the agreement: “We are pleased to expand our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air and provide the market-leading 787 Dreamliner aircraft, enabling the airline to carry more passengers and connect more destinations. This investment in the 787 Dreamliner demonstrates Gulf Air’s commitment to new technologies and sustainable development, further strengthening Bahrain’s position in the aviation sector.”

Innovations that are changing aviation

Since its launch in 2011, the 787 Dreamliner has revolutionized global air travel. With over 425 new nonstop routes launched and more than one billion passengers carried worldwide, the aircraft has continued to lead the way. As Gulf Air’s flagship aircraft, the 787 is known for its largest wide-body windows, less dry air, and lower cabin altitude, among other features that improve comfort. The 787’s technology also detects and counteracts turbulence for a smoother flight experience.

Historical partnership and outlook

Since Gulf Air received its first DC-3 aircraft in 1961, the airline has operated 37 Boeing aircraft, including the 787 jets currently in use.

Boeing, the leading global aerospace company and the largest U.S. exporter, designs, manufactures, and supports commercial aircraft, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Its global workforce and supplier network drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability, and social engagement. The company is committed to a corporate culture based on the core values of safety, quality, and integrity.