Manama, Bahrain - Gulf state Bahrain's flag carrier Gulf Air said goodbye to its sixth and the last Airbus A330 aircraft with a special ceremony held at the Bahrain International Airport.
The aircraft joined the Gulf Air's fleet 19 years ago and served on the airline's long-haul routes during this time.
Gulf Air managers, flight and cabin crew members, and aircraft maintenance teams were present at the farewell event before sending off the aircraft on its final flight with the airline's colors.
Today we bid farewell to one of our historic flagship jets. This Airbus 330 aircraft served the national carrier for almost 20 years and supported our growth during the last 2 decades,
said Gulf Air’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Krešimir Kučko during the event.
Gulf Air began the modernization of its widebody fleet in 2018 with the delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jet. As of today, all long haul routes of the Gulf-based carrier are operated exclusively by seven Boeing 787-9s in the airline's fleet.
Three more widebody jets of the same type will join the fleet this year.
Gulf Air will take delivery of 39 new aircraft by 2023, including 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, 12 Airbus 320neo and 17 Airbus 321neo.
The airline's current fleet consists of 16 Airbus A320-200, six Airbus A321-200, five Airbus A320neo and seven Boeing 787-9.