Launched in 1950, and then known as the Gulf Aviation Company, Gulf Air is the national carrier of Oman and is owned by the kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman.

Starting as just a small service that flew in commuters to the oil-fields, it now holds a fleet of 34 planes with 46 destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Though the carrier itself may not fly to that many destinations the company currently holds 15 codeshare agreements with other carriers, which sees its reach then extend to 775 destinations worldwide. More...

Gulf Air introduced Airbeds into the First and Business Class cabins in the all Airbus A330, and some A340 planes, after refurbishment in 2005 and 2006. The Airbed system not only sees convertible seats with removable armrests, but also quality duvets and pillows installed into the cabins. First Class sees seat pitch at 80°, Business Class at 63°, with economy at 32/34°.

With the introduction of the world first Sky Nanny program in 2005, Gulf Air started to offer an innovative new service that was awarded ‘Best New Product’ at the 2004 Gulf Marketing Review Marketing Effectiveness Awards. The program sees the introduction of a free service dedicated to young travellers, with every Gulf Air Nanny trained by Norland College in childcare training and eduction.

First Class flying is as extravagant as ever, with the cabin passengers being served by their very own Sky Chef, all with experience at some of the world’s best hotels. The 100 strong Sky Chef team will tempt travellers with appetisers, cheeses, mains and of course, desserts.

It’s not just the flight that is sure to impress, but the airport lounges for First and Business Class travellers are nothing to sniff at. With a recent refurbishment at Muscat and Dubai, both Seeb and Dubai boast business facilities, shower cubicles and a buffet of hot and cold meals and drinks.

The service offered by Gulf Air has won many awards. SkyTrax, recognised by some as the industry’s most prestigious awards, recognised Gulf Air as the ‘World’s Best Onboard Catering’ for First Class in both 2004 and 2005, and in 2005 also took the Catering in Business Class as well. Their Frequent Flyer programme won a Freddie Award for ‘World’s Leading Frequent Guest and Flyer’. And the upgraded airport lounges also won ‘Best Business Class Lounge in the Middle East’ in the MENA Travel awards.