Gulf Daily News
MANAMA, Nov 16: Gulf Air won the Best Business Airline award at the British Travel Awards at the World Travel Mart (WTM) expo in London. The airline was honoured by members of the UK travel trade and consumers, beating off major carriers such as Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, British Airways, Virgin, Malaysian Airlines, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and EOS.
"It is a great recognition for our successful brand-led business strategy, strengthened by world class premium products and impeccable service standards," said Gulf Air acting president and chief executive Ahmed Al Hammadi.
"This accolade demonstrates Gulf Air's passion for maintaining its world-class standards be it on the ground or in the air.
"From exclusive check in facilities, to superbly appointed business lounges to award-winning first class and business class products, Gulf Air has become an airline of choice with the world business community."
The 26th edition of World Travel Market, Britain's biggest annual travel trade show, provides a unique opportunity for the global travel trade industry to meet, network, negotiate, conduct business and stay abreast of the latest developments in the travel industry.
The British Travel Awards were given recently in various categories to travel-related businesses at the final day of the expo.
"The award verifies our strong presence in the UK market," said Gulf Air Vice Marketing and Sales president Lee Shave.
"The impressive growth in our passenger numbers from the UK to destinations such as Muscat, Bahrain and Bangkok, exceeding our expectations, is a reflection of this.
"Since the airline increased the service between Muscat and London in March, we have witnessed significant growth in our premium class segment with our First Class on the London-Muscat route registering a 37 per cent increase while the Business Class passenger growth on the London to Bahrain route has increased by 23 per cent. Economy class has also been doing very well, with a growth of 35pc thanks to the growing popularity of Oman as an fast growing business and tourism destination."