Airlines
| Airports
| Aircraft
| Air
Safety
Destinations
| Fidelity
Programs |
News
Center |
Travel
Advice
& Tips |
Reviews
| Features
| Events
Flight
Schedules &
Tracking |
Reservations
| Deals
| Links
Advertising
| Marketing
| Content
| Info
Services
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZGARUDA INDONESIA
Indonesian flag-carrier, Garuda was severely affected by the Asian financial crisis. On November 2, 2001, the long and complicated process of restructuring Garuda was finally completed. Throughout the process, which began in 1998, Garuda went through some difficult financial times.It is now operating as a smaller, but efficient airline with scheduled services to 22 cities in 11 countries worldwide and to 19 commercially strategic domestic centers. For several months now Garuda Indonesia and Malaysia Airlines have been working on, and implementing, a comprehensive cooperation agreement aimed at jointly improving service, efficiency and performance of each airline.
While Garuda used to be a dreadful airline, it reorganized and modernized, with a vast improvement in standards. However, it seems to have dropped back a bit lately due to financial restrictions. There is no doubt about the charm of the cabin crews though, and the food is acceptable. And travelers must hope that there are no emergencies, as the onboard announcements are often incomprehensible.
GULF AIR
Gulf Air is a modern airline run jointly by four Arabian-Gulf states -- Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar -- but its genesis was quite different. In 1949, British aviator Freddie Bosworth started giving sight-seeing trips around the Bahrain islands in his seven seater Avro Anson. Soon local residents began relying on him for commuter transport between Bahrain, Doha and Dhahran. Before long, the enterprise turned into the Gulf Aviation Company, and charter contracts with oil companies helped its early growth.In the 1950s, BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) became a major shareholder and greatly expanded the company, and in 1973, the four current Gulf-state owners bought BOAC's shares. With the Foundation Treaty of 1974, the carrier became Gulf Air. In 1995, the carrier won the "Best Passenger Service Award" from Air Transport World magazine.
Currently Gulf Air operates one of the world's youngest fleets. The average age of aircraft is less than three years The airline operates four passenger aircraft types; Airbus A340-300s for long and ultra-long haul flights; Boeing 767-300ERs for long and medium hauls; Airbus A330-200s for medium and long haul flights; and Airbus A320-200s for short to medium haul sectors. Gulf Air flies to 7 destinations in Europe, 26 in the Middle East and Africa, and 19 in Asia and Australia.
Gulf Air's highly trained crew is made up of more than 60 nationalities, speaking 73 different languages, reflecting the truly multinational nature of the airline. Cabin crews are supported by advanced in-flight entertainment systems and programs, fine food and wines, and a unique range of duty free items.
Gulf Air introduced new first-class initiatives to give customers "What They Want, When They Want It." Gulf Air has also unveiled plans to place qualified five-star chefs onboard flights for its First Class service, to provide customers with the choice, quality and individual attention associated with five-star hotels and international standards of fine dining. Passengers will immediately appreciate the difference, whether it's the salads being freshly tossed and dressed chair side, or meals being hand delivered, cooked to the chosen taste of the customer, plus presented to illustrate the talent and flair of the in-flight chef. The whole restaurant experience will be made complete by a "Chef's Dessert Buffet," whereby an extended choice of desserts will be individually plated and presented to a customer's expressed taste.
In a move unique to the Middle East, Gulf Air will also introduce a Dine on Demand dining option on night flights, whereby in-flight chefs will take orders from an expansive menu, which will then be finished and served at a chosen time, allowing customers greater flexibility to rest and dine when they desire. In line with modern restaurant trends, new initiatives focus on providing top-quality fresh foods at flexible times with the best of service.
Gulf Air is creating a real "Restaurant in the Sky" feel. These in-flight chefs will be introduced initially on routes to London starting September 6, 2002, however, there are plans to expand this service across the network, including flights to Paris and Frankfurt. Caviar has disappeared from First and Business Class menus in the interests of environmental preservation. The airline, which prides itself in having the finest haute cuisine standards, has served Beluga caviar for more than 25 years, but now fears that its production is endangering the existence of the Caspian Sea sturgeon.
Gulf Air is an airline reflecting the needs of the customers, and not the customers fitting in with their needs, a rare assurance in the air travel business indeed.
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 1996-2006 Pyramid Media Group, Inc. / Air Travel Media Inc.
Online | Magazines | Newsletters | Business & Prof | Books & eBooks
Advertising | Marketing | Content | Info Services | Links
Subscriptions | Order Center | Contact Us | Archives & Site Map | Home
Copyright © 1996-2006 Pyramid Media Group | Liability | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service