Gulf Air Orders 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in Major Fleet Expansion Deal

Generally when we put the words Middle East next to aircraft order we expect to see massive numbers follow. However, there are also smaller sized carriers in the region, such as Gulf Air what now is the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Gulf Air has just announced an additional order of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Gulf Air Announces Major 787 Dreamliner Order at Washington Ceremony

In recent times it seems to be the trend for airlines to announce aircraft orders during official diplomatic state visits. It happened with both VietJet and Malaysia Airlines ordering aircraft while country representatives where on a state visit in France. The same has occurred with Gulf Air ordering Boeing 787s during a Baharain official state visit.

The order ceremony took place in non other than Washington D.C. in presence of the Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Also present, of course, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi.

12 Firm Orders Plus 6 Options: Breaking Down Gulf Air's 787 Purchase Agreement

The Gulf Air Boeing 787 order itself isn't massive, but it is significant for both Boeing and the airline alike. Honing in on the details the aircraft order includes:

• 12 Boeing 787 firm orders
• 6 Boeing 787 purchase options

That makes up a total of up to 18 Boeing 787s to join the Gulf Air fleet in coming years. No details on which specific variant of the Dreamliner will the Bahrain national carrier be taking, however, so far it has only operated the Boeing 787-9. I have the feeling it will be more of the 9 mid-sized variant to be joining Gulf Air with possibly some of the smaller 787-8 joining.

Unless the airline has a plan to change its approach to business in coming years with a new push towards expansionism, I don't think the 787-10 will be part of this Gulf Air Boeing aircraft order deal.

How 18 New Dreamliners Will Transform Gulf Air's International Route Network

If all options are transformed into orders that will mean that Gulf Air will be receiving 18 new Boeing aircraft. This order can completely reshape Gulf Air's route network appearance.

More wide body long range capable aircraft will open new possibilities for the airline to expand. Either increasing frequencies to current destinations which could support more capacity or open to new destinations which aren't even on Gulf Air's map yet. For instance

Bahrain currently doesn't have any direct flights to the US or Australia. Who knows, we might be in for some new routes of this sort some time soon?

From 10 to 30: Gulf Air's All-787 Widebody Strategy Explained

As mentioned above, Gulf Air already operates a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Currently the total number of this aircraft type sits at 10, with another 2 still in the Boeing order books from prior deals. That potentially brings the Gulf Air Boeing 787 fleet to 30 units with all aircraft delivered and in service. That will be the entire wide body fleet.

What remains to be seen is how future Boeing 787 deliveries will be configured. Will the airline continue to fit these planes with the passenger favorite Collins Aerospace Apex seat or will they refresh the look and feel of their Dreamliner interiors?

60+ Year Boeing Partnership: Gulf Air's Aircraft Evolution Since 1961

Although now only operating the 787 Dreamliner, Gulf Air has long been a partner for Boeing in the Middle East. The airline has operated almost every aircraft type Boeing has produced, including the likes of:

• 737
• 747
• 757
• 767
• 777
• 787

It also included in its early days a Douglas DC3 which at the time wasn't still a Boeing plane but the company following 2 mergers eventually became part of the Boeing Company.

What Travelers Can Expect from Gulf Air's Expanded 787 Dreamliner Fleet

Its plausible that the airline is looking at enhancing its route network with the arrival of these new aircraft. We might see Gulf Air offer more connection possibilities through its base in Manama international airport, attracting a niche of clientele that doesn't perfectly fit in with what the larger airlines in the region offer.