Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air began its service to Isfahan in the Islamic Republic of Iran – the airline’s 46th destination and the first in 2011, taking the total number of destinations to Iran to four.
The inaugural flight took off from Bahrain international Airport yesterday evening in the presence of senior Gulf Air executives, officials from Bahrain Airport Company and Bahrain Civil Aviation.
The flight was received at Isfahan by Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali, who was joined by Rashid Al Dosseri, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Iran and senior Civil Aviation and Government officials.
“It is another important milestone for Gulf Air as we begin our service to this historic city Isfahan. This is our fourth city in the Islamic Republic of Iran after Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad, where we have been flying to for many years,” Samer Majali told journalists during a press conference at arrival.
“We chose Isfahan for many reasons; it is one of the major niche markets that is yet to be adequately served. From fine carpets to exquisite handicrafts, from quintessential culture to traditional Islamic architecture, to historic holy sites- it is a great tourist destination waiting to be explored but is increasingly being spotted by discerning travelers.”
“Gulf Air is the first international airline to connect Isfahan to the region. Therefore, the launch of Isfahan demonstrates our new business strategy to identify and expand our operations into niche and under-served markets. We believe that the opening of Isfahan will create city-pairs by providing direct services to Bahrain and beyond.”
“On the other hand, Isfahan is also home to factories and establishments that produce fine carpets, textiles, steel, a major oil refinery and an advanced aircraft manufacturing facility. Now with a direct flight between Isfahan and Bahrain, we are opening up a whole new market.”
“I am confident like the other three cities, Isfahan will also be a successful route for us” added Majali .
“We are pleased to see Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, starting direct service to Isfahan – one of our important cities,” added Ali Redha Zakir Isfahani, the Governor of Isfahan.
“This is not only indication of the business potential that Iran and Bahrain present but also a demonstration of the strong and historic relationship between the two countries. As mentioned by Majali, Isfahan has a great potential for business, leisure and religious travelers. I am sure this also will be a successful route for Gulf Air.”