The Hindu Business Line : 2004, a record year for Gulf Air

GULF Air announced that 2004 was a record year for the airline, with 1.4 million more passengers carried last year compared to 2003 and the highest seat factor in the airline's history.

The airline said that 74,84,470 revenue passengers flew on the Gulf Air network in 2004, up 23.5 per cent from 60,59,872 in 2003, breaking 2003's record for the highest number carried in a single financial year, according to a statement from the airline, the official Emirates News Agency WAM said.

Passenger revenue increased by 27.5 per cent over 2003, largely driven by the 24.2 per cent more premium passengers carried in 2004.

Seat factor rose to 71.4 per cent compared to 68.2 per cent in 2003 - another record. Similar growth was seen in cargo where there was an 18.1 per cent growth in revenue.

"This is another very positive indicator that there is ever-growing public confidence in the changes that we are making within the airline," said the President and Chief Executive, Mr James Hogan. All three of Gulf Air's hubs in Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Bahrain contributed to the record total, each turning in strong individual performances. He said the airline would invest $10 million in new first and business seats, which will be introduced from February in the Airbus A330 fleet.

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