Gulf Air to terminate Casablanca and Colombo services

Gulf Air has announced plans to optimise performance across its network to ensure that the airline meets its objectives for 2005.

Gulf Air carried a record number of passengers in 2004 increasing passenger revenue by 27.5 per cent. 

Fareed Al Alawi, Gulf Air’s Vice President Network, said, “This year we will consolidate on the positive strides made in 2004, which necessitates further optimisation of performance across the business and the network, to minimise the impact of the record high fuel price and grow our market share in the face of increasing competition.”

“Like carriers world-wide, Gulf Air is taking serious steps to counter these pressures on our continued operations. Part of this process entails the review and evaluation of our network. At this critical juncture we are looking at ways in which we can use our fleet and resources in the most effective way to ensure that we serve our customers and meet their needs while maintaining our operation on a commercial basis,” he said.

As a first step, Gulf Air will be implementing changes to its network in Africa and Asia, and has decided to terminate operations to Casablanca in Morocco from 24 March and services to Colombo in Sri Lanka from 26 March this year.

This decision will allow the airline to re-allocate assets more effectively, strengthening the network still further in key areas, either by increasing flight frequencies to key destinations or by assigning the aircraft for service on high demand sectors. 

“However, our first commitment remains to our customers and steps are already in place to minimise any potential impact of this decision,” he said. “Assistance will be provided to ensure seamless travel with minimal disruption when the change is implemented at the end of March. Representation will be retained in Colombo through the appointed General Sales Agent (GSA), and the office in Morocco will remain open until other measures are in place.”

The withdrawal strategy is presently being finalised and full details are being discussed with personnel in both countries during the course of the next few days.

In closing Mr Al Alawi noted, “The dynamics within the global industry and the markets are constantly in flux. This requires our continuous assessment and flexibility to act correctly in the circumstances. We are optimistic about the year ahead and believe that we will be able move forward again as the fuel price stabilises and market conditions correct themselves.”

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