Gulf Air\'s revenue rises 6 %

Gulf Air registered a 13 per cent increase in passenger numbers in the first half of the year, showing signs of significant improvements across its business operations. The national carrier\'s revenue increased by 6pc, while seat load factor reached 77pc, registering 5pc growth. \"We were able to achieve these results with the combined efforts of rationalised route network, fleet optimisation, improved sales efficiency, products and services, cost efficiency measures and expenditure reduction,\" said chief executive Samer Majali. \"This is by no means a small achievement considering factors such as the temporary suspension of eight profitable routes and high fuel prices that have had a negative impact on our traffic and revenue. \"We are pushing forward with our cost efficiency and sales efficiency measures in 2012 and are targeting a further 15pc reduction in cost base for the full year. \"We have already achieved a cost base savings of BD6.8 million ($18m) between January and May this year,\" he said. \"We are glad that business is looking up and we will continue to work harder to improve across our business functions to provide the best value for money to our customers,\" he added. \"We will continue to be the flag carrier of Bahrain and support the country\'s economic ambitions by being a commercially sustainable and dynamic airline that effectively serves the people and the economy of Bahrain, and represents the kingdom on the world stage,\" he added. The Falcon Gold premium class registered 35pc growth, while the economy class posted 12pc growth over the same period last year. Gulf Air credited the positive figures to passengers\' increasing preference for the airline due to the introduction of several new features and facilities. The carrier operates one of the youngest fleets in the region, with an average fleet age of 4.7 years. The airline\'s on-time punctuality grew to 79pc, up 1pc from last year as against 74pc in 2010. Its technical dispatch reliability reached 99.4pc. Customer complaints reduced by 11pc in the first half. The introduction of the staff appreciation scheme last year received good response from customers, the airline said, with over 2,000 frequent flyers complimenting the airline\'s customer service.