Gulf Air Orders Up to 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Expand Fleet

Gulf Air has signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with options for six additional jets, as part of its strategy to modernize its widebody fleet and expand international operations. The $7 billion deal, announced on July 17, will increase the Bahraini airline’s firm order book to 14 Dreamliners and support an estimated 30,000 jobs across the United States.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope, and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi.

“This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air’s growth as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the most advanced and efficient aircraft,” said Taqi. “The Dreamliner is central to our long-haul operations and aligns with our sustainability goals.”

Gulf Air currently operates 10 Dreamliners, which serve as the backbone of its long-haul network spanning more than 50 destinations across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. The new aircraft will enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency while enabling further route expansion.

Stephanie Pope added, “This investment in the 787 Dreamliner reinforces Gulf Air’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, while strengthening Bahrain’s aviation sector.”

Gulf Air is the flag carrier of Bahrain, which was founded in 1950. Headquartered in Muharraq, the airline operates scheduled flights to 51 destinations in 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The airline’s main hub is at Bahrain International Airport.

The airline currently operates 33 Airbus A320 and A321 narrow-body jets, along with 10 Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft. Since entering service in 2011, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has enabled over 425 new nonstop routes and carried more than 1 billion passengers worldwide. Gulf Air has taken delivery of 37 Boeing aircraft since it first operated the DC-3 in 1961.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com, Gulf Air