Gulf Air to Modernize Fleet Amid Supply Chain Challenges

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, is set to announce a significant new aircraft order soon as part of its fleet expansion and modernization strategy. This comes amidst ongoing global supply chain disruptions and delivery delays, which have posed significant challenges for the airline, according to Gulf Air Group CEO Jeffrey Goh.

In discussions about the widebody fleet, the airline is considering options such as the Boeing 787-8 and 787-10 models. Goh emphasized the need to align the timing of new acquisitions with the airline’s expansion and aircraft replacement needs. “Given the global supply chain, the queue is long, and we need to time it in such a way that it aligns with our expansion and replacement needs,” he stated during an interview with Aviation Week.

Currently, Gulf Air is expecting the delivery of 10 Airbus A320-family aircraft by 2027 and two Boeing 787-9 widebodies by 2026. However, these schedules may change due to the ongoing supply chain issues highlighted by Goh at Routes World 2024, hosted in Bahrain. He pointed out that the global supply chain has been a persistent issue since the pandemic, affecting the entire aviation industry’s ability to receive new aircraft on time.

While the narrowbody fleet is adequately positioned for the near future, the widebody segment is identified as a key area for potential expansion or replacement. These plans are crucial as Gulf Air aims to increase its capacity, particularly targeting growth in underserved markets such as the U.S., China, and Africa. Goh noted that aircraft availability and regulatory approvals are significant factors in considering new destinations in these regions.

Despite aiming for a 14% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, delivery delays have compelled Gulf Air to adjust its growth expectations to an 8-10% increase. Goh also highlighted broader industry issues, noting that about 700 aircraft are currently grounded globally due to engine problems, a situation he does not see improving in the next two to three years.

Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=Gulf+Air