Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air has entered into a strategic sponsorship agreement with Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the official host of the inaugural Routes Middle East and Africa that will be held in Bahrain later this year.

Under the agreement, the airline has become the event's official carrier, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Scheduled to be held from May 31 to June 2, Routes Middle East and Africa will bring together more than 350 delegates from across Africa and the Middle East to meet and discuss route development opportunities across the region.

Hosted by Bahrain Airport Company, the event is anticipated to see the participation of representatives from more than 50 airlines, 70 airports and 10 tourism authorities.

As part of the sponsorship agreement Gulf Air will be offering the event organisers complimentary airfares in addition to a 20 per cent discount on airfares for all participants and delegates when booking through www.gulfair.com.

Gulf Air acting chief executive Maher Al Musallam said Bahrain Airport Company was a key industry partner for the airline, which welcomed such a first-time industry event to not only Bahrain but the entire region.

Bahrain Airport Company chief executive Mohamed Al Binfalah said securing the inaugural event was the result of collective efforts with partners and stakeholders.

“We are confident that this world-class forum will reiterate Bahrain's role as an aviation hub in the Mena region and highlight our deep-rooted aviation heritage which is deeply linked to Gulf Air's history and heritage,” he said. - TradeArabia News Service