Dubai Airports today confirmed that Gulf Air has signed a memorandum of understanding to become the first full-service network carrier to fly into Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC).
 
Gulf Air plans to operate a daily service linking DWC to its home base in Bahrain effective December 8. Gulf Air already operates 51 flights per week into Dubai International but is targeting travellers who value the new airport’s convenience and proximity to new Dubai.
 
“We are thrilled to announce the signing of an MoU with Gulf Air, the first full-service airline to commit to operations into DWC,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. “Gulf Air’s daily service to Bahrain and onward connections through its network are sure to be appealing to a wide number of travellers. It’s clear the interest in our new passenger terminal is growing in leaps and bounds. We are confident passengers will appreciate the sleek efficiency of our newest passenger terminal and the growing slate of flights it has on offer.”
 
Gulf Air’s acting chief executive officer Maher Salman Al Musallam said: "We are delighted to be the first full service carrier operating to Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central. Gulf Air’s new daily evening flight to DWC will provide additional travel options and seamless connections through Bahrain to over 30 destinations, maximizing passenger convenience. Furthermore, the airport’s close proximity to the holiday, residential and business developments of Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina, Dubai Media City and Palm Jumeirah, make it an attractive, alternative, time-saving travel proposition for passengers  located in or travelling to these areas.”
 
“Gulf Air has been operating to Dubai since 1960 and today operates seven flights daily from Bahrain International Airport to Dubai International the additional flight to DWC boosts Gulf Air’s capacity to Emirate by 10 per cent,” Musallam said.
 
Gulf Air will be operating its new A320-Extended Range (ER) aircraft on all of it its flights between Bahrain International Airport and DWC. The aircraft features fully-flatbed seats in Falcon Gold Class and all Economy seats boast a width of 18-inches with a generous 4-inch recline. The aircraft are also equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment technology.
 
Upon opening, DWC will offer full retail as well as food and beverage amenities. It is serviced by one A380 capable runway, 64 remote aircraft stands and has capacity for up to 7 million passengers per year.  

Dubai World Central first opened for cargo operations in June 2010 and has quickly established itself as an emerging cargo airport in the region with 36 airlines.  Dubai Airports launched general aviation operations at DWC on April 28, 2011. The new passenger terminal building will open on October 27. Upon completion, DWC will become the world’s largest airport with five runways and an ultimate capacity of 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum. - TradeArabia News Service