GULF Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced AviaWorld, the US joint venture of Aviareps and Airworld Alliance, as its new General Sales Agent for the US and Canada. The new GSA, AviaWorld, will be marketing Gulf Air using its expertise and global Aviareps network and its strong presence in the US and Canada. With its extensive network of offices in Houston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver, the leading aviation management company is well-positioned in the important territories. Sales and marketing professionals and an experienced reservations team will push Gulf Air's visibility and promote the airline's attractive product offer to Bahrain and beyond. Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Karim Maklouf said: “With over 18 years of experience in the travel trade, Aviaworld has earned a reputation not only among the aviation industry but also with other related industries such as tourist boards, hotel chains, cruise lines, car rentals and airports. The extensive network of offices across the US and Canada is well positioned to promote Gulf Air in these two important markets.” “I am sure our new GSA will be marketing Gulf Air using its expertise, local knowledge and its strong team of sales professionals and an experienced reservations team that will push Gulf Air's visibility and promote the airline's attractive product offer to Bahrain and beyond,” Maklouf added. Leslie Machado, Managing Director, AviaWorld, said: “We are honored with the confidence that Gulf Air has placed in our team of aviation professionals combined with the strength and capabilities of our global network. Passengers and travel agents in the US and Canada will benefit from personalized Gulf Air sales and support services across multiple time zones delivered through an expanded network of offices.” Gulf Air has a codeshare agreement with American Airlines, offering passengers from the United States a vast choice of options for travel to Bahrain and beyond. Connections from all major American cities are available with transit via Gulf Air's European network. Thus, travellers can easily connect to the Gulf region via London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Rome Fiumicino, Copenhagen, or Paris Charles de Gaulle, whilst carrying on with Gulf Air flights from these cities. Gulf Air currently operates services to 48 international destinations in 30 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Far East and Europe from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. – SG
