Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, 14 December 2009: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has introduced a series of initiatives, which will result in an annual reduction of around 33,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from its aircraft.

The significant fuel reductions are expected from the proactive initiatives being rolled out by the Gulf Air Fuel Conservation Committee, which is exclusively charged with looking at ways for the airline to reduce its carbon foot print.

Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali said, �As a pioneering airline in the region, Gulf Air believes it can play a positive role in protecting the environment and help build a better future for our children, the local community and the world.

He added, �What better occasion there can be than announcing our comprehensive carbon-emission reduction measures, when countries of the world have converged in Copenhagen to discuss climate change? As a responsible corporate citizen we are fully committed to this global cause and these are some of our proactive measures towards this commitment.

Besides, as a long-standing member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), we are in tune with the world body�s commitment to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020.�

One of the key initiatives the airline has introduced to reduce fuel consumption include flying a more direct route to certain destinations resulting in the reduction of around 22,600 tons of Co2 emissions per year.

In another initiative, the airline has combined the two in-flight magazines, Gulf Life and the in-flight entertainment guide, On Air into one magazine. The new look, Gulf Life magazine, is being produced using a slightly lower weight (gsm) paper to reduce the overall weight carried on board. In addition, the airline will reduce the number of spare in-flight magazines carried on board and instead make provision for storage and replenishment on the ground at its Bahrain hub and outstations. The combined benefit of these measures will result in the reduction of approximately 600 tons of carbon dioxide (Co2) emission per year. In another environment-friendly measure, Gulf Air has also reduced the amount of potable water it carries on board its flights by 25%, which will save around 1,800 tons of Carbon emissions each year.

Other fuel conservation measures include reduced contingency fuel, acceleration height management and flight spare kit weight reduction that will together save approximately 8300 tons of Co2 emission- all intended to improve efficiency while maintaining the highest levels of flight safety and schedule reliability.

Captain Nasser Al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the Fuel Conversation Committee said: �We have an objective to conduct all our operations with a genuine, balanced and proper regard for the need to sustain natural resources. From reducing the weight of our in-flight magazine to investing in clean-air technology, we are looking at every single area of our operations to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint and help maintain a better environment in accordance with international standards and regulations related to environmental protection.�

Recently, the airline has also chosen the most fuel-efficient options to power its new fleet. The A320 Airbus aircraft on order - three of which that already joined the fleet - will be powered by CFM56-5B engine that will reduce emissions by 200 tons per aircraft per year.

Following the signing of a pledge in October 2008, Gulf Air is also working with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group on commercialization, certification, and provision of a viable market in order to accelerate the development of alternative fuels. The group is made-up of airlines, aircraft manufactures, research institutions and NGOs all committed to using bio-fuels, when it is proven to be completely sustainable. Members of the group include Air New Zealand, Boeing, Yale University, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

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About Gulf Air Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is the proud national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Having been operating for over half a Century, it ranks as one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East region. Though it continually strives to develop; its goal has remained unchanged - to maintain a constant commitment to the latest aviation technology and an adherence to traditional Arabian hospitality. It is currently owned by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holdings Company.

One of the prime motives of the carrier is to link Bahrain to the GCC as well as connect it to the rest of the world. The airline�s network stretches from Europe to Asia, connecting 43 cities in 28 countries, with a current fleet consisting of 36 aircraft. Renown for its direct network to its non-stop flights schedules, Gulf Air covers the Middle East, the Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

The airline�s business strategy is to re-fleet itself over the next five years to further strengthen its presence. It recently signed a deal with Boeing worth nearly US$ 6 billion to purchase up to 24 Boeing 787 aircraft, and another deal with Airbus for 35 aircraft, including A320s and A330s.

Gulf Air is the Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2009 and London based football club Queens Park Rangers.

Abby Smith PR Manager Europe Gulf Air 3 Shortlands Hammersmith London, W6 8DA Office: + 44 208600 7404 Mobile: + 44 7834 711 535 or + 44 7748 840 932 Fax: + 44 208600 7460 Email: abby.smith@gulfair.com GULF AIR NOW OPERATES FROM TERMINAL 4, LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

Abby Louise Smith PR Manager Europe Gulf Air - Corporate Affairs & Communications Tel : + 44 (0) 20 8600 7404 Mobile: + 44 (0) 7834 711 535 Fax : + 44 (0) 20 8600 7460 Email: Abby.Smith@gulfair.com