Gulf Air has appointed Richard Croft as Sales Manager Offline Europe. In his new role with Gulf Air, Richard Croft is responsible for the management and development of commercial activity throughout the European countries that Gulf Air does not currently fly to. Richard Croft boasts considerable experience across the aviation and travel industry in general. He spent the last four and a half years with Qatar Airways, and held the role of Sales Manager Offline for the last two years. Prior to Qatar Airways, Richard worked with Discover the World Marketing - the world's largest travel representation company - and before that with bmi. "Gulf Air is going through a very exciting phase, and I am looking forward to the challenges role will offer. I welcome the opportunity to boost Gulf Air's profile in Europe and make an even bigger impression with passengers and competitors alike over the coming years," said Richard Croft. The announcement of Richard Croft's appointment follows another highly successful year for the award-winning airline. Gulf Air has introduced key business initiatives including state-of-the-art Sky Beds, to boost passenger numbers and enhance customer service. The investment is already showing dividends, with passenger numbers in 2004 reaching record numbers, and propelling the airline to report a profit of $4 million in 2004, its best financial performance since 1997. Further recent expansion by Gulf Air includes the launch of Dublin's first-ever scheduled services to the Middle East and a return to services from Johannesburg. The non-stop Gulf Air flights will allow direct travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain and onward connections to more than 40 cities in the Middle East, Africa, the Far East and Australia. Driven by new levels of service excellence and a range of product and service innovations, Gulf Air has won a string of international awards, further moving the airline back towards its former position as one of the world's most respected airlines.

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About Gulf Air Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is presently owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the region. More than half a century later, the regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced are still central in defining the brand and service ethos within the contemporary and global environment. Today the airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft. Under President and Chief Executive James Hogan, the successful implementation of the first phase of a restructuring programme, which commenced in 2003, has resulted in the establishment of a platform for sustained commercial operation. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air's 'boutique airline' vision. The dramatic turnaround in fortunes has won international recognition. The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, which recognised the airline's commitment to service excellence. Other awards include: Winner - Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004 Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004 Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004 Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004 Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005 For further information please contact: GULF AIR PRESS OFFICE T: +44 (0)870 420 3262 F: +44 (0)870 420 3252 E: gulfair@fourplc.com W: www.gulfairco.com