Manama, Bahrain — In a bold move signaling its long-term vision for global expansion, Gulf Air has placed a firm order for 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the airline announced on Saturday. The landmark deal, signed during an official ceremony in Manama, is poised to significantly transform the Bahraini flag carrier’s fleet and its international ambitions.
The order includes a mix of 787-9 and 787-10 variants, which will replace aging widebodies and support new ultra-long-haul and high-demand regional routes. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2026, with full integration into Gulf Air’s fleet by the end of the decade.
“This order marks a turning point for Gulf Air and Bahrain’s aviation sector,” said Captain Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi, CEO of Gulf Air. “The 787 Dreamliner’s efficiency, range, and passenger appeal will unlock new possibilities for our network and customer experience.”
A Strategic Leap Toward Global Growth
Gulf Air has long maintained a presence in key Middle Eastern and South Asian markets, but the Dreamliner order is part of a larger strategic pivot. The airline plans to leverage the 787s to launch new long-haul routes to North America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, while enhancing frequency on high-traffic European services.
This move is expected to place Bahrain more prominently on the global aviation map, complementing the country’s broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
“The Dreamliner is more than just a new aircraft—it’s a tool for transformation,” said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We’re proud to support Gulf Air’s ambition to connect Bahrain to the world like never before.”
Game-Changing Passenger Experience
The Boeing 787 is renowned for its quieter cabins, higher humidity, larger windows, and fuel efficiency—features Gulf Air says will redefine its inflight offering. The airline also plans to introduce an all-new cabin product, including a revamped Falcon Gold business class suite, as part of the Dreamliner rollout.
With sustainability now central to airline strategies, the Dreamliner’s 20–25% lower fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft aligns with Gulf Air’s commitment to a greener future.
Regional Aviation Powerhouse in the Making
The Dreamliner order positions Gulf Air in a stronger competitive stance against regional giants like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. Analysts say the move reflects a broader trend of smaller Gulf carriers leveraging next-generation aircraft to punch above their weight in the long-haul market.
“Gulf Air is playing smart by investing in versatile, efficient aircraft that allow them to tap into underserved or unserved long-haul routes,” said aviation analyst Zainab Malik of MEA Aero Insights. “This is a critical step if Bahrain wants to build itself as a strategic transit and tourism hub