Gulf Air wins Family Friendly Airline award

18/04/2012 13:44 AST

Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, has won the Family Friendly Airline Award 2012 in an online Facebook poll by US-based Kids First Fund.

The Kids First Fund — an organization devoted to helping children in need across the world — introduced the annual Family Friendly Airline Award to identify airlines that provide innovative services and added comfort to children and parents resulting in a better onboard environment for all travelers.

A panel of five airline and travel industry leaders selected finalists from a host of airline nominees before letting the public vote on the ultimate winner.

Gulf Air was adjudged the best Family Friendly Airline after receiving almost 80 percent of the votes.

Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf said: “This global recognition is a demonstration of the success of the family friendly brand that was launched recently. The result reflects the airline’s dedication and commitment to our different passenger segments and continuous innovation of new products and services.”

Gulf Air Chief Services Officer Marcus Bernhardt said: “Gulf Air’s success is the result of the collective efforts of the Gulf Air team — drawn from various departments, all pooling their varied and distinct resources to enhance the airline’s product and services offering. Gulf Air staff worked hard to provide the trademark Arabian hospitality for which the airline is renowned.”

Kids First Fund President Jay Sorensen said: “The services provided by Gulf Air to children and parents are very impressive and clearly set a global standard. It’s clear this airline has set to distinguish itself by serving families and by extension, business travelers. Happy kids make quiet passengers, and that’s something every business traveler can appreciate. The service is novel in so many ways, from specially trained Sky Nannies to kid-height counters for eye level check-in. Clearly Gulf Air’s Family Friendly Product connects with the carrier’s consumers - that’s why they voted it number one.”

Arab News