Gulf Air was first established in 1950 as Gulf Aviation Company but is now the flag carrier airline of the kingdom of Bahrain in the Gulf region. The government of the country retains control of the airline via the Mumtalakat Holding Company. From a humble start as an aviation company servicing the regional oil fields and other customers within the region, it currently services routes in 45 destinations located in the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa from its hub in the Bahrain International Airport, Mulharraq.
Gulf Air operates a fleet of 29 aircraft which include Boeing, Embraer and Airbus planes. It also has an ambitious order fleet of 61 aircraft from the same aircraft companies. The airline is a major sponsor of the Bahrain Grand Prix which is one of the most prestigious Formula One tournaments in the world.
Gulf Air has also been involved in charitable activities as it has donated and delivered food and relief materials to victims of the Typhoon Ketsana in Manila.
In terms of accidents, Gulf Air has experienced some unfortunate situations. Notable amongst them was the 23rd of September bomb blast inside Gulf Air Flight 771 credited to the Abu Nidal Organization in which killed 105 passengers and all seven crew of the aircraft.
