Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air has released a special documentary on the airline’s history and 70 years of aviation in the region.
The 20-minute documentary narrates the journey from the establishment of Gulf Air in 1950 throughout the following decades until its 70th anniversary in 2020.
The documentary features prominent figures from Bahrain who were part of the airline’s history or were linked to its evolution at different stages and eras.
Interviews were conducted with Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister and Gulf Air Chairman Zayed R. Alzayani, acting CEO Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi, Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, wife of Shaikh Rashid bin Hassan Al Khalifa, first Bahraini pilot for Gulf Air, and Bahrain’s Ambassador to India and Gulf Air’s first Bahraini captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud.
“Gulf Air has come a long way since its establishment as Gulf Aviation in 1950,” Al Alawi said.
“Today it is the national carrier of Bahrain and it connects the island with many parts of the world. Gulf Air is a key asset to Bahrain’s economic wheel as it contributes to its GDP in various forms such as inbound tourism traffic, transit traffic, imports and exports cargo as well as promoting Bahrain on a global scale through major sponsorship and events," he added.
The documentary also features interviews with Mohammed Yateem, businessman and son of Hussain Yateem, Gulf Aviation co-founder, Yousuf Salahuddin, businessman & Bahrain’s first licenced pilot, and Dorine Oberndorfer, former Gulf Air stewardess and Passenger Service Officer.
Participants discussed various topics and shared memories that focused on Gulf Air’s reflection to Bahrain’s identity, the idea of forming an airline based in Bahrain, the Gulf Aviation days, the involvement of the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), GCC states joining the airline, Bahrain and Gulf Air leading the way for many ‘firsts’ and how Gulf Air highlights the Kingdom on the global map as a carrier of culture and growth.
The documentary is available on Gulf Air’s YouTube channel and social media platforms and will also be available for viewing on-board Gulf Air flights and on Bahrain Television.-TradeArabia News Service