Latest news with #SalmanbinHamadAlKhalifa
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Gulf Air Expands Fleet with 18 Boeing 787s Powered by GE Engines
Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has secured a deal for Gulf Air to acquire 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft fitted with General Electric engines, marking a departure from the carrier's previous reliance on Rolls‑Royce engines. At a meeting held in Washington with U. S. President Donald Trump, the agreement was signed alongside a broader $17 billion suite of investments from Bahrain in the United States. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick estimated the aviation component alone at around $7 billion, with support for some 30,000 American jobs. The state-run Bahrain News Agency confirmed that all 18 aircraft will be supplied under the deal. Under terms agreed with Boeing and GE Aerospace, 12 of the 787s will be delivered as firm orders, with options to add a further six jets. Additionally, the arrangement includes up to 40 GE engines. Based on precedents, analysts estimate the aircraft element to be worth approximately $2.8 billion. ADVERTISEMENT This marks Gulf Air's first significant pivot away from Rolls‑Royce, which currently powers its fleet of 10 Dreamliners. Gulf Air CEO Jeffrey Goh has previously expressed concerns about the Rolls‑Royce Trent 1000's reliability issues, indicating this switch may enhance operational stability and reduce maintenance overheads. Industry observers note such engine shifts are not uncommon. The Boeing 787 was designed with interchangeable engine interfaces to accommodate either GE's GEnx or Rolls‑Royce's Trent 1000, simplifying transitions between manufacturers. The deal coincides with Gulf Air's strategic expansion, including resuming direct flights to New York's JFK from October, operated by the new 787‑9 aircraft. With plans to grow its network by 25 percent over five years, the carrier aims to boost connectivity to major financial and leisure hubs. U. S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick celebrated the sale, calling it a testament to American industrial and technological strength. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Salman stressed the authenticity of the deal, stating, 'These aren't fake deals,' and describing Gulf Air's move as both a fleet modernisation and a strategic step for Bahrain's aviation ambitions. Beyond aviation, Bahrain pledged further investments in U. S. energy, technology, manufacturing, and security sectors. These include initiatives to enhance domestic aluminium production, LNG output, AI chip partnerships, and server infrastructure supported by firms like Oracle and Cisco. A memorandum of understanding on commercial nuclear power development was also signed. The announcement follows a wave of Gulf deals brokered during Trump's Middle East diplomacy. In May, Qatar placed Boeing orders valued at $96 billion across wide-body fleets, Saudi Arabia committed $600 billion in U. S. investment pledges, while the UAE agreed to a $14.5 billion order for Boeing 787 and 777X jets. Gulf Air's move to GE engines aligns with efforts to enhance reliability and streamline maintenance—a shift driven by enduring technical issues with the Trent 1000 that had led to flight cancellations and frequency reductions. GE's GEnx engines are noted for improved fuel efficiency, lower parts count, extended on-wing time, and reduced maintenance needs—reportedly 15 percent more fuel-efficient than their CF6 predecessors. As part of the larger economic package, Bahrain's king is scheduled to visit Washington later this year to finalise the agreements and reinforce the partnership with the United States.
Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Gulf Air signs $4.6 billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced the signing of a $4.6 billion agreement with Boeing to acquire 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, supporting the airline's long term strategy to modernise its fleet and expand its route network. The aircraft will be powered by engines from GE Aerospace, enhancing Gulf Air's operational performance and sustainability while further elevating the passenger experience. The agreement was signed during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Washington, underscoring the growing economic and trade relations between Bahrain and the United States. The signing was attended by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat); Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce; Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States; and Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat. Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group, said that the order of the popular 787 Dreamliner reflects Gulf Air's continued drive for growth and development, increasing passenger capacity by over 20%. He added that the investment supports the airline's commitment to fuel efficiency, environmental sustainability, and passenger comfort, while also reflecting the strength of Bahrain–US aviation ties. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, advanced technologies, and superior passenger comfort, making it a cornerstone of Gulf Air's current and future fleet. The new aircraft will support the airline's long term operations, expansion plans, and sustainability goals. Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, welcomed the expanded partnership with Gulf Air, saying the delivery of additional 787s will enable the airline to serve more passengers and destinations, highlighting its commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. During the signing, Gulf Air and Boeing also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to discuss the potential for localising aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations in Bahrain. The MoU reflects both parties' commitment to assessing potential strategic partnerships to establish world class MRO capabilities locally, supporting job creation and enhancing national talent in the aviation maintenance sector. The agreement with Boeing supports Gulf Air Group's efforts to position Bahrain as a leading regional aviation hub, aligned with the Kingdom's goals of promoting sustainability, economic diversification, and international air connectivity. BNA(R)
Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain, US and UK sign Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA)
As part of the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the United States of America, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the US signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). The agreement was signed on behalf of Bahrain by Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States; on behalf of the United States of America by Maura Namdar, Senior Official at the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the US Department of State; and on behalf of the United Kingdom by Lucy Ferguson, Minister Counsellor for Foreign Policy, Security and Development at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid said that the C-SIPA agreement sets the groundwork for building stronger security cooperation and supporting prosperity in the Middle East. He emphasised that the agreement embodies the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Excellency President Donald Trump of the United States of America, towards achieving peace, stability, and prosperity for the countries and peoples of the region and the world. The agreement further expresses the current regional reality, which aspires to peace, prosperity, development, and cooperation by establishing normal relations between all the countries of the region. The ambassador commended the efforts of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to strengthen cooperation between Bahrain and the United States. He highlighted His Royal Highness's ongoing commitment to building a solid and strategic partnership that serves the shared interests of both nations. The ambassador emphasised that these efforts not only support progress and prosperity in Bahrain and the United States, but also contribute positively to the well-being of people across the region and the wider international community. Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid also commended the trilateral signing by Bahrain, the US, and the UK, on the accession of the UK to the C-SIPA agreement. He noted that the UK's accession represents a strategic milestone in consolidating regional security, stability, and prosperity and in enhancing international partnerships founded on common principles and values. The ambassador welcomed the UK's accession to the agreement, describing it as a multilateral framework that unites countries to strengthen regional security, enhance collective deterrence against external threats, and deepen cooperation in trade, science, and technology to enhance peace and prosperity in the Middle East. This shift from a bilateral to a multilateral agreement opens the door for other countries with shared goals to join. He expressed Bahrain's hope that more nations will become members, benefiting all citizens in the region and promoting broader cooperation, growth, and prosperity. BNA(R)
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and U.S. Sign Key Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement
During the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the United States, Bahrain and the U.S. signed a landmark agreement to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement was signed by Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio, as part of the Kingdom's broader commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al Zayani described the signing as a major milestone in the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. He said the cooperation in civil nuclear energy reflects Bahrain's intention to benefit from U.S. expertise in this vital field and underlines the leadership's commitment to adopting advanced, clean energy technologies. The Foreign Minister highlighted that the agreement supports Bahrain's energy needs in a way that aligns with national and regional security interests. He noted that it builds upon the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in 2023, which has further deepened ties between Bahrain and the U.S. in defense, security, emerging technologies, trade, and investment. 'This agreement is a significant step forward,' Dr. Al Zayani stated. 'It shows our shared interest in promoting safe, secure, and reliable civil nuclear energy, which is crucial for energy security and tackling climate change.' He added that both countries are working together to expand public and private sector cooperation, particularly in energy innovation, and to position nuclear power as a reliable low-carbon energy source for the future. The signing ceremony was also attended by Bahrain's Ambassador to the U.S., Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, and accompanying officials from the Bahraini delegation.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
New 'North Gulf' Submarine Cable to Connect Bahrain with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq
During the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, to the United States, Beyon announced today a new agreement to develop the "North Gulf" project. This is an 800-kilometer undersea cable system that will extend the existing "Gulf Cable" by linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. The project will be fully owned and operated by Beyon in partnership with SubCom, a global leader in submarine cable systems that is currently working on the Gulf Cable network. The North Gulf expansion will strengthen Bahrain's position as a strategic digital hub, connecting the region to the rest of the world through the latest SEA-ME-WE 6 undersea cable, which stretches over 21,700 kilometers and links Bahrain to 14 other countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This new cable system will improve Bahrain's ability to handle data traffic, ensure data sovereignty, support global connectivity, enhance digital resilience, and boost cybersecurity. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of Beyon Group, emphasized the importance of the Crown Prince's visit to the friendly United States and highlighted the key role it plays in strengthening the strategic partnership between Bahrain and the U.S., especially in the private sector. Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Abdullah said, 'Our partnership with SubCom is a major step in supporting Bahrain's vision for a digital economy. Connecting Bahrain to global networks while improving speed, efficiency, and flexibility is essential to building a strong digital infrastructure. This investment advances our goal to create a dynamic digital ecosystem that drives innovation, supports economic development, and opens new opportunities for future transformative technologies.' David Coogan, CEO of SubCom, added, 'We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Beyon through the North Gulf project. Our ongoing collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering reliable, scalable solutions designed to meet the evolving communication needs and challenges in the Middle East.' The North Gulf cable project is expected to provide advanced global communication solutions tailored to the growing demands of cloud computing companies, digital service providers, and government entities. It will also strengthen data exchange routes and enhance network efficiency and stability both regionally and internationally.
