1 Breezy rider
GULF AIR
An ability to take the rough with the smooth keeps Gulf Air on top for yet another year
POINT
Gulf Air’s brand relationship with Oman was cemented further when the airline revealed plans to set up an aircraft maintenance facility here. Gulf Air’s Simulator Training Centre in Bahrain, which will be let out to other airlines, was also inaugurated this year.
COUNTER POINT
Since Abu Dhabi withdrew its shareholding from Gulf Air, the airline operates on a dual hub basis between Bahrain and Muscat airports. It’ll be a while before it can be ascertained exactly how smooth the transition was.
QUOTE CALL
From the company vision
“Gulf Air is building for sustainable change that will result in a transformed airline that can compete in the global aviation market on a commercially viable basis.”
TRIVIA
Gulf Air was the first Middle East airline to introduce self-service electronic check-in kiosks and SMS notification technology |
2 Sign in the sky
OMAN AIR
The airline seems to have its brand portfolio management fundamentals in place
POINT
Its corporate and business class campaigns for the year have helped establish the brand's core equities and strengths. Meanwhile, its new destination advertisements have shown it as a strong contender for market expansion.
COUNTER POINT
Getting a bigger share of the premium fare market, in a parity environment, and new competition arising from deregulation and low barriers to entry are just some of the challenges that Oman Air faces.
QUOTE CALL
Mohammed al Shikely
Senior Manager, Marketing,
OMAN AIR
“Various service factors that are of prime importance, among them excellent onboard hospitality, on time performance and good connections, have helped Oman Air create its own niche in the market.”
TRIVIA
Oman Air's first international flight in 1993 had Dubai as its destination. The aircraft used for the inaugural overseas flight was a Boeing 737-300 |
3 High-flier
EMIRATES
A premium on performance and planning keeps Emirates in the top three reckoning
POINT
As one of the official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup 2006, Emirates achieved the kind of exposure that is traditionally associated with premier global brands. Emirates has also signed a sponsorship deal with Team McLaren Mercedes.
COUNTER POINT
Emirates hasn’t had a problem with demand, the challenge arises with the capacity and the connections to meet the demand as it grows. Expansion of its fleet is the kind of move that can take care of this issue.
QUOTE CALL
From the company philosophy
“Emirates is characterised by two key features, continuous explosive growth and a constant focus on top quality service. Managing to maintain the latter whilst continuing the former is the secret of Emirates’ success.”
TRIVIA
At the Paris Air Show in June 2003, Emirates announced the largest aircraft order in aviation history. The order was worth US$19bn |
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