Ireland's first ever scheduled services to the Middle East began today as Gulf Air's inaugural flight from Dublin to the Kingdom of Bahrain took to the skies following celebrations at Dublin airport. Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan arrived on the first flight into Dublin, along with Ireland's Ambassador to Bahrain Tom Russell, Bahrain Civil Aviation Director of Marketing and Promotion David Ryan, Gulf Air Vice President Finance Ahmed Al Hammadi, Vice President Operations Captain Hameed Ali, who operated the flight and other Gulf Air delegates and members from Bahrain's press and media. A celebratory reception was held at Dublin airport to mark the launch of Gulf Air's new service which will connect Irish travellers with the Middle East, and beyond. The non-stop flights will allow direct travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain and onward connections to more than 40 cities in the Middle East, Africa, the Far East and Australia. All flights are timed to connect with the airline's other new destination, Johannesburg, which also launches today. "The first flight to a new destination is always exciting, but this one is especially so. We have worked hard to bring our award-winning airline to Ireland and we're delighted that representatives from the Irish government, Dublin Airport Authority, the travel industry and the media are here today to celebrate with us," says Mr Hogan. "This first flight represents the start of a new relationship between Gulf Air and Ireland, as we connect this country with cities across the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Australia. We are delighted to be here, and even more excited about taking Ireland to the Middle East and beyond." The first Gulf Air flight into Dublin departed Bahrain on 2 December 2005 at 01:15 and landed at Dublin airport 06:45. The inaugural flight from Dublin departed at 08:30 and will arrive to a celebratory reception at Bahrain airport at 19:05. Mr Martin Cullen T.D., the Minister for Transport, attended the celebrations at Dublin airport and warmly welcomed the first flight into Dublin from Bahrain. He said: "Today's arrival marks a new era for Dublin Airport - its workers and passengers. I am confident that Dublin's newly enhanced long-haul network will expand further over markets and years." Declan Collier, Chief Executive, Dublin Airport Authority said: "This is an exciting day in the sixty-five year history of Dublin Airport. This new service represents Dublin Airport's 117th scheduled route and Gulf Air, the 47th scheduled airline to operate here. This is also the first long-haul, direct scheduled service linking Dublin to a destination other than North America and represents a significant new market for business and leisure travellers." Driven by new levels of service excellence and a range of product and service innovations, Gulf Air has won a string of international awards, further moving the airline back towards its former position as one of the world's most respected airlines. Gulf Air now operates a three-times-weekly service into its hub airport at Manama in the Kingdom of Bahrain, delivering three-class travel on an Airbus A330 aircraft. The non-stop flights remove the need for Irish travellers to transit through London or other European hubs. Flights operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with timings designed for excellent onward connections to the Far East and Australia. Gulf Air becomes the only airline offering a First Class product in the Irish market. Passengers are able to experience state-of-the-art sky beds in first and business class, five-star chefs preparing and serving food in first class, and Norland-trained Sky Nannies looking after young travelers in all classes. For more information on flight schedules and prices, contact Gulf Air on +353 1 479 4532 /30 or 0818 272 828 or your nearest travel agent or visit http:///www.gulfairco.com. -Ends- For further information please contact: GULF AIR PRESS OFFICE T: +973 17 338821 F: +973 17 338207 EDELMAN PR Sheila Caulfield / Clare Manning T: 00 353 1 6789 333 / 00 353 87 637 5131 Notes to editors: 1.Schedule details are as follows: GF0023 BAH 0115 DUB 0645 GF0024 DUB 0855 BAH 1905 Flights operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. About Gulf Air Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is presently owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the region.