On day 1 of Dubai Airshow, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK International Airport) and the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air, has signed an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), building on the original MoU that was signed earlier in the year between the two entities which aimed to develop connectivity between the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The enhanced MoU will see Gulf Air connecting Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Bahrain International Airport with two weekly flights and with views to turn the direct flights into a year-round scheduled service between the two airports. The MoU will also provide opportunities for wider expansion to connect the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah beyond Bahrain to regional and international destinations of Gulf Air’s global network.

The signing ceremony took place at the Dubai Airshow with attendance from both companies, represented by Ras Al Khaimah International Airport’s Chairman, His Excellency Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, H.E. Mr Zayed R. Alzayani, Chairman to the Board of Directors at Gulf Air, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport’s CEO, Mr. Atanasios Titonis and Gulf Air’s Acting CEO Captain Waleed AlAlawi and including executive management members from both sides.

“As the region’s leading boutique carrier with global footprint, we look forward to adding Ras Al Khaimah to our network of seaside destinations and increasing our UAE points to 3 with Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Earlier this year we visited Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and we were impressed with their facilities and services and this is key to our customers’ experience. Today we signed an enhancement to the existing MoU to proceed with operations and provide our passengers with a new destination that is known for quality tourism appeal that attracts tourists from GCC and Europe,” said H.E. Mr Zayed R. Alzayani.

“This MoU will expand Ras Al Khaimah International Airport’s airspace by introducing multiple destinations from East to West on a full year basis. It is a great development to cater to the needs of passengers and international travellers. The aim of this agreement is to explore potential services between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE,” added H.E. Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi.

For his part, Atanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of RAK International Airport, said: “Gulf-state connectivity is a key factor of our expansion strategy, and Gulf Air is an ideal partner for this mission. We are looking forward to developing our partnership and providing more scope for our passengers to select their destination of travel from our airport.”