Gulf Air set to restock with Boeings at Dubai show

Gulf Air is poised to announce an order for new aircraft just months after reducing the company's fleet to curb massive losses.

Bahrain's national carrier is expected to announce a large order for new planes at the Dubai Air Show in November, which is likely to include Boeing aircraft.

Gulf Air moved to an all-Airbus fleet earlier this year in an effort to cut costs. An order with the US manufacturer would be a sign that the company has significantly improved its finances.

The airline says it remains in negotiations with both Airbus and Boeing and no decision has been made. Privately, however, company sources expect Boeings to form at least part of the order.

'The order will be for a significant number of planes,' says a company official. 'Every airline has to grow and our daily

losses have now been significantly reduced.'

In April, the company announced a complete restructuring of the business to halt financial losses, which were running at $1 million a day, and slashed its fleet to 28 from

34 aircraft.

The carrier sold off its Boeing 767s, moving to the all-Airbus fleet to reduce training, repair and maintenance costs.

However, this move has meant the airline has lost its bargaining power when ordering new planes from manufacturers, a situation it is keen to rectify. The summer was also marked by changes in management and a prolonged labour dispute.