Aircraft offer comfort and convenience with dual-class layout and entertainment system

Embraer delivered two EMBRAER 170 jets to Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today, at its headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. These aircraft are subject to a lease agreement signed by Embraer and Gulf Air just after the Bahrain International Airshow, last January.

“The delivery of these EMBRAER 170 jets to Gulf Air is a significant milestone for Embraer, as this renowned airline certainly strengthens the presence of the E-Jets family in the Middle East,” said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. “I would like to assure our friends from Gulf Air our full commitment in supporting the realization of their strategic growth plans with Embraer E-Jets.”

Gulf Air’s EMBRAER 170 is configured in a dual-class layout, featuring seven seats in business class and 60 in economy. The aircraft also feature a state-of-the-art In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system configured for maximum cabin comfort. They will be based at Gulf Air’s hub, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

“The arrival of the new EMBRAER 170 commercial jets marks a significant achievement, as we continue to implement our strategy,” said Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samer Majali. “The aircraft will bring a new dynamic to Gulf Air and a new dimension to our customers, while reinforcing our position as the carrier with the largest number of Middle East connections through our Bahrain Airport hub.”

Embraer press releas, São José dos Campos, March 4, 2010

Airline would become the sixth operator of the E-Jets family in the Middle East

Embraer and Gulf Air signed a preliminary agreement, today, during the Bahrain International Airshow, by which two EMBRAER 170 jets would be operated by the airline through an operating lease.

“We are absolutely delighted to be selected by this renowned Gulf region airline, in this milestone year of its 60th anniversary,” said José Luis Molina, Embraer Vice President, Europe, the Middle East and Africa – Airline Market. “We now look forward to concluding the final contract and having our E-Jets form an important part of Gulf Air’s growth plans.”

Both EMBRAER 170 jets – configured in a dual-class layout, featuring seven seats in business class and 60 in economy – would be scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2010. The aircraft also come with a state-of-the-art In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system for maximum cabin convenience.

“As Gulf Air takes another step forward in a new strategic direction, I am delighted to have been able to sign this important agreement here, today, at the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first International Air Show,” said Samer Majali, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air. “We are introducing a new concept in regional travel. The realignment and expansion of our regional and international network, and our fleet, will reinforce our position as the carrier with the largest number of Middle East connections through our Bahrain Airport hub. And to deliver this, we need aircraft that are flexible and can meet these demands.”

Embraer, São José dos Campos, January 21, 2010