GULF AIR PARTNERS WITH AFS

Manama-Bahrain-February 14, 2006

Gulf Air and Arab Financial Services (AFS) have announced an agreement for the provision of a payment gateway that facilitate credit card payment processing as part of an on-line payment solution.

Details of the new service, which is scheduled for implementation in the near future, were announced at a signing ceremony, held at Gulf Air’s headquarters in Muharraq and attended by AFS Chief Executive Officer Rasool Hujair and Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.

The agreement covers the provision of a payment mechanism, which will create a streamlined end-to-end purchasing process that will complement the airline’s e-ticketing system. It also includes credit card payment management for Gulf Air in terms of which AFS will act as an acquirer for MasterCard and Visa transactions in addition to processing, clearing and settlement for online transactions.

Gulf Air introduced the first phase of its e-ticketing programme in November 2005 on the London-Bahrain-Singapore-Sydney routes. The smooth implementation of the system has been positively received in the market, especially among business travellers and further routes are scheduled to go online extending the service to Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Johannesburg routes. The EC stations are next on the schedule.

“Our partnership with AFS enhances our e-ticketing service to offer our customers a single, convenient booking and payment solution,” said Mr Hogan.

“This e-payment facility will soon also be available to customers booking and purchasing tickets through our call centre in Oman.”

The next phase will extend the scope of service to Gulf Air sales offices and subsequently to automate web sales payments.

“Gulf Air’s innovative products and services are all underpinned and supported by cutting edge technology, which adds value to the total customer experience in convenience, ease and efficiency,” added Mr Hogan.

Commenting on the agreement Mr Hujair said: “This is the first agreement of its kind with a regional airline, and demonstrates Gulf Air’s forward thinking in meeting market demand. We do expect other airlines to follow as demand for online payment solutions grows.”