New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
Two Embraer 170s delivered to Gulf Air
As part of a lease agreement signed by Embraer and Gulf Air just after the Bahrain International Airshow in January, Embraer has delivered two E-170s to the Bahrain-based carrier.
“The delivery of these Embraer 170s 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,” commented Mauro Kern, Embraer executive vice-president, airline market. “I would like to assure our friends from Gulf Air of our full commitment in supporting the realisation of their strategic growth plans with Embraer E-Jets.”
Gulf Air’s E-170s are configured in a dual-class layout, featuring seven seats in business class and 60 in economy. The aircraft, which feature a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment (IFE) system, will be based at Gulf Air’s hub, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“The arrival of the new Embraer 170s marks a significant achievement, as we continue to implement our strategy,” noted Gulf Air chief executive officer, 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.”
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