Gulf Air’s Boeing 787 order paves way for long-awaited return to the US
July 18, 2025
Boeing has agreed a firm order for 12 787 Dreamliners with the Gulf carrier.
US manufacturer Boeing has agreed a deal with Gulf Air, valued at US$4.6 billion, for 12 787 Dreamliners with options for six more of the aircraft type.
The aircraft will be powered by GE Aerospace engines. Gulf Air has previously had to ground some of its existing 787 Dreamliner fleet due to durability issues with its Rolls-Royce-made engines.
Dreamlining Gulf Air’s long-haul expansion
The Boeing order underpins the Bahrain-based carrier’s plans to expand its global network and modernise its widebody fleet. On Tuesday 15 July, Gulf Air announced it is expanding its presence in North America with the launch of a new service to New York JFK.
Gulf Air will operate three weekly flights to New York (JFK) on its fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, starting from 1 October 2025. The return to New York marks the airline’s return to US skies for the first time in more than 25 years.
In April of this year, Gulf Air received a Foreign Air Carrier Permit from the US Department of Transportation. Alongside a Category 1 Safety Rating from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which Gulf Air received at the end of 2024, the permit enables the carrier to conduct commercial operations to and from the US.
“We are excited to launch our direct flights to New York and our return to the North American market,” said Gulf Air Group CEO Jeffrey Goh. The announcement was made during an official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Washington DC.
Goh added that the service “aligns with Gulf Air’s strategy of calibrated expansion and serving strategic markets, providing passengers with greater choice and convenience for travel, through Bahrain International Airport, between Bahrain and North America, and beyond, supporting the connectivity strategy of the Kingdom.”
Cornerstone of Gulf Air’s fleet
The Bahraini flag carrier, which has a fleet of over 40 aircraft comprised of Boeing as well as Airbus types already flies 10 Dreamliners. Two more Dreamliners from a previous order are expected before the end of this year.
In May, Gulf Air also signed a lease-agreement with BOC Aviation for nine additional Airbus A320/A321neos. These will comprise six A320neos and three A321neos and are scheduled for delivery from this year until 2027.
The new Bahrain-New York route is scheduled to operate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays with the outbound leg departing Bahrain in the early morning and arriving in New York late morning (local time). The return flight will depart JFK mid-afternoon and arrive in New York the following day.
Gulf Air’s existing 787-9 aircraft are configured with 282 seats: 26 in its “Falcon Gold” business class and 256 in economy.
Described by Gulf Air as a “cornerstone of its fleet,” the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is renowned for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and advanced technology.
Boeing’s President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, noted that this latest order builds on a 60-year partnership with Gulf Air. “This investment in the 787 Dreamliner demonstrates Gulf Air’s commitment to new technology and sustainable development, reinforcing Bahrain’s position in the aviation sector.”
Since its first DC-3 in 1961, Gulf Air has taken delivery of 37 Boeing aircraft.
“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals,” said Khalid Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub.”
Competing with Emirates and Etihad
Gulf Air’s latest aircraft order is central to the airline’s transformation strategy. It reflects a shift toward premium long-haul markets. The airline, which will compete with other Gulf carriers including Emirates and Etihad, aims to differentiate its service through product quality, personalised service and its “boutique” passenger experience.
Gulf Air’s transatlantic comeback also signals a pivotal point in Bahrain’s broader economic and tourism strategy and positions the Gulf state on the global aviation map. The flights will initially operate from the current Terminal One at JFK. However, as of June 2026 operations will shift to the New York hub’s new Terminal One, offering passengers a streamlined and modern experience aligned with Gulf Air’s premium service standard.
The order comes one month after an Air India-operated Boeing 787 crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, India.
