Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is expanding its partnership with MedAire, an International SOS company and leader in travel health and aviation security solutions, to further strengthen passenger and crew safety and wellbeing.

The enhanced agreement integrates medical and security services to support Gulf Air’s growing international operations, said the national airline in a statement.

As part of this expansion, the kingdom's flag-carrier is integrating new medical support services within its existing aviation security platform to support its continued international growth, adding four MedAire medical solutions: MedLink for in-flight medical emergencies, Passenger Fit-to-Fly screening, the Inflight App for real-time medical data collection, and Crew Support for layover assistance—significantly enhancing the medical resources available to Gulf Air’s teams.

Gulf Air Chief Operations Officer Captain Qassim AlBastaki said: "This expanded agreement is a strategic step in reinforcing Gulf Air’s safety and wellbeing framework, ensuring passengers and crew benefit from 24/7 expert medical and security support as we continue to grow our international network."

"As we add more long-haul routes, immediate access to medical guidance becomes essential for safeguarding the wellbeing of our passengers and staff. This integrated approach reflects our commitment to safety and wellbeing across the 50 destinations we serve," he stated.

MedAire Business Development Director, Middle East & Asia, Reely Rajan said: "Gulf Air’s decision to extend our collaboration underscores their commitment to the highest standards of health and safety as they expand globally."

"By integrating MedAire’s medical expertise with Gulf Air’s established aviation security services, the airline benefits from a unified platform of support, from pre-flight assessments and in-flight emergencies to crew wellbeing worldwide," noted Rajan.

A major global player, Gulf Air flies to more than 50 destinations across 28 countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, Indian Subcontinent and America from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. 

Gulf Air is also expanding its network with a return to America after nearly 30 years, supported by flights between Bahrain and New York JFK operating three times a week. This marks an important step in the airline’s wider international growth.

MedAire’s medical support includes access to MedLink physicians for in-flight assistance, clinical guidance for Fit-to-Fly assessments, digital tools that relay medical information from the aircraft, and round-the-clock advice for crew during layovers, said the statement. 

These services provide consistent medical support across Gulf Air’s global network, it added.-TradeArabia News Service