Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has unveiled its new A320-extended range (ER) aircraft, the only one-of-its-kind in the region featuring fully-flatbed seats.

The aircraft has been designed specifically based on feedback from customers. At the press of a button, the new Falcon Gold seats convert into a fully-flat 1.9m long beds guaranteeing a comfortable night’s sleep, said a statement from Gulf Air.

The Falcon Gold seats offer more personal space between seats than the airline’s previous business class product, allowing passengers to sit back and relax in a 22-inch wide armchair that converts easily into the passenger’s desired position, it added.

Armrests can be fully adjusted to different heights making sleeping, dining or working more comfortable. There is significant storage space such as a shoe packing pocket and a side compartment specifically designed for laptops, said the airline.

Massage at 30,000 ft is now a reality with an in-seat massage facility- the perfect way to relax on a long flight, it added.  

Gulf Air CEO Samer Majali said, “The central element of our business in the broadest sense, is our product offering. During the last three years, we have embarked on an aggressive and proactive re-fleeting and product enhancement strategy."

"Today our fleet is one of the youngest in the region with an average age of 4.7 years. The majority of our long haul aircraft are fitted with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment that offers hi-speed broad band internet and mobile phone connectivity and live TV; not to mention the unique and award winning Sky Nanny and Sky Chef Services on board," he remarked.

In addition, Gulf Air has recently opened its fully renovated Falcon Gold lounge at Bahrain International Airport and London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, said the top official.

"We have received excellent feedback from customers. Over the next few years, Gulf Air will continue to channel investment into improving all aspects of its product offering for passengers," he added.  

For those seeking onboard entertainment, the Falcon Gold seats come with complete Audio-Video on Demand (AVOD) feature, an individual 15-inch touch screen in every seat andhigh quality noise cancelling headphones.

A suite of movies, video and audio titles in several languages are available, in addition to games. A USB port is available in every seat to allow passengers to easily charge electronic devices.

For the first time ever Gulf Air has integrated the comments of its customers during the development stage of its seats’ design to ensure the product meets their requirements. Through customer interface workshops the views of Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) members were incorporated.

Gulf Air chief services officer Marcus Bernhardt said, “The outcome of the FFP workshops is a seat that meets most of the demands of our passengers in terms of seating and sleeping comforts. For our Falcon Gold passengers, a fully-flat bed was a critical factor. This request was the focus for all our other considerations."

"For our economy class passengers, a key aspect was the size of the TV monitors. In addition, we have enhanced several other details based on our product research which together create maximum comfort," he explained.

Bernhardt pointed out that the economy class seats offer passengers the very latest in comfort and technology.

"Featuring a 4-inch recline, an 18-inch seat-width and an adjustable head and footrest allowing greater passenger comfort, the seats are fitted with 9-inch seat back TV monitors that are ideal for enjoying the extensive in-flight entertainment options," he added.

Gulf Air’s new A320 ER will feature a total of 110 seats in a two-class configuration of 14 in Business Class and 96 in Economy.-TradeArabia News Service