Gulf Air is set to expand its fleet and global reach through a new lease agreement with BOC Aviation for nine Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The Bahrain-based national carrier will take delivery of six A320-200neo and three A321-200neo jets under a long-term leasing arrangement with the Singapore-based lessor.
BOC Aviation confirmed in a May 29 press release that it has entered into a purchase agreement with Airbus for the aircraft, which will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025 and will be completed over a three-year period.
The move is part of Gulf Air’s broader fleet modernization strategy. The airline currently operates a diverse fleet of 42 aircraft, including eight A320-200s, six A320-200neo, four A321-200s, nine A321-200NX, five A321-200NX(LR), and ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. It also holds direct orders with Airbus for six additional A320-200neo and three A321-200NX(LR) aircraft. Two more Dreamliners are still expected to join the fleet.
The new leasing deal aligns with Gulf Air’s long-standing objective to phase out its older narrowbody models. Initially, the carrier aimed to complete this transition by 2026, planning to retire all A320-200 and A321-200 aircraft. However, this timeline was extended during the pandemic as the airline revised its fleet renewal plans.
The government of Bahrain, which owns Gulf Air, has been pressuring the loss-making airline to improve its financial performance. In January 2025, Bahraini authorities stated that they would consider divesting up to 49% of the carrier, but only after it returns to profitability.
Gulf Air did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest lease agreement.
Related Topics:
