Bahrain Air’s hybrid LCC/full service model to gain more premium features amid route expansion

Bahrain Air this year will move its hybrid business model closer to the premium end of the spectrum with the addition of proper business class seats and other service enhancements as the carrier seeks to better tap the Gulf's premium market while maintaining a low-cost base to competitively fill the back of its aircraft.

This adjustment, along with six new routes to be added this year, will help the carrier put an incredibly difficult 2011 behind it. CEO Richard Nuttall says the renewed expansion will continue the growth launched in 2H2011.

Bahrain Air has a long list of routes it has indicated it is interested in operating, particularly to Tirvandrum, Delhi, Pune, Goa, Amritsa and Chennai in India and Lahore, Multan and Peshawar in Pakistan. South Asia-Middle East links have become common due to large South Asian workforce in the Gulf. Bahrain Air also has interest in Northeast Africa as well as Iran and Turkey. No formal announcements to specific routes have been made yet.