A Saudi-backed Bahraini airline looks set to start operations later this year with Tupolev Tu-214 twinjets. It is also expected to operate Boeing 737s and Sukhoi Russian Regional Jets (RRJ), writes Tom Zaitsev.
Saudi Arabian industrial conglomerate Al Suwaiket Trading & Contracting is understood to have signed an agreement with Russian leasing company FLC for the supply of 13 Russian aircraft which will be operated by its new Bahraini airline. Owned by Sheikh Mubarak Al Suwaiket, the Al Suwaiket company’s wide-ranging business interests include oil and gas drilling, civil engineering and the hospitality industry.
In an interview with Moscow newspaper Kommersant, FLC director Yevgeny Zaritsky says the contract is for three Tu-214s for delivery this year and 10 RRJs. He adds that the airline will operate 737s alongside the Russian types.
According to reports in Bahrain, the two sides have agreed to set up a Bahrain-based joint venture, called Gulco, to market the RRJ throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Sukhoi already has a deal with Dubai-based lessor Concord Aviation for 40 RRJs.
Source: Flight International
