Gulf Air inks deal with Almatar in first collaboration with OTA in Kingdom

Youssef Abdullah Al-Rajhi, chairman of Almatar
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Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has entered into a strategic partnership with Almatar, a Saudi travel technology company, to enhance digital operations between the two entities.

As part of the partnership, Gulf Air will integrate its new distribution capability API with Almatar’s booking platform, enabling Almatar to offer Gulf Air’s products and services, such as seat selection, additional baggage options, refunds, and reissue services. This will provide travelers with a more advanced, flexible, and seamless booking experience.

The partnership marks a key milestone in the digital transformation journeys of both Gulf Air and Almatar. It makes Almatar the first online travel agency in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with Gulf Air, setting a new industry standard.

Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air Group, said: “We are excited about this partnership that opens new digital distribution avenues for Gulf Air products. The integration of the NDC system with Almatar’s platform will enhance operational efficiency and improve the way the airline delivers exceptional services to our customers. Gulf Air is dedicated to adopting modern technology to offer flexible and user-friendly travel solutions, solidifying our competitive edge in regional and global markets.”

Youssef Abdullah Al-Rajhi, chairman of Almatar, added: “This agreement is a landmark in Almatar’s journey as a digital travel solutions provider. We are proud to collaborate with Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, one of the most reputable airlines in the region. We are also the first OTA company in Saudi Arabia to partner with Gulf Air, and the integration of NDC will enable us to expand our services and provide an advanced travel experience to our customers.”

He said the partnership with Gulf Air is a strategic move that strengthens Almatar’s market presence and helps it serve a broader customer base. It will significantly enhance the efficiency of online bookings and allow it to deliver high-quality services that meet the increasing demands of the travel industry.