Gulf Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9.

The aircraft is also the first to be painted in the Bahraini national carrier’s new livery.

“This delivery is a historic moment for Gulf Air and Bahrain and yet another important step in our strategic direction towards furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process and supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies,” said Krešimir Kučko, chief executive officer of Gulf Air. “The 787-9 Dreamliner orders will ensure we maintain one of the youngest fleets in the region while building upon our award-winning reliability, on time performance and product and service standards.”

Gulf Air is set to receive four more 787-9s in 2018. The airline plans to fly the 787 on a number of regional routes before deploying it on its twice-daily service between Bahrain and London Heathrow in June as well as between Bahrain and Casablanca later this year.

“We are delighted to welcome Gulf Air’s newest aircraft, a game-changer for the Kingdom’s national carrier that will not only elevate Gulf Air’s product and service offering and passenger experience but will also allow us to expand our network in a strategic manner,” said Zayed R. Alzayani, chairman of Gulf Air. “2018 will see Gulf Air open eight new routes to Abha, Alexandria, Baku, Bangalore, Calicut, Casablanca, Sharm El Shaikh and Tabuk. With such expansion, we are creating growth opportunities within the Kingdom of Bahrain’s financial and tourism sectors amongst others.”

Boeing has delivered more than 670 787s since deliveries began in 2011.

“Gulf Air joins the growing number of airlines operating the 787 Dreamliner across the Middle East,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales in the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and Africa at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The demand for the Dreamliner underlines the operational efficiency and travel experience that the airplane brings to the airline and its passengers.”