National Carrier Gulf Air and TNT Express, one of the world's leading providers of express delivery services, have signed a Global Incentive Agreement Programme (GIAP). The GIAP, introduced by Gulf Air in 2007, is designed to provide its key global partners with incentives to boost their cargo traffic volumes and reciprocally ensure that Gulf Air is endorsed as a 'Core Carrier' of its partners.

"Global incentive arrangements are a key strategy in building effective partnerships, especially when it comes to the air cargo industry," said Gulf Air Director Cargo, Mr. Serge Tripet, "This agreement is a win-win proposition, as it helps both Gulf Air and TNT Express to complement each other's business in a mutually rewarding way. Besides, the partnership will further strengthen the regional and global network capabilities of both organizations."

The agreement provides access, for both Gulf Air and TNT Express, to permanent direct bookings, specific service-level commitments, service recovery plans and claims processing as well as regular interface with key account managers at headquarters.

"TNT and Gulf Air have had a long-standing business relationship and the GIAP will reinforce it," said Ian Butler, TNT Express Director Global Networks, Americas, Middle East and Africa, "The Global Incentive Agreement Programme will ultimately allow us to serve our customers better, which is a crucial benefit in addition to the incentive aspect of the program."

TNT Express provides a unique combination of on-demand, time-sensitive, door-to-door services with flights within the GCC, flights to Bahrain and around the world.