Bahrain, GCC – 19 March 2025: Airalo, the world’s leading eSIM marketplace, has announced a strategic partnership with Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, to improve the travel experience for Gulf Air passengers. This collaboration will allow Gulf Air’s Falconflyer members to earn rewards while staying connected on their travels abroad.
Through this partnership, Gulf Air Falconflyer members will earn 20 Falconflyer points for every USD 1 spent on Airalo eSIMs. This exciting offer provides travelers with a seamless and cost-effective way to access mobile data in over 200 countries and territories, all while accumulating points that can be redeemed for future flights and other exclusive rewards.
Tony Kaldas, Director of Partnerships for Arabia & Africa at Airalo, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to partner with Gulf Air to offer their passengers an easy and affordable way to stay connected during their travels. In today’s connected world, having mobile data is essential, and Airalo’s eSIM solutions provide a hassle-free way to stay online without the burden of roaming charges. We believe this partnership will greatly enhance Gulf Air’s customer experience.”
Hanadi AlAali, Gulf Air’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, “At Gulf Air, we are always seeking new ways to enhance the travel experience for our passengers. Our partnership with Airalo represents more than just a business alliance—it’s a step toward a more seamless and connected journey. By integrating innovative digital solutions into our loyalty program, we’re offering Falconflyer members greater convenience and valuable benefits. This partnership strengthens our commitment to providing travelers with more reasons to choose Gulf Air for their journeys.”
The collaboration comes as eSIM adoption continues to rise, with forecasts predicting that the number of eSIMs installed in connected devices will reach 3.4 billion by 2025, marking a 180% growth from 2021. This surge in eSIM adoption is particularly important in the GCC region, as countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are making significant strides toward sustainability goals. eSIMs contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing the need for physical SIM cards and the carbon footprint associated with their production.
According to a lifecycle assessment by Fraunhofer IZM, eSIMs result in a 46% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional SIM cards, which aligns with Bahrain’s ambitious goal to reduce emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The adoption of eSIMs will also support the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2050 initiatives.
Airalo’s eSIM solutions provide a digital alternative to traditional SIM cards, enabling travelers to purchase and install data plans directly on their devices before or upon arrival at their destination. This innovation eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, saving travelers time and the hassle of searching for local mobile providers.
Gulf Air passengers can learn more about the partnership and purchase Airalo eSIMs by visiting the Airalo website.
About Airalo
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM marketplace, offering eSIM packages for over 200 countries and regions, allowing travelers to instantly connect to mobile networks. With millions of users and a global team spanning 55 countries, Airalo is revolutionizing global connectivity and empowering travelers worldwide.
About Airalo Partners
Airalo Partners is the B2B and B2B2C arm of Airalo, the world’s largest eSIM platform. It provides tailored partnership solutions to businesses of all sizes, including brands, eSIM resellers, airlines, and tech innovators, helping them deliver unmatched connectivity experiences to their customers.
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air is the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. With a proud history and a commitment to exceptional service, Gulf Air connects Bahrain to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
