Gulf Air B787-9 Dreamliner London-Bahrain

BACKGROUD Gulf Air introduced its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on double daily flights to London Heathrow in July. The aircraft consists of 26 Falcon Gold and 256 economy class seats. The B787-9 isn’t just a comfortable ride, but a low emission aircraft, and integral to Gulf Air’s fleet development (five B787-9s are due to in operation by the end of this year). The Dreamliner also serves Casablanca and will fly to Bangkok this month.

CHECK IN I arrived in good time at London Heathrow Terminal 4, for flight GF0006 which departs 2205, to do some duty free shopping. Falcon Gold passengers receive priority check in, 40kg baggage allowance and 9kg cabin allowance.

THE LOUNGE The Falcon Gold Class lounge was a relaxed experience from start to finish, offering large leather sofas where you can unwind, and a wide range of food and drinks. You can open up your laptop and connect easily to the free wifi and gone are the days of looking incessantly at your boarding screen, the staff will politely tap your shoulder when the plane is ready to board.

BOARDING Zero queuing, you simply breeze onto the plane as a priority guest. Your carry-on bags are put up in the overhead bins so you can simply sit back while Arabic coffee, dates and warm and refreshing flannels circulate, giving you a taste of what is to come.

THESE AT Falcon Gold Class seats are luxurious, spacious and quickly convert to a bed. You can request a turn-down service, and sleep comfortably all the way. Pyjamas are provided as a nod to make good-use of the turn-down service. As well as a wash kit with all the necessities included toothbrush, toothpaste and lip balm; you can request not to be disturbed if you want to sleep through their service.

THE FLIGHT Attention to detail is impressive. The on-board chef personally welcomes you and takes your order, and I was taken back by how fresh the dishes were and each plate was carefully curated. The tasty, light Mezze is recommended and you can try a little of everything. To quench your thirst are juices, teas, coffees and mixed cocktails; I stuck with an English breakfast tea with a side of soy milk – all dietary requirements are easily accommodated. The breakfast variety was nourishing and well-rounded: eggs, omelettes, fruits and pastries. If your day ahead is packed with meetings, the omelette will power you up.

There is plenty of space and you have no problem sleeping (helped by mood lighting) but if you want to stay awake there are publications, IFE, food, beverages as well as a Guy Laroche wash bag gifted to you (a very thoughtful touch) with all the essentials needed for an overnight stay. Another novel feature is the bidet built into the toilet seat. The only downside for work-minded travellers is, currently, there is no wifi on board.

ARRIVAL We landed at 0625 in Bahrain and I transferred easily onto Dubai.

VERDICT The service was exceptional, the food tasty, and seats comfortable – I forgot I was even on a plane. The pyjamas and wash kit are welcome, as are bonus miles on Falcon Gold bookings.