Gulf International A320s

Since 1998, the Airbus A320 family represented the majority of Gulf International's narrowbody fleet, replacing the MD-80 series and older 757s on a variety of operations, from mainline domestic flights to thin, long haul routes across the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Airbus' focus on commonality and simplicity enabled Gulf to save money on operational costs, from maintenance to crew/pilot training, to saving more fuel thanks to superior efficiency over competing narrowbodies.

The A320 made its first flight for Gulf on July 23, 1998, flying a mid-afternoon Gulf Express service from Houston to Tampa. Initially ordering just 20 of the type to take over operations at Houston Hobby, during the Farnborough Airshow in 2000, the airline ordered an additional 60 A320s and A321s, totalling approximately USD 3.5 Billion. However, during the slump in air travel following the September 11 attacks, Gulf temporarily defered any further deliveries until July 2002, while it recouped its losses. As a result, Gulf did not start A321 operations until December 2003, nearly a year after its initial EIS.

Eventually, Gulf would order over 270 A320(ceo) aircraft over the years, becoming one of the largest A320 family operators in the US. The A320 family became a familiar presence at every Gulf destination. The A318s were mostly based in Miami, operating daily services throughout the Caribbean; the A319s served as the smallest member of the International fleet, flying multi-leg routes throughout South America as well as to Europe via several east coast cities; the A321s became the current Gulfliners, operating high-density services from Gulf hubs to major cities.

In 2002, Gulf International went through another livery and brand change, this time to its current name: Gulf, while introducing a new ibis logo, this time much closer to an ibis in shape and detail. This livery remained until 2015, when the livery was updated to the current version in preparation for the next generation of Gulf airliners.

In hindsight, the Gulf livery looked better on the MDs than the Airbus. though I do like the ibis this time.

EDIT - removed the blue belly and adjusted the cheatline a bit.

Airbus A320-200, Body and Soul, N2106E.

Delivered to Gulf International, July 7, 1999.
Leased to leMarocain, October 12, 2008.
Returned to Gulf, May 2, 2009.
Retired, in storage at Pinal Airpark, February 11, 2011.