Gulf Air and Embraer have signed a preliminary agreement, under which Gulf Air would operate two Embraer 170 jets through a lease.

The Embraer 170 jets are configured in a dual-class layout with seven seats in business class and 60 in economy and feature in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems.

The air carrier will deploy the aircraft as a part of its plans for realignment and expansion of its regional and international network.

Embraer EMEA airline market vice-president José Luis Molina said that they were looking forward to concluding the final contract and having the E-Jets form an important part of Gulf Air’s growth plans.

The jets are scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2010.