New A/C for the goldan falcon

[FADAC]

Gulf air for sure having new aircrafts :ok:
It was said today by one of the managment capts.
Guys the news is 45 brand new A/C starting from March 2008 with 2 new A-321. Dubai air show will have all the details for all this. And the money for all this is coming from the KIngdom company 3.5 billion $ ..
Well done Gulf Air :D

[skywaytoheaven]

Well FADAC, I just hope you are right, hope being the operative word.:rolleyes:

Hmmm 3.5bn US$ thats about 25 320's (50mil each) and 15 787s (150mil each)......

[BusTie]

Oh...man.....here we go again with the A321s....!

[airpilot_A3xx]

"Mabrook" in advance :rolleyes:

[boiler]

From what I have heard, the A321's are not new at all. They are ex RJ aircraft and are about 10 years old.

[skywaytoheaven]

10 years old, thats new in Gulf air terms!

[jackbauer]

Imagine every other carrier in the Gulf is ordering 380's 350's and talking major expansion and new routes. Meantime GF are trying to get excited about a couple of old 321's and 2 wet leased 737's. Sad state of affairs I'm afraid.:bored:

[obsidian]

dont think rj had old a321 they just got some new ones last year me thinks so they must be new ones:E

[ODMEA]

MEA of Lebanon was the first carrier in the Middle East to operate A321's, they purcahsed 6 (and have recently ordered 6 A320's and 4 A332's from Airbus) and that was about 4-5 years ago. RJ's are defintaley newer examples. RJ musn't need them are they shrinking?

And jackbauer go easy mate. GF are about to announce new AC orders..so hold off at least to see exactly how "sad",if at all, the affairs turn out to be. Think positive!:)

[ironbutt57]

RJ's not shrinking RJ is buying airPLANES instead:}

[Da Do Ron Ron]

New aircraft would be nice but at the end of the day GF is still doing the job right.

The family went home last night on the 007 and althought the 340 was a bit tatty the service was far superior than that of EK on the LHR/DXB sector. Even the 320 trip to BAH was good.

Well done GF, you got a few more frequent flyers after last night :D

[ODMEA]

Does anyone 'on the inside' of the pink palace actually have some idea of which ac GF are likely to oder next month in DXB?

[NO FD NO SRS]

320s wil be replaced by new 320s. and 787s will replace 330s and 340s. off course it is just a strong remour only and the delievery dates are not confirmed yet.

[Warbirds]

Delivery dates ?
You can't get a B787 until 2015 according to Boeing. So it will only be just a RUMOUR.:ugh:

[mutt]

So it will only be just a RUMOUR

Yep, but if you want a 2015 delivery date you better sign a purchase agreement right now.....

Mutt

[boiler]

You can't get a B787 until 2015 according to Boeing
2017 according to my Boeing sources. And that is if u sign today.

[Panama Jack]

Unless, of course, you manage to get your paws on someone else's slots or options. All nice apetizing rumors. Let's see what Dubai brings.

[MAKAVELI320]

guys have passion its only few weeks and all will be clear my source in boeing or yours not a final say and be optimistic let it be 2015 so what ?at least they will make an order, i think the golden falcon is flyin the right direction keep it up and keep it in green:D

[Desert Diner]

You can't get a B787 until 2015 according to Boeing

Have all the leasors orders been spoken for yet?

Still, I can't see GF considering to maintain a mixed A/B fleet. But then again this is GF:ugh:

[Krinkle]

Kooheji shooting his mouth off again and pre-empting offical announcements by today saying GA is planning to have a fleet of 45 aircraft by 2015, mostly new aircraft.

Mate heard him say it this morning at the WACRA call-centre forum at Gulf Hotel. No doubt in tomorrow's papers.

[Sal-e]

Didn't he mention B747-400s once on GDN a few months back?

[repapips]

You're absolutely right, Krinkle!
On today's Gulf Daily News:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=197577&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30217

[repapips]

And further in the Business section....

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=197548&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=30217

[ironbutt57]

At the end of the day gentleman, all the quotes, media gaffes, and criticisms aside, GF is finally being recognized as an asset vs a liablility to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and will be managed/promoted accordingly..all the inter-nation partner squabbling is over, and the leaders of Bahrain are ready to get on with the mission...so for those of us whom have chosen to stay the course..lets sit back and enjoy and reap the benefits...and to those who have chosen otherwise, best wishes and happy flying...bigger is not always better...

[MAKAVELI320]

well said ironbutt57 cant agree more:D

[.Aero]

Mr Al Kooheji said: "If you go to a car showroom and see a better car that the one you came to see you are going to go for that.

Great! Now we know Gulf Air's secret formula to success! We all knew plane shopping was easy.

[brassplate]

better than a car from a used car salesman i guess.

[left_to_first_class]

We all know that GF has an opportunity to carve itself out as a niche carrier (or boutique airline :)) serving the interests of the Kingdom of Bahrain and making a positive financial contribution.
What GF does not need is some idiot of a chairman, who has no real clue about commercial business, let alone buying planes and probably sees himself wanting to upstage the chairmans' of EK and EY in their home turf.

What fleet size does a GF that serves Bahrain's interest really need - is it 10, 20, 30, or 50+ ? First point is work out where yours business ties are, etc, etc.
This all seems like a bit of dejavu as this exercise was done a few years back with Hogan but nothing. Hopefully someone has dusted off the presentation and is reading it.

[Warbirds]

IB57

my girlfriend would not agree with you:E she reckons bigger IS better:E;)

[TZZ]

it became MITRE 10 advertisement

[FADAC]

Gulf Air plans to expand its fleet to between 45 and 50 aircraft over the next 10 to 15 years in a strategy designed to make it the region's carrier of choice.
It will rebuild its fleet with new aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, having previously favoured the European aircraft maker for its fleet.
Gulf Air chairman of the board of directors Mahmood Al Kooheji, made the announcement at a meeting held after the opening of the Worldwide Airlines Customer Relations Association Conference at the Gulf International Convention Centre.
He said that the airline already had its strategy in place but it had decided the way forward at two board meetings before Eid.
He revealed that Boeing was back in favour and the carrier had already decided to lease two new Boeing 737s.
The airline is also expected to place orders worth BD350 million for new wide bodied jets as part of a 10-year upgrade of its fleet at next month's Dubai 2007 airshow.
"We have made all the changes we need to make. Now we look to the future, he said.
"We will review the whole fleet and will equip with the right aircraft for our customers.
"What we are deciding now will be the strategy for the next 10 to 15 years.
"We are talking to both Boeing and Airbus. We do not want to be constrained by choosing just one aircraft builder."
The company currently has 36 aircraft and operate 28 on scheduled flights and use the others as back up when flights fail to connect on time. The current fleet has an average age of about 12 years.
Commenting on the move to have both Boeing and Airbus in the new fleet, Mr Al Kooheji said: "If you go to a car showroom and see a better car that the one you came to see you are going to go for that.
"It will be the same when we are buying aircraft. We will encourage competition between the aircraft builders."
He said that on an average, more than 80 per cent of flights were on time and recently it hit 92pc.
Gulf Air has also dramatically reduced the number of cancellations that used to dog its services. :D

[MAKAVELI320]

Fadac What ? U Mean Fadec ? And What Is New About U R Statement That Was Already In Gdn Few Days Ago

[London's Control]

Gulf Air received their first B738 seen yesterday.

[airpilot_A3xx]

Yes, we all read the GF morning briefings in the GDN FADAC.....:cool: and this one is amendment no. 5 for 2007....:rolleyes:

[stefan1138]

Has anyone taken pictures of the 737-800? I have heard it is in hybrid colours.

Furthermore when will the second 737-800 arrive?

[sharksucker]

Saw one coming into BAH this morning at 0100 UTC. Reg D-AXLE

[stefan1138]

Thanks Sharksucker,

think D-AXLE is the first 737. This aircraft was wet-leased to Tuifly (HF) before by XL-Airways.

[stefan1138]

So finally there is a picture of the 737-800 and an own thread at !!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/3675400/

[ODMEA]

Nice AC...does it have the flipped up wing tips? Also the inter pic looks like it's an all J Class config? Or it just doesnt have the divider wall between J and Y.....Anyone actually been inside yet and able to comment?

I's also like to see the golden 'condom' - looks a bit bland without..pity as the GF livery is without doubt one the most striking of any carrier. I also really liked the 50th anniversay livery now that was awsome!

Oddy

[InTrGYYZ]

looks really sharp compared to the 320s.. haven't been inside, but looks the leather seats are actually in economy. Very nice!

[knowsup]

Heard we are taking orders.....

Can I have two chicken shwarma's - 3 beef Shwarma's and one Biryani.....and a Laban to go.

2015????? Ok cancel it, i have no money anyways.:ouch:

[Che Guevara]

Of course it looks sharp..it's a Boeing isn't it! ;)

[Albergineman]

So let's be prepared for a new exodus!!!
:D

[stefan1138]

Wasn´t there one more A320 due for this winter season? If so, when will it arrive?

[FADAC]

I just came to know that gulf air deal in Dubai air show , it's going to be the biggest deal since 5 years :D

[QatarA340]

I hope that it makes a large order. But, GF did not place a single order in the last 5 years, so any order will be considered the largest. Please correct me if Im wrong.

What GF needs now is more guidance than new shiny jets. If the fraud is not tackled, then the company will continue to loose money daily!

[rextravels]

I agree with the last posting, Leadership, and cut out all the backdoor dealings that have been going on for years.
:ugh::ugh::ugh:

[stefan1138]

What are the latest rumours? Which types can we expect to be ordered and how many of each type?

[Mephistopheles]

FADAC, do you mean the biggest deal in Bahrain, or GF, or the entire industry cos I heard a similar rumour that is being spread by someone with supposedly Airbus contacts that it will be something really really big. But myself I can't see that happening. But we shall see...............

[Chuck Y]

Sounds like bulls***. Don't think we will ever get anything-at least nothing new. I will never understand it, especially from a country that gets US$30 million a DAY from oil sales!!! We should have a amazing airline but what can we do?

[FADAC]

It's the biggest deal in the entire industry since 2002. both Airbus and Boing were there in the office last week and i saw them there And managed to get a pen from Airbus :O

The aircrafts are
(1) 320 Family
(2) 330-300
(3) 350
(4) 777-200 LR & ER
(5) 787

Totel of 45 new A/C's

[Desert Diner]

What kind of pen?

[Warbirds]

Hey FADAC, you know that pen you got from Airbus yeah, they gave it to you so you can draw lots of airplanes with it..........:}:}:}

[h73kr]

"The aircrafts are
(1) 320 Family
(2) 330-300
(3) 350
(4) 777-200 LR & ER
(5) 787

Totel of 45 new A/C's"

Hmm, 1 320, 2 330's, 3 350's, 4 777's and 5 787's. I make that total of 15 aircraft. :)

Whatever, I can't see it being a massive order, what's the need?

[Panama Jack]

Hmm, 1 320, 2 330's, 3 350's, 4 777's and 5 787's. I make that total of 15 aircraft.


He said 320 family.

So that makes it 1 A318, 1 A319, 1 A320, 1 A321 . . . plus options on the A317, A315, plus a few preowned aircraft from Royal Jordanian. So that brings it up to over 20+ aircraft.

A-317:

http://www.airlinepictures.net/photopost/data/514/medium/2116a317.jpg

A-315:

http://www.airlinepictures.net/photopost/data/514/medium/2116a315.jpg

Ex-RJ aircraft:

http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_may2004/AirPoland.jpg

[knowsup]

I have to agree. What is the point? Placing a letter of intent for AC's does not mean they will arrive. How is GF going to fill them? The loads are getting lighter and lighter. Too many pax have had enough wasting/losing their hard earned money showing up for cancelled or excessively delayed flights only to miss their connecting flights downroute.
There are no more spin doctors left to shine the image of GF. Just stick with the GDN as our extended family for a PR division. There that was a suggestion BN. Just saved the vulture 300 K in salaries instead of have a marketing department. Just have AUH/EY fund the AC's. That makes GF feel like we have a purpose and EY have company that makes them look much better than they are. Just saved you another 80 Mil in deposits BN. Not too difficult being PCE now is it? GO GETT'em Champ!!!:\

[FADAC]

Mr. K73 the no. were only to indecate an order like A B C D E ok :ok:

Nice 1 Mr. PJ :yuk: i think you wish to be in gulfair

[brassplate]

until the orders materialise, i'm afraid we only have paper airplanes.



http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:lySNT9x1MSb2OM:http://www.wingimp.org/tutorial/airplane.jpg (http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wingimp.org/tutorial/airplane.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.crazyfunflashgames.com/cat/4/Strategy/p1.htm&h=500&w=500&sz=137&hl=en&start=7&sig2=ynNTx5Ymz-T4THt7Q9nBUA&um=1&tbnid=lySNT9x1MSb2OM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&ei=jjcuR6-FCqKQggOYqa2MAQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpaper%2Baeroplane%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3D en%26rlz%3D1T4SKPB_enBH221BH221%26sa%3DN)

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

PJ you had me on the floor mate, A317 HA HA HA

Well lads I sincerely hope all your dreams and wishes come true but if I were you I wouldnt hold my breath.

[Mephistopheles]

I guess we will just have to be patient & wait & see. Let's just hope that it goes something like half of the rumours we have heard.

[boiler]

My sources at Boeing tell me the negotiations have not gone well with GF. There is a big difference in the price Boeing was offering and what GF was willing to pay for the 787. It seems doubtful those beauties will be a part of GF future (barring any political decision by the government to please the U.S.).

[Icarus]

Boilermaker,
Interesting comment seeing as there appear to be simultaneous meetings taking place today in Tolouse with AIB and in London with Boeing.

[boiler]

As I have said, I have good sources (a must when u are in the airline consulting business). The London negotiations you speak of ended 2 days ago if I am not mistaken, and are not simultaneous with Airbus as far as I know. Why? Because the source I have in GF says the team that went to London 3 days ago left there already and are at Airbus now.

[jackbauer]

Boilermaker, as someone who knows Icarus, believe me your contacts are a lot further away from the talks than he is!!

[boiler]

I hope you are right and everything is going better that what I was told. Good luck.

[FADAC]

Guys in 4 days every one will say WOOOW Gulf Air :)
:D It's really a big deal :D

[knowsup]

FADAC- you reply/sound like your ten years old. yes Gf flight deck is peeing their pants waiting for yet again big/any:bored: news.

[London's Control]

Gulf Air received their 2nd Boeing 737-800 2 days ago.

[skywaytoheaven]

Well I hope you're right fadic or you will look a right tw*t!

[flyboy320]

Guys in 4 days every one will say WOOOW Gulf Air:O
:D It's really a big deal:D

Hey FADAC, Dubai Air Show closes at the 15th November......
I hope the big guys in the pink Palace know that, too!

It would be really disappointing for all of us if there is not even a single order from GF.

[airpilot_A3xx]

with only two days to the end of the 2007 DUBAI AIRSHOW. let me be the first then FADAC:

" WOOOW Gulf Air, It's really a big d... "

[boiler]

Boilermaker said: My sources at Boeing tell me the negotiations have not gone well with GF
Jackbauer said: Boilermaker, as someone who knows Icarus, believe me your contacts are a lot further away from the talks than he is!!
First day of the Air Show has passed and nothing yet. Now we will see how truthful my sources were and if I have been far off.

[surely not]

I got talking a bloke in the chippy in Adliya last night and he reckons an announcement is due today at the airshow..................................


Excellent fish and chips............

[knowsup]

Too bad Boeing or Airbus do not barter. We could send Seattle or Toulus all the Hamour they could eat....forever.

FADAC- What is your latest. Always good to hear your perception of reality. Typed this up in the font that keeps you in your comfort zone.

[Warbirds]

FADAC, GF got their big order as anticipated: 2 x Leased B-738's.....you half t..t:yuk:

[knowsup]

GF is known by the biz community as a joke of an airline. Now Fadac has assured everyone that they are the joke of PRUNE.:D:D:D
here here well done GF and Fadac keep us and everyone laughing.

[skywaytoheaven]

Hey Knows shutup, who the hell are you? There are alot of very decent people working hard at Gulf air that dont need to hear youre bull!!!! opinions, keep some dignity and keep youre keyboard locked :=

[Chuck Y]

Rumour is that our bearded friends in the ever so intelligent & open-minded parliment are making problems for the company regarding new aircraft. Seems these ever-so religious a**holes want their piece of the action.:ugh:
Hence no orders to be expected.

[airpilot_A3xx]

Ohh shutup skywaytoheaven,I think you need a hug son, we all work our A$$'s just to see some :mad: screw up and others telling us to lock up our keyboards while pretending to work yeah:cool:... and yes i was here way before you mate, and out of base for the airshow in DOO BUY..:rolleyes:

FADAC, hunny, this one for you

" WOOOW Gulf Air, It's really a big di...... "

[skywaytoheaven]

err youve been here longer than me? wow good for you, or poor you not sure which, doesnt exactly mean alot round these parts. I hope for a good future for Gf like everyone else, enjoy Dubai, I've heard its a lovely place:ugh:

[longreach]

Maybe FADAC isn't too far from the truth:

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKL1351407920071113?rpc=44

Looking at replacing their entire fleet of 35 aircraft with a decision in a few weeks. Looks like a Boeing victory to me, otherwise it would be being splashed all over the Air(bus) Show.

[boiler]

DUBAI, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Bahrain-based Gulf Air [GULF.UL] is in talks with U.S. planemaker Boeing Co (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and European rival Airbus to renew its entire fleet of the 35 aircraft, the airline's chairman said on Tuesday.

Gulf Air will choose between the manufacturers in a "few weeks", Mahmoud al-Kooheji told reporters.

The airline is looking to sell shares to the public as early as next year and could consider selling a stake to other airlines or investors, Bjorn Naf, the airline's acting president said. (Reporting by John Irish: editing by Dayan Candappa)

So whatever happened to his own statements a few months back about making a big announcement in the Dubai Airshow???

GF has been talking to Airbus and Bowing for years, but this just shows you nothing has changed and the "Bored" can't make a decision.

[Ray Darr]

2 x Leased B-738's

ONE of the said Baby Boeings that GF has LEASED (yet it seems to be the flavour of the week to say they are NEW GF aircraft, but that's what the media specialize in...making their own take on things!) looked a bit tattered in DXB yesterday. We were in the vicinity of the 'port, and the kids pointed out that half of the budgie flew the coop - it was missing from that big tall vertical part of the backside of the plane!

...Anyone seen a big-a$$ budgie somewhere between that little Island in the Sea that the Baby Boeing is calling home for now, and this "magic" wonderland called DooBAee?

:sad:

Cheers,
R.D.

[tbaylx]

Gulf Air has been announcing for years now that it will buy new aircraft. Hopefully it eventually will, it needs them, and the pilots have been waiting some time for some good news.

I wouldn't hold my breath in hearing anything in "the next few weeks" as the chairman put it..i think their definition of a few weeks is somewhat different than the rest of the world's. Eventually they'll be forced to do it by the simple fact of the ones they have spending more time on the ground being fixed than flying. It's going to take alot of debate and making sure the right people in Bahrain get a piece of the action...the more things change the more they remain the same.

Best of luck to all the crew at GF.

[brassplate]

funny how reuters published this before the gdn. shows how unreliable, ass-kissing and white-washing the gdn really is to issues which may be detrimental to the image of the island.
gf should learn the art of downplaying important developmental issues and just produce the goods, rather than having to get everyones hopes high only to break promises and eating their own words.
the board should all check their watches because they've made this grandiose announcement (and others) several times starting some years ago with zip to show for except a couple of leased 738s which incidently is only taking work away from gf pilots and costing the company unnecessarily.

[InTrGYYZ]

I agree wit Brassplate. lets get some of our own birds. Come on GF.. We are all waiting anxiously for the good news...yalla yalla! :E

[gulfboy]

"Six months ago we stood at the edge of an abyss.
Tomorrow we will take a giant step forward."

[brassplate]

seeing is believeing, habibi.

[InTrGYYZ]

"In three to four months we will be fully staffed, and I’m absolutely confident in this airline," Al Kooheji said. "We’ve been the airline of choice for the region and I’m sure we can build on that."

can someone fire this dude plz!

[Warbirds]

Hey FADAC, what do you say now? Here is a start, try Inshallah! If that fails call IB57 he has an answer!:yuk:

[Panama Jack]

With respects to the Reuters news article, I am wondering what attraction shares in a money-losing, unstable (with regards to strategy), government-controlled airline would have to an investor? I am reminded of the naive gold rush-like IPO's in Saudi Arabia a few years ago.

[jackbauer]

The writing is on the wall in six foot letters guys. RUN AWAY FAST. The company is run by amateurs with no plan and a distinct skill for not telling the truth. The money means nothing if there is a monkey in charge of the operation. Does anyone really believe that this Naf guy will still be here in 6 months time? Run I tell you, run now!!!!!:eek:
Gulf Air will choose between the manufacturers in a "few weeks", Kooheji said, adding that the firm was considering Islamic finance, including Islamic bonds, to pay for the new aircraft.
That should really please the leasing companies.

[boiler]

The aircraft will have to be leased adding a tremendous cost to the operaation. You cannot buy anything directly from Boeing or Airbus till 2017. And this was before EK or QR announced their latest orders.

[Sandy Swan]

GF can't produce a Balance Sheet. How do they hope to buy any aircraft,let alone privatise the company?I suspect that EK and QR are placing these huge orders partly in order to stop the weaker companies like GF from acquiring any new aircraft of their own.A bitter market rationalization under way.

[knowsup]

A balance sheet??? lets walk before we can run. How about a seniority list??

[brassplate]

they can stop flying too. this will save them 600,000 a day.....a good starting point to affording new birds.:}

[In such way that...]

Ask Santa Clauss... maybe you can find it at the end of the rainbow!
:ugh:

[Sal-e]

C'mon you guys. What difference does it make? Whether or not they announce an order at the air show amounts to the same thing....and that is we won't see new planes for some time. So who cares what the A/PCE or the board did? (Though it was a wasted of time and money for ALL of them to go there just to announce an announcement date!!)

[Phantom Driver]

Sad. Very sad.....:bored:

[rextravels]

It seems that this big announcement went down the same way the others have gone with GA. Also in the announcement was that BN has been awarded the Big job. So there GA goes again not making any positive decisions, and burying their head in the sand.
The chairman is completely uneducated when it comes to aviation, and the rest of the board are the same.
BN who is over his head and hopefully will work out. Or we will be back at this in a few months.

A very interesting note with a different twist though, why is the ex etihad head of security now the head of security for GA ? or is he passing on information to the folks at Etihad..

[Mephistopheles]

It doesn't seem such a big deal but our PCE, especially, has led all of us to believe that there was to be an aircraft order at the Dubai airshow. More bulls*** from the smiling liar. Believe me guys the board & our PCE have no idea what they are doing. I guess they still think they can hold out until privatization!!! Good luck.
Also it's amazing how many bulls***ers are around claiming to have "inside" information regarding this & that. It is obvious now by this thread that there are alot of peolple who know f*** all.

[brassplate]

so there you have it...the big announcement..bn has the big job. woopididoo.

[rextravels]

Way to put it.
Well I guess PCE and Chairman needed to be together in Dubai to make the announcement that they were going to get a new fleet, but what is worse are the comments made by the chairman their regarding selling off some of the company etc. these guys have not even got out of the sandbox yet and are falling down.

[knowsup]

BN you should be ashamed. You held the hopes of the company in your hands and you dropped them. Do you really think the BIG news is that you go from APCE to PCE has a single person excited? The only thing big now is :yuk:your paycheck. Aren't we all glad about that. Only at GF would something like this be allowed. You had us all fooled including pprune's resident joker FADAC. :ouch: Yes we all supporting black eyes today.

[airfort]

I said in an earlier thread the big news to be made was the appointment of BN's as PCE, even before it was announced in DXB. This was the promised breaking news ! ! Are you Nuts guys ? Did you realy believe GA was or can buy new AC ? Not in a 100 years ! !

[brassplate]

this is the same guy who stood the company up on what was supposed to be an auspices occassion for gulfair when bahrain officially became the sole owner...and this is to attend a private matter back home....after having invited everyone to a small celebration at hq to mark the occassion.
so when will that celebration take place now? when he is damn right and ready? gf awaits you, oh fearless leader.

[jackbauer]

I feel sorry for the pilots who withdrew their resignations for this. It was hoped there was a better future but now it's just as bad as ever. With Naf as PCE things can only get worse. Do they really believe someone wants to buy 50% of a company losing $600,000 a day? If new buyers come in look out cause they will be after your salaries from day one.

[boiler]

FYI it will only get worse from here for people at GF. The Bahraini Government has declared Bahrain Air as the second national carrier of Bahrain. So much for supporting GF. Now this new company will have access to and can demand frequencies and traffic rights that are currently used by GF.

[brassplate]

jack,
don't feel too sorry for the ones who'd contemplated leaving before. we know whoever made those big orders and they will need drivers soon enough. don't forget, it's a pilots market worldwide. only gf will be the ones who will be sorry, like their newly leased 738. the gf paint is already peeling off after only a couple of weeks. says a lot about the company really. it's all just patchwork and a coverup paint job.

[Mephistopheles]

boilermaker, where do you get your info regarding Bahrain Air being the 2nd flag carrier for Bahrain?
Doesn't sound right?

[airpilot_A3xx]

"Calling FADAC, Calling FADAC....

:D:D B.O.H.I.C.A :D:D

[boiler]

The info comes from a senior manager at GF. This happened less than a week ago. It was a shock to everyone there.

[MAKAVELI320]

FADAC FADAC FADAC FADAC FADAC ANY NEWS FROM U ?

[repapips]

Maybe FADAC, with his "vivid" imagination, is now contemplating on a new username...a new identity...
Give him time, folks!

[bird dog]

Where is IB57. I am missing his clever and impartials posts!!

[Mephistopheles]

boilermaker, you should be clever enough to know that first of all GF have senior managers for even the tiniest position. So shame on you for believing him/her!
Also I don't think Bahrain Air can be the 2nd national carrier since 49% of the shares belong to a Saudis. Why don't you ask your 'senior' manager buddy?
:}

[boiler]

Dear Mephistopheles, time will prove that I was right once again (and you will see). I feel no shame trusting my source as he/she is very knowledgeable and respectable in the company. FYI, Bahrain Air is also owned by Shk Ali. Given that info, and the other people in BAH backing him up, are u sure it won't be declared as the second national carrier? I said what I said and I am sticking to it. I rarely post anything unless I have checked it through and am sure that it is right.

[Mephistopheles]

boilermaker, again my info varies from yours. I have been led to believe that apart from the Saudi investors the other shareholders are Bahraini sheiks but not Sheik Ali. We shall see.

[Sal-e]

Wow, seems a little emotional in here. Just laughing at the colourful bit of screaming from some of you:hmm:. Guys, look. Just go to work, earn your keep, and let everything take it's course. Something is in the works and it will reveal itself in time. As we've all said from time to time, sit back, relax, and enjoy.

[Navigator007]

FADAC, where r u?

the news please?

Any updates on the super deal?
:}

[Not too small]

I dont think anybody can get new aircraft before 2012 if they sign for a deal now.
or maybe FADAC has another word. do you

[FADAC]

Hi guys

The news all of you looking forward for some nice news !
Ok i was with BN on the same flight, when he went for a visit to France or i'll say to E... company in south of France.
The order is already there and it's big we will be making headlines in less than few weeks, just wait for a bit guys don't just rush.
Plus we wanna be the only one with an order not like the others ,(i,e) you buy in the airshow they will talk about it for one day , you do it outside the air show they will keep on talking about it for months :)
Guys you all remamber the pay rise the order will be as big as the pay rise we get , big suprise , just wait :ok:
Happy holidays to all

FADAC

[knowsup]

Always colorful always amusing. Keep up the good work FADAC

[Sal-e]

Ah, Fadac, welcome back. The trip put a few colours in your cheeks did it? Well we all hope you're right. But most of all, I hope my next flight is a safe one on an aircraft that works well with a bright and cheerful crew on a three day block with a nice layover where the food and drink is good and the following days work during daylight hours back to Bahrain to be greeted by a salary that is on time and friends who have reserved me a picnic chair with a cold beer holder on it's armrest and a sizzling bbq going. To a point, I am oblivious to everything beyond that. There's better things to do than wait and wait and wait for new planes.

[alraisia]

fadac i think GF have to wait for 6 or 7 years in the queue to get new A/C the goldan days for GF are gone.so please keep flying the old junk with U/S APUs:D

[MAKAVELI320]

ALRAISIA I DONT KNOW FROM WHERE U CAME UP WITH THIS FUNNY ANALISE YEMENIA WILL GET THE 350S IN JUST 4 YRS TIME NOT TO MENTION ITS 350 NOT 330 SEONDLY GF GOLDEN DAYS STILL ON:ugh: AND A/C DONT FLY WITH APU WE USE ENGINES TO FLY SO JUST CHILL LEAVE FADAC ALONE

[Ray Darr]

Wow. 350's to Yemen. Yes, it's true, but it goes to show you what a bunch of so-called professionals will do when sitting around chewing qat and rendering their decisions in amongst a bunch of other hallucination-altered staring-into-the-abyss plans. 350's? That's hilarious for a company that can't fill an aircraft on any route (well, skipping any and all of the "Oh noproblem, yanni, you know the flights are free for you, my friend!"). :ok:

Decision process? What's that? ...pass some more qat. * chomp chomp * *gazed look * *maybe we could team up with Star Alliance next? * *chomp chomp * :mad: :eek: :bored: :8 :E

...At least the laughter that "decision" caused brought happiness to the manufacturer. :p :D :O :ok:

~ R.D.

[Ray Darr]

Plus we wanna be the only one with an order not like the others ,(i,e) you buy in the airshow they will talk about it for one day , you do it outside the air show they will keep on talking about it for months

FACAC, WTF do you mean? Dig yourself another hole by explaining WTF this exactly means, mate?

Awaiting further clearance.

~ R.D.

Good luck to those who are still at Gulf Air. Too many good friends there to wish badness upon you. (Someone should elect FADAC as your new spokespuppet!) :yuk:

[EY346Driver]

Mr Naf can probably make a bid for a 340-600 which Airbus has "laying around", all it needs is a new paint job and some good old GF maintenance. Some high speed tape, lots of MDD's and you're in business. I'm sure he can get a good price for it.:ok:

[Not too small]

I heard that GF is getting 3 NEW A320s very soon and 2 A321 used in 2009 and this is to start with.
and some of the A/C we have will be refurbished till the big order gets here as FADAC said
thanks

[Albergineman]

Since they will refurbish some airplanes as they said before, it means the "big order" delivery will not start before 2013. These A320 series airplanes are likely to replace the 767 (since at least a dozen of B767's CP's and FO's will be moving to Airbus next year) while we receive more wet leased B737/A320 to keep the ship going. The A346 could be a good option for cargo also on flights to BKK, MNL and who knows SIN and HKG!

:rolleyes:

[Fatal_Gulfy]

As i heard that an airline in USA has ground entire fleet due to high cost of oil price, and GF big boss calling them for A/C's......as i heard there are more than 100 aircrafts been grounded..........is that what you talking about FADAC

[FADAC]

To all the guys who don't love Gulf Air be sure that the golden days are not gone away we are still there and we are the one who do the days not the days do us , so we are still nice and happy flying and do alot of things that alot of airlines don't do. :D
Will be in the head lines in no days and for the rest of the guys who don't fly with us , i wish that one day you will be able to have fun as much as we do.:}
Never under grade us , WE ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST:ok:

FADAC

[Spirit]

FADAC,

I'm a Gulf Air pilot myself. Gulf Air has, so far, been pretty good to me. Salary is okay, but, speaking as a bloody-far-from-home-expat, by no means excellent, same as the working conditions.

But: Since Gulf Air is not my first airline, let me tell you this, my friend:

We are NOT the best of the best!!!

[boiler]

WE ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST
You're fooling yourself buddy. Keep on living in the past. If GF cannot understand it is being surpassed by the other big players, nothing will change . GF will disappear completely from view and be relegated to the back burner of history. Sorry to be so harsh, but this is reality.

[LDG NO BLUE]

Boilermaker is right.

Survival of the fittest, like it or not.

LNB

[ironbutt57]

Gulf Air flys the flag of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and therefore will soldier on in one form or another for the foreseeable future..it's not about competition, or profitibility here in the gulf folks, it's about national pride, and who is willing to spend the most money on toys...

[411A]

Hmmm, all this interest in new airplanes.
It might interest some at GF that an old type may well be returning in the interim, if the financial conditions are right, as folks in the know have been contacted, and discussions are underway...right now.

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

Irombutt57 wrote

Gulf Air flys the flag of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and therefore will soldier on in one form or another for the foreseeable future..it's not about competition, or profitibility here in the gulf folks, it's about national pride, and who is willing to spend the most money on toys...

Trouble is my friend the big boys don't want to spend their "hard earned;)" dinars on toys we get to play with. They prefer to spend them on toys they play with, Ferraris, yachts, Bangkok BJ's etc etc

411 wrote

It might interest some at GF that an old type may well be returning in the interim

Hmmm do I smell the rotting stench of a few aging Tristars making their merry way to fantasy island?????:E

Heck as FADAC put it That would make big headlines::D

Face it FADAC GF is all but a memory of glory days gone past. The ship is sinking and there is no one at the helm:zzz::zzz:
May she rest in peace

[jackbauer]

IB57 If GF is the flag carrier and profit is not the priority then why is the Bahrain Govt in such a hurry (2008) to offload AT LEAST 50% of the company? My guess is that they have had enough of the corruption and want distance between them and Gulf Air. A clean sheet with another airline is not such a daft idea.

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

Jackbauer, well put mate. It's called pass the hot potato

That a:mad:le the head of the bored lot needs first of all to learn that by law no IPO can go ahead without two consecutive years of profits. But heck what on earth is he expected to know about economics, finance and business in general.

[salahabuali]

If ever GF shares went on sale before the required 2 years of profitability, GF will collapse like a card castle.

Anyone who thinks that the current team is going to achieve anything by pacifying the 3ajm and the bahrams, is mistaken.

GF will remain yes, but corruption and despotism will contiinue as they ever have.

[Trader]

They want to offload as much as they can because the can't or are unwilling to foot the $350 million they lose per year!! Split four ways, as in the past, or two ways was OK for them since Bahrain received the vast majority of the benefit. Today, no way. Thats a lot of money by anyones standard and Bahrain may be wealthy but they are not stupid.

There have been NO changes in cost of GF and they last a bundle the last few years. In fact, if anything cost have gone up as they sit airplanes and play catch up. The last pilot raise is being paid by Mumtelekat and not on GF's books. When that moves over the loss increases again.

The rush to go private or partially private is a signal that the government wants little to do with financing the company any longer.

I agree that GF will likely always struggle along. But for the average FO, imo, it is better to leave and upgrade elsewhere. There is lots of talk about new airpanes and growth - but I'll believe it when I see it!!

[FADAC]

Hi Guys

Just been told that Prince W.T is going to buy 33% of Gulf Air :)
Do you know what it mean !!!!
The Prince is knowen to buy companies approching chapter 7 (you all know C.7) and turn them to a profitable companies.
Just wait and see by your own eyes.
Enjoy your new pay slip guys .
FADAC

[Bahraingeneric]

What a colourful post. Problem is I alredy spent my payslip!!

[Mephistopheles]

It could be true about Prince W bin T coz I remember him being interested in buying shares in GF about 9 or so years ago but he got shot down by some politics here. Let's hope he gets involved with GF.

[Desert Diner]

The Prince is knowen to buy companies approching chapter 7 (you all know C.7) and turn them to a profitable companies.


He has a knack of spotting companies ready to be flushed down the proverbial W.C. (Not really a good sign for GF though :\).

It didn't work too well with his TWA (you know TWA?) investment though.:rolleyes:

[sirwa69]

If Prince W T does buy 35 % of Gulf Air with the intention of turning it into profit then Bahraini's pack your bags :eek:

There can be no doubt whatsoever that the only way to get GF back into profitability is to remove hundreds of Bahraini's and replace them with tens of expats. Same amount of work done :}

Oh, and the board will need to go as well.

Now I wonder if Bahrain is really ready to let all that happen? :ugh::ugh:

On On

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Well slpa my arse Suzan, this is starting to make some sense, for once.


It makes sense, and the money they can save from employing useless bahrainis can be spent in buying armored personnel carriers. They will neeed them, particularly in the Sanabis area, the shia stronghold of Bahrain where most of the Bahraini (useles) families are from.

Prince W. is no fool and will not suffer the fools gladly as the board and Bjorf nan does, all sweetie honey we look after you and this your airline crap. Fire the suckers.

Anyway expats or not they are incompetent and incapable.

What's for lunch today in the canteen, can I have some chips please?

[brassplate]

the ideal outcome is to keep the locals AND operate profitably (for the (new) shareholders), or at least break even (as IB57 mentioned here and previous posts, for national pride, boosting the economy etc).

by keeping the locals at work, the government is relieved of having to sustain them. on the same token, every employee, local or expat, must have some sort of 'output' monitor.

on a sour note, the old hardware we still fly desperately need replacing. at least 40% of my flights are delayed due technical with passengers waiting on board for sometimes up to 90 minutes, missing transfers, loved ones waiting at the other end etc. this DAMAGES gfs reputation and we are losing customers by the day.

the much touted 'airline of choice' is becoming the 'wrong choice' considering the competition surrounding us with their new machines, far more expansive networks, destinations, right (and useful) alliances, and on time departures that at worst, would still better than our best.

[Trader]

If GF wants to be profitable - or more realistically - lower losses, they will not be growing! They may replace airplanes but thats it.

[Navigator007]

alfakhem,,,

dont know what areas u r talking about..

though, the value adding expacts have all my respect but I have much more respect for the locals with high caliber, who by the way have proved to be a precious asset for top management jobs in jet airways(albusaeedi), air arabia (a ali), plus the second line executives in gf, sv, ey, qr, etc.

its only the white skin, blue eyes syndrome that a big % of us 'the expacts' r hiding behind

[Navigator007]

fadac,

u seem to have much more info than we captains usually share in conversations with f1 coffee rounds over a soduku paper :hmm:

w.b.t have long shown interest in gf and its a/c, rememebr the 767 time!

however, from an investor point of view, i would be suspecious that he will allow such info to leak out in a an early stage for stake buy, knowing his style of conducting business either in citi group, movenpick, four seasons, etc unless ur so close to decesion makers from board:rolleyes:

[Mephistopheles]

sirwa69, I have already started packing my bags.

[Chuck Y]

From "are we buying planes" to "who's gonna buy us". Nice diversion guys. I hope none of you are in a decision making position.:}

[knowsup]

That is the problem- there is no one on site that has any decision making authority. How foolish are they, the ones that stick around waiting for the next BIG news. Kindergarten promises. Just wait Just wait. How about Just Deliver Just deliver. That is my suggestion for a new Motto. Again I reiterate....This could only happen in Bahrain. So Sad.

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Navigator,

Indeed locals have been instrumental in ensuring GF canteen operation is sustainable.

As to Al Busaidi, history tells me otherwise, and if it was not for the shared agreements between GF and Jet ( Al Siyabi days) he would not be where he is today, sustaining the "shared" profits between different sales managers GF and jet's own chief.

Adel Ali indeed has a great oiperation, but can you name me another local on his team? One and a stock holder at that! And this should say enough!

Yes there is the expat blue eyed syndrome, but there is also the saturnism syndrome which seems to be acutely endemic to the Island and the GF culture.

Don't be surprised when Bjorf nan's children to be, look like relatives of the chariman, narrow eyebrows and wide Dumbo like ears, albeit without the glasses at such an early age! But perhaps the only way for the tradition to create perrenity for itself.

Say Grace and pass me the glue please!

[DesertHawk]

Just curious how we all seem to have the inside to what is going on but as far as i know none of us are on the board. And p.s all the companies in ME are losing money. GF is not different the airline losses but the country and the group makes a lot!!!

[Left Coaster]

You say none of us are on the board and thus, know nothing... yet you claim to have knowledge of all ME airlines bottom lines...wow...you sure are something...:p

[DesertHawk]

never said you know nothing. said we do not have the inside as we are not members of the board.

and does not take a rocket scientist to figure out many of the airlines are losing as they have ANNOUNCED this in the papers. ie quatar and etihad have openly stated their losing money.

[Giv]

keep dreaming H********N

Come back home b4 the kick yr hairy ass out of that place.

[Left Coaster]

Desert Dove...
Not ALL then is it?

[jackxjd]

i replied to the same as:mad:e statement a while ago that the airline business is loosing money world-wide. This is not true at all . On the contrary some airlines are enjoying net margins of 20-30% and even the more prominent guys like BA LH etc are above 7% which the manufacturing industry will beg to have.

If anyone is privvy to reports from Goldman, Merrill, Morgan etc you got it in black and white.:ok:

[FADAC]

Big news guys by next week , you all will have a big smile:ok:

[In such way that...]

Inshallah!

:{

[Fatal_Gulfy]

hussain calm down

[brassplate]

wow, even airlines that haven't started are making announcements!!!!hmmmm.

[Giv]

You cann't keep your mouth shutt

keep dreaming Mr Hussain :}

[knowsup]

The question remains.....
Who in the pink palace has the credentials to hold the titles they do??
The people who were appointed were done by the one who has no experience. BN
Lost leader?? He finds out the well being in the GDN. As we all do/did. There is no confidentiality within the upper ranks. Everyone leaks news saying I heard, I heard, I heard something from someone. Da plane, Da Plane where are they?
The Flight Deck are the professional ones who actually hold a certificate to prove their skills. Who else I ask?? Can produce something that clearly proves dedication and experience.
This is a world class game in a fierce local market. The Tri-Star days are over being the only Hamour in the neighborhood. For the sake of the skilled ones that put their careers on the line every time they buckle up-GF is no longer in the 70's and can not afford another mishap.
Get some real people that have real experience to keep the airline in business without hoping every year that some Sheik or investment group or some last minute savior will pay the bills. Wake up. There are two registered tourist agents in bahrain a total of 2 people that does not equate to tourism revenue that they can kick back to keep GF going. Two words....The Dhow. Nothing fixed in the government to avoid that happening again. The ME hubs are AUH and DXB. The traffic will be getting less and less.
Collect your paycheck-drink your beer-show up to work if you feel like it-take crap from unqualified management-Be concerned obout who is conducting your ride.
A little frustrated for the dedicated who bust their @#!@ yes. Is it right that the carrot keeps being replenished to keep the skilled ones in place you guys decide. It is shameful what they get away with.:=

[salahabuali]

Unskilled hire unskilled, hence the disaster.

Bjorf Nan is a fecking looser with peas for balls.

the rest of the management is proud lasy Bahraini, go figure.

Refloat or no refloat the ship is snking anyway, corrupt to the bone it might just collapse before we knosw it.

[Albergineman]

Hopefully we will receive our full package salary + backdated this week...

:{

[Sal-e]

Alber....gee man. The pay is in the system already with all the appropriate backdated items. And this thread is about new planes which are on the way. This is turning into a case of the impatient child itching soooooo much to open his present before Christmas. Show a little patience chaps. All will reveal itself soon. I bet when it starts to happen, a lot of you will start hunting for other issues to bitch and moan about. Grow up guys, you're really starting to embarrass us.

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

Sal-e, for a guy who's been occupying a GF flightdeck seat for the better part of 5 whole minutes, you sure seem to know a hell of alot about GF my boy.:ugh:

[Albergineman]

Ok Salty&weak, people are talking about BN competence, etc, so why not talk about the package again? This is the only real thing we are getting now...

Keep dreaming about new planes and please do not keep the checklist at the cockpit's lateral window when leaving the airplane, please! That is not a professional behavior...

... and don't forget... fly safe!

:ok:

[Sal-e]

Hairynuts,

You are absolutely correct. I've been with GF for five whole minutes. The beauty about that is I only move in one direction when someone can't stand the company any longer (like you and many others) and leaves.
And yes, I take an active interest in the company's business (as an intelligent pilot should) and then come up with a model that I think best represents it. And if what I see has potential for my career and the overall outlook of the company, I give it a chance and stay.

[ODMEA]

The whole region is a farse when you compare it to comparible western practices. BAH, DOH, AUH, DXB, GF, QR, EY, EK......all have major issues of treatment of staff, organisational structure and leadership, and conditions, workload etc. Some do have shinnier planes and prepared to lose money and subsidise till the cows come home, given.

I'd say GF came through with pay albeit having taken an eternity and announced at the 11th hour-yet they came through.

Lets wait and see what eventuates aircraft order wise....remember if something takes 1 month to do in west it takes 6 months to do same in GCC. Why? ...well..that's a whole new debate.

All four carriers started off superbly..but in each case the glammour quickly wore away as the reality is the consistancy isn't there to maintain it.

PS-I hope you guys don't argue up front like on this forum when flying those magnificent machines-while we nieve pax are sipping champers and enjoying the fine cuisine GF does so well!

Maybe the cockpit doors are sound proof as well as bullet?:)

my 2 cents.

Oddy

[salahabuali]

blablalbla radira radira

Wish we had time to reply to your senseless rant oddy, food is great on GF .....etc....

Sounds like you own this airline mate why don't you come and run it?

[soggyblonde]

I thought you were up for the top job???????:p Hey!!!! I hear that they have upgraded the land cruiser.:E Let me know as I need a new car and I will apply. I am just as unqualified and unskilled as the rest of them. I sure I can screw things up just as well as the previous guy. And the Guy before that, and the one before that one and so on......well I sure you get the idea.:p:p:E

[brassplate]

how come this thread is silent all of a sudden? wasn't this about new planes? goes to show that you're all like little birds, screaming until you get fed to be silenced. obviously, the last paycheck did just that!

now back to the issue at hand.
when is the announcement of new orders taking place?

[Fatal_Gulfy]

I think you miss that......actually Gulf Air did an announcement in air show.........THEY ORDERED TWO NEW APU

[scanscanscan]

No they did not...they leased some spare APU parts which got lost in the post.

[stefan1138]

A little off topic, when are the last B767 to be phased out and how many are currently still in operation?

Guess that they can only be phased out when some new/ used leased ac will join?

[brassplate]

we need those new birds!!! two major failures over the last three days proves it and indeed demands it!!!! otherwise they will have to pay us test pilot salaries to keep flying these rust buckets.

[scanscanscan]

HUM...You poor buggers....rusty airframe operations or double engine failure operations.... when Gf did nearly all its own heavy maintenance in house in Bahrain we did not have these worries.

[brassplate]

so we getting new birds or not, and when????? surely someone knows something!!
the silence is deafening and it says a lot. i am going to conspire and take it that the new and imminent startup of lowcost 'bahrain air' may actually be affecting gf in a big way and we may be choking.
with the involvement of the royal family in this is surely going to stall gf's plans. their inaction will be costly.

[boiler]

U better ask Fadac who talked personally to BN and assured him that a decision is coming in the next few weeks. Thus was last month and we are already a few weeks later with no news in the horizon.

[GF-A330]

word has it no new planes on the way, do with what we have

[brassplate]

i am refusing to let this thread fall to the next page. the silence by our fearless leader is deafening.

BN,

A FEW WEEKS HAD LAPSED SINCE YOUR BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT. WILL WEEKS TURN INTO MONTHS, AND MONTHS INTO YEARS? WE HAVE HEARD THAT ONE BEFORE FROM SEVERAL OF YOUR PREDECESSORS.

INSTEAD, YOU ARE BUSY SUGAR-COATING AND BUTTERING-UP STAFF BY PUTTING THEIR FACES WHERE THE EX-PRESIDENTS USED TO BE FOR THEIR SMALL CONTRIBUTIONS. THERE SHOULD BE ONLY ONE FACE THERE...THE ONE WHO TURNS GF AROUND. MOST WERE HOPING IT WOULD BE YOURS.

YOU SHOULD SIT IN THE FLIGHT DECKS ON MOST OF OUR FLIGHTS AND MARVEL AT THE AMOUNT OF U/S ITEMS WE HAVE TO TAKE TO AIR WITH THE ADDED STRESS INVOLVED. THE RECENT PAYRISE FADES TO OBSCURITY ALL OF A SUDDEN.

IS THERE EVEN NEW PLANES IN THE PIPELINE? OR IS IT ONLY A MYTH?

[Bombay HF]

Brassplate, if flying new aircraft means so much to you why don't you do what the rest of us have done and leave GF? Gulf Air will never be in a position to re-equip, the best they could hope for is to pick up some second hand 777/330s in a few years when another carrier gets rid of them.

[brassplate]

in a word, BOND.

[Trader]

BULLCRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brassplate, and others, can complain about the poor equipment or anything else they wish to.

The arguement from management and, too often, other employees is that if you don't like it (ie. are complaining) then leave. Provided your complaint is legitimate and well spoken there is no reason to keep quite.

The refrain of 'leave if you don't like it' comes from those who either have no intellectual response or have no clue what they are talking about. Their simplistic response is an attempt o get people to shut up - too bad it works so often.

[brassplate]

thank you TRADER.
gf pilots are constantly in a catch-22 situation, damned if you do, damned if you don't.
if you refuse to fly their planes because of upwards of 10 MDDs and countless other ADDs, there is enormous pressure from all corners to get you to accept the flight. if you still refuse, an appointment with the chief pilot ensues and quite often, another captain is called in who will accept the aircraft. more often than not, it it usually one of the younger and less experienced captains who is out there to prove himself.
if you accept the aircraft and a major fairlure occurs, you're still screwed and those who had pressured you to take the flight all scatter and cower for cover.

[brassplate]

isn't it funny when an important thread like the ones i have posted regarding safety issues regarding gf's aging fleet slowly sinks to the bottom of the first page of this forum because of 1-5 posters trying to obliterate it with stupid questions in brand new threads? well, i'll be putting an end to that by posting every frickin' day and ensuring the issue of gf needing new birds remain a hot topic in this forum.

[knowsup]

Hear, hear Brassplate.
I am sure the IOSA auditors or our codeshare partners skim through these sites. When public pressure mounts from the authorities then maybe something will be done.:ok:

[ODMEA]

As a pax reading these pages...I'd like to say I already totally avoid the GF 767's and if need be i'll avoid the 340/330:suspect:..im not risking my life and paying to do so! Seems my only next alternative is seek a new carrier to ferry me around the GCC/Europe.

Maybe GF will be smart enough to snap up QR's 4 A346's next year if they are truely serious about upgrading the fleet.

PS Wonder why QR is getting rid of em-is the A346 a dud ac?

Oddy

[ironbutt57]

Rumour has it the 340-6 is not as fuel efficient as the 777-300ER, which has nearly the same capacity....but have no specific numbers to support that...somebody here shed some light on this???

[higherflyer]

That seems to be the general consensus. It hasn't taken the market the way Airbus hoped and the operators, in general, don't seem to be too keen on the plane.

[brassplate]

the only saving would be the etops side of things being 4 holed. but having 4 big screws munching on that expensive fuel should be a penalty. BUT, if they're new, GF SHOULD GET THEM!!!!

[stefan1138]

The A340-600 can not be to bad, as Lufthansa has placed orders for this aircraft 3 times, orders now stand at 24 Aircraft (17 already delivered) and they do not seem to have any incidents with it. Also IB and VS seem to be happy with them.

So GF should get them from QR as the four 346 from QR have been built in 2006 and 2007.

[deplanedeplane]

GF should take all 4 of the A340-600's off QR. To quote stefan1138 "They can't be that bad". I have to agree because we all know the old saying BEGGERS CAN'T BE..........:\:hmm:

[ironbutt57]

GF would be better off to re-enlist some old tri-stars than to get those boat anchors....we dont go that far away anyway....DC-8-73 on steroids that thing is...

[ODMEA]

I for one would be delighted to see SYD back on the GF map should they need justification to aquire an A346:)

Can this bird do a BAH-SYD non stop? and would it be viable seeing EK and EY do it from the Gulf(let alone QR's ambitions to do so from MEL)

[ironbutt57]

Any fleet of less than ten (10) airplanes is not cost effective, and while some don't have this immediate concern, some of us do....wish we were all in the same boat here....yes the 340-5/6 could take us non-stop to Oz....and loads of us here dream of this....can't see this in the cards here at GF....uless of course the price is right for the machines....kind of see this machine in the same light as the 767-400, and the 757-300....all great machines...for a specific mission...do carriers here in the gulf REALLY optimise machines to the mission???:confused:

[Fatal_Gulfy]

:\Any news or rumours........weeks turned into months.........what they waitting for..........we can not go like that forever.....last week 10 A/C grounded with two major TECH.......eng failure in the crz and flap problem at lndg...........what more......are we waitting for another GF072.................ships getting old.............wake up bords as:mad:ho:mad:........i am sure your families are not travilling with GF other wise you cared.......................... HEY AAB what's up , looking for me...... i am the one who's run away with your egyption girl friend......if need more info PM me ....chaow....:ok::{

[deplanedeplane]

:Dlol:Dlol:D

[stefan1138]

What happened to the plans of introducing the A321. Have they been dropped completely?

[Icarus]

321's coming in Q2 2008.


Fatal: 072 was not due to old or broken aircraft; shiny new ones are just as prone if you put the wrong guy in the cockpit.

[411A]

[QUOTE]some old tri-stars than to get those boat anchors...[QUOTE]

Expect at least one, possibly two TriStar's to be wet leased-in rather soon.
Back to the future...:}

[Not too small]

Icarus (http://www.pprune.org/forums/member.php?u=3231) thanks for input what he ment was another accident.
because i dont think the board will be happy too.
If anything happen they will share responsibility in front of all the media.

[Fatal_Gulfy]

hey icars or which ever you called your self..........the gf072 is happened in 2000......now we are approching 2008 ......aircrafts some of them now more than 15 years old......so even if you put an ace on them you can not prevent an accident ......so this the right time to change and replace the ships

[DesertHawk]

fatal gulfy- i agree they are getting old and for our sake and customers we need new aircraft.

But..."so even if you put an ace on them you can not prevent an accident"

this is complete BS. AA is still flying MD 80's around safely!!!! 767 are a proven safe aircraft if taken care of properly. 320's in north america are still considered a relatively "new" aircraft. i understand how is gets frustrating at GF but please dont tell me that becasue we fly older 767 and 320/30/40 it is an accident waiting to happen. If our planes are taken care of and crews trained properly these aircraft are just fine in the safety department.

Fact is new aircraft order will solidify us in market and boost our beliefs at GF. It is a business decision with many factors.

[stefan1138]

Thanx Icarus for the info concerning the 321s!

How many are expected? Still 4 aircraft?

[Icarus]

As far as I am am aware it is only two - due in March and April.

Rather Too Small & Fatal:
Old aircraft DO NOT = ACCIDENT

Old Aircraft do not mean 'an accident waiting to happen' as DH reiterates. New aircraft are just a susceptible to being pranged if driven improperly.

Fatal - I'm curious from reading a lot of your posts; any chance of sharing your psychometric results? I'd love to see 'em.

[boiler]

For once Icarus, I fully agree with you. Wow, I can't believe I just said that!

[ironbutt57]

According to FATAL him (her) self, he/she is a "senior TRE"...:eek:

[bus787]

Driving an Old Morris Minor or the latest Porche does not make you prone for more accidents.
It depends on the state of mind of the DRIVER.!!!!!
NEW porches still crash and turn upside down .
I can agree an Old Morris might take too much from certain people to dirve safely.BUT ARENT WE ALL PROFESSIONAL ???

[brassplate]

isn't it all about risk management? we fly with mdds because the type allows for some of those for a prescribed time, thereby minimising risk. being rust buckets as they are, there are way too many of these mdds that continue up to months before anything is done about them.
the allowable prescribed time frame is abused and extended by loopholes, ignorance, laziness, whatever, time and time again and the normal redundancies of these aircrafts that make them REALLY safe becomes eroded by gf engineering's way of doing things and many other reasons.
of course, some mdds increase the load on pilots, possibly to the point that if an event took place coupled with other pressures, they would be overwhelmed.
so please, if anyone thinks these planes are safer than newer machines, explain yourself.

[bus787]

Brass which GF 320 has the original engine or parts in it??
On the other hand relax guys BN says we almost there ...we never heard this before.

[Not too small]

BUS the management always say but dont DO

[Icarus]

Boilermaker: Must be the time of year, "Goodwill to all Men" and all that. We can pick up again after the New Year I'm sure!

In the meantime.... Seasons Greetings.

[kotakota]

Can someone please explain what a 'GOLDAN' falcon is in this threads title ?
Not 'GOLDEN' like we all thought was Gulfs emblem all these years ?

[brassplate]

i think it is nothing serious, just a middle eastern accent thing.

[boiler]

My sources say that Boeing has lost to Airbus in the bid to re-fleet GF (both narrow and wide-bodies aircraft). I would assume this would mean GF leasing A330s until the A350s (also leasing) start coming in around 2015 maybe???

Seasons Greetings to all (yes, u too Icarus :-) ).

[Sal-e]

Wish you all a festive season, fellow aviators. May it bring you joy, health, happiness, prosperity, tailwinds, sunshine on your shoulders, and announcement of new orders (hehe, sorry couldn't help myself:D).

[ELLONNAGUN]

BEST WAY TO PUT IT GF LOST THE TRUST OF MUMTALAKAT FOR FULL FINANCIAL
SUPPORT ( only 50% )BECAUSE OF THE PARLIAMENT , AND NOW THAT ITS BEING 100% BAHRAIN :rolleyes:OWNED IT WOULD SUCCEED IF THE TOP ROLES PLAY IT DECENTLY ( WHICH IS MORE UNLIKELY:oh:) SO DON’T THINK OF NEW AIRCRAFTS FOR LOOOOONG TIME UNLESS THEY WOULD TAKE IT OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT HANDS AND PRIVITIES IT .

[salahabuali]

Ello,

Best way to put it, is that they are running it to the ground.

There is no other outcome to this particular GF exercise.

Bjorf Nan, will undoutebly add this to his CV.....

[boiler]

Just been told that Prince W.T is going to buy 33% of Gulf Air.
Big news guys by next week , you all will have a big smile.
Ok i was with BN on the same flight, when he went for a visit to France or i'll say to E... company in south of France.
The order is already there and it's big we will be making headlines in less than few weeks
EARTH TO FADAK, EARTH TO FADAK, any new jokes to start the new year???
:}

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Dream on.......GF will never get any new planes, it will die a slow and painfull death.

Time to pack boys, these guys are not adding anything to the pot.

[stefan1138]

Well for now, at least as per the other thread, 2 A321 by June and 3 A320 in 2009.

[Spirit]

And for this, they are phasing out the 767?

They never learn, do they???

[tbaylx]

They've been phasing out the 767 for a year or more now..they are still there. Wanting to phase out the Boeing and actually being able to do it are different things. I suspect it'll be around awhile yet.

[Spirit]

They've been phasing out the 767 for the last 10 years...and still, here it is.

[Fatal_Gulfy]

Hey every one......the truth is obvious by now......... No new long hull aircraft for next 8 or more years from now......so better for every body stop arguing regarding the matter.............. either to stay and keep your mouth shut and accept the reality, or start looking some where else if you intrested in new office...........it is over here.....:ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh:

[Che Guevara]

Fatal Gulfy

No new long hull aircraft for next 8 or more years from now......
I presume you mean 'long haul aircraft'...

I'll tell you something about reality....these aircraft will not last another 8 years as they are, particularly the 320s and some 340s let alone the 767s. If there is no fleet replacement, Gulf Air will not survive, simple as that...so instead of getting on here and telling people to:
keep your mouth shut and accept the reality, or start looking some where else if you intrested in new office
Maybe you should be the one looking for a new office amigo instead of letting yourself down and being rude to your fellow pilots (assuming you are one of us that is)

Hasta luego hombre

Che

[Desert Diner]

No new long hull aircraft for next 8 or more years from now......

[knowsup]

So pretty safe to say that all the big news was all for naught. All those rumors from reliable sources was just a ploy to avoid the mass exodus. Could have been a 100 or so higher in the seniority list at any of the the big two or asia or india if you all knew the truth.
Not to be trusted well....we all knew that from the beginning didn't we?

[REACH-69]

FATAL brown nose GULFY ,would you pls keep your comments to yourself and find someone in the office to roster you for an english language course:ok:

[Fatal_Gulfy]

HEY REACH_...which ever........it is my country and it is my airline....if you do not like my language......... go some where else......... but do not talk to me like that....you have no right.....why PEOPLE HATE THE FACTS.......as said M Y O B and keep your big mouth shut .:ugh::=:=:=:=:=:= try me in sim.......:ugh::ugh::ugh:

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Does anyone wish to comment?

[Desert Diner]

Does anyone wish to comment?

What, that most of the remaining GF crew may need to have their posting priveledges reduced?


As for the topic on hand.

GF needs new planes as the interiors of the existing ones resemble the toilet after a particularly hot vindaloo dinner party.

GF doesn't have the type of money needed for the type of new plane needed nor do they have the type of credit required for workable lease rates.

The only option left is to work out a lease agreement with someone for some relatively new as well as clean hand me down aircraft.

Perhaps SQ or maybe EK!

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

I don't think Bahrainis realise any of this!

lease or no lease, given to incapable people it will never resurface regardless of how new or good the equipment is.

[ELLONNAGUN]

:ooh:WOULD ANYBODY TELL ME, IF GF IS 100% OWNED BY BAH GOVERNMENT!! THEN WHY ON EARTH THEY WANT TO PUNISH IT BY STARTING ANOTHER AIRLINE, IT IS LIKE THE CAT WHICH IS EATING ITS OWN TAIL UNTIL IT FINISHES.

[tbaylx]

I don't know..but if i owned a medium sized bloated, unprofitable airline with an old fleet of beat up aircraft that was politically difficult to close down or make efficient i may be tempted to start up a nice shiny new airline without any of the problems the other one had and then let the old one die off without investing any more dinars into it.

Problem solved, nice new airline built from scratch to compete in a modern marketplace and the old flag carrier that was unable to adapt to changing market conditions a simple note in th history books....one scenario that comes to mind.

[left_to_first_class]

Good scenario and a worthy one.

To add, Bahrain Air will only have Bahraini hanger-ons, not like GF which still has people from the other GCC countries + expats continuing to benefit.

Start afresh.

GF RIP

[fractional]

Is Bahrain Air government? Kuwait has its own KU along with Jazeera. There is nothing wrong specially if Bahrain Air remains private despite being "sponsored" by the PM's clan. I wonder the role a certain ex-GF VPOps will play given his present government post and his association with his present boss :cool: possibly a staunch defender of this project?
Wikipedia says:
Bahrain Air (Arabic: طيران البحرين) is the second flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The low-cost airline plans to operate initially scheduled services to 13 destinations in the Middle East. The airline plans to increase its destinations to 14 cities by April 2008, 23 cities by 2009 and up to 25 cities by 2010.
Bahrain Air will start operations on February 1, 2008. The airline will use a modern Airbus A320 fleet, with 12 seats in business and 150 in economy, and Boeing 737, with 24 seats in business and 168 in economy. It will initially fly on Bahrain, Dubai, Mashad, Beirut and Alexandria routes.
Managing director Ibrahim Al Hamer said the plan was to increase the number of destinations to 25 in the next three years.
End
Check this out: http://bahrainair.org/senior_management.php. There are some familiar faces and names.

[brassplate]

you need to shut up fatal gulfy, or is it J?