Another new airline based in Sharjah!

[wrenchbender]

O.K, I read the thread below regarding Air Arabia, and I am now seeking information regarding another start-up. I have been contacted for an interview with "Transgulf Express", who are recruiting for a Sept. start-up date, based in Sharjah. Airbus has confirmed they have picked up 6 A320's for this operation. The CEO is Mr K. Helman.

Does anyone have any more info??? Like who else is backing this operation? What do you think of their chances of competing with the State sponsered "Air Arabia"?

Appreciate anyone's input....

[homesick rae]

I know that AA are using A320s...maybe a name change in the future perhaps? Menajet are also starting up as a low cost outfit...interesting this one!

[typhoonpilot]

I did a yahoo search and came up with this:

Transgulf Express To Lease 6 Airbus A320 Aircraft - DJBN
Thursday June 19, 7:02 am ET



PARIS -(Dow Jones)- Transgulf Express, the low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates, is to lease six Airbus A320 airplanes, the European aircraft manufacturer said Thursday.


Transgulf signed an agreement with GATX Corp. (NYSE:GMT - News) earlier this week at the Paris Air Show for the lease of three A320s, and has decided to lease a further three planes, Airbus said.


The extra three aircraft will be delivered to Transgulf at the end of 2003.


Each of the aircraft will have 180 seats.

They will reportedly be a low cost operator flying to the Middle East and India.





Typhoonpilot

[Hajj Man]

Maybe Mena Jet and Air Arabia are one in the same. Maybe the one name is the holding company and the other is the Airline official name??

I don't have a clue

[lr25ec]

Guys,

Transgulf Express is a seperate entity form the other two that you are doubting. I live in the UAE and closely follow the developments since I myself am looking for something suitable and cosult with potential aviation investors in the meantime.

Transgulf has no connection to Air Arabia or MenaJet but they all seem to be ona path with the same goal. My opinion is that the only one that might really start-up and survive is Arabia and only because it's govt. backed.

For now all that is apparent is that Transgulf has signed an agreement for 3 airplanes (A320s) and is later going to decide on another 3.

Having said all this, I should caution Wrenchbender and anyone else that is talking to them about a career. From what I hear of late, they might not start off as easy as they think. Initially there was a lot of confidence that if anyone would be operational it would be them; now however, the authorities are have a problem with the integrity of the mangament there. Apparently they are not being able to furnish many of the requirements and that means they are not licensed just as yet.

I would ask Helman a lot of questions on the airline and it's operations and see what you think. Have also heard that he is extremely tight fisted! Just be careful and don't take everything you hear at face value.

Good luck.

Lr25EC

[Hajj Man]

Ir25ec,

Thanks for the clarification on all these start ups in the UAE.

Any Idea where to write to these guys to send a CV?



:ok:

[extreme P]

[email protected]

[wrenchbender]

Thanks for the info. I am new at contracting. Tell me, what types of questions should I be asking at the interview?

Thanks for your help.

[lr25ec]

I would ask a lot about how close the company is starting up.... Enquire about the structure, the people (cause I don't even think they have a full team yet). Ask about their AOC (cause I think they don't have one yet either). Also be very sure about what kind of deal you are getting into, don't believe that you are going to get reimbursed for anything; trust me I've been in that situation a few times previously in aviation.

To be very honest, I don't think these guys are going to be in the air by Sept., especially not legally from the UAE.

Cheers!

[wrenchbender]

Thanks for the info! I'll let you know the results from the interview.

[lr25ec]

Anytime! Please do post your interview experience here, we're all curious to know more....

LR25EC