Finally a Message from the Big Boss (acting)
Dear Colleague,
You may well have read in the newspapers that we have ordered an immediate and thorough check on our B767 fleet, following the detection of minute traces of possible corrosion in an area beneath the rear galley of one aircraft.
There is no denying that this will have a major impact on our operations and we have strived to be transparent with passengers and the wider public through mediums such as the Press so as to keep them abreast of developments. We now need your assistance in ensuring that further communication with our publics is handled in a professional and controlled manner and furthermore it is important we all work hard to overcome what will be a tough few weeks operationally.
It is imperative to keep things in perspective. While the planes are inoperative they have not been grounded, which is a post crisis response. This is very much a pre-emptive action and as you know we take every precaution to safeguard our passengers and aircraft.
Words like corrosion can be easily misconstrued. These were only minute traces discovered. Checks have already commenced on the other aircraft. In fact the maintenance teams who have been hard at work over the last few days, have already indicated that we should be able to re-introduce several aircraft within the next week.
I would reiterate our findings came during a routine inspection of a B767 and did not pose any immediate risk to the operation of the aircraft. As you are aware we are proud to be operating to the highest safety standards, as defined by the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and this wasn’t an action forced upon us by any outside influence, it was our decision as we take safety very, very seriously.
Let’s all endeavour to communicate the facts accurately, in order to counteract any negative misperceptions. Let’s be proud that we have put safety above all else and do our utmost to accommodate and assist those passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted to ensure we maintain the good name of Gulf Air.
Warm regards
Ahmed Al Hammadi
Now is this PR or what .... ?
Questions:
1/ Why has it taken nearly a week to send this note out
2/ What is wrong with the aircraft in DUB that has been there since Nov06
3/ If not grounded, then why is it that all the B767 were effected
4/ Is it true IATA certificate due to expire in May07
Again, looks like no one is to blame and everything is all ok ...... Good Luck GF.