Well said
ironbutt.
The press release and figures cited by Mr. Dosé yesterday are quite revealing (if not nauseating).
Over the last few weeks on these merged threads, there have been a number of comments and attitudes expressed that can be summed up as "if Bahrain wants and airline, it just needs to get to grips that reality that it will never be profitable and cost lots of money. While at it, make it plush."
I believe Bahrain has made a decision in that regard.
It doesn't want an airline. At least not at this high cost. With losses in excess of $1 million US per day, who would? It only makes my mind run wild what airlines like Qatar Airways and Etihad (amongst others) are costing the citizens of their countries on a daily basis.
Those who believe that a good representation of Bahrain is the Grand Prix, the World Trade Center, the Financial Harbor, BMW's, Amwaj Islands, and Durrat al-Bahrain, should take a drive out into some of the other parts of Bahrain to take a look at how many Bahrainis live. These are the people who drive 1980's model cars and live in conditions that make GF cabin crew housing look luxurious. Bahrani public clinics are nothing pretty either. Even a fraction of the $1 million plus dollars that GF burns up daily would do so much to improve the situation of infrastructure, health care and education in Bahrain.
The Bahraini shareholders seemingly have decided enough is enough. They don't need the airline, not at this cost. However, with so much already sunk into it, why not give it a last-chance to become successful? That is what Dosé is now trying to accomplish with what seemingly (and hopefully) is the shareholders full support.
If unsuccessful, from reading the headlines, Bahrainis will be able to work for and travel with Air Asia's Middle Eastern subsiduary which is thinking about setting up shop in OBBI. In that case, even the Company's red and white colors will combine well with Bahrain.
Airline plans Bahrain Hub