I just read the posts above and I guess there are many issues pointed.
First of all, about the Ab-initio program, it depends on Gulf Air when to start recruiting candidates for that position. And for the people who are being negative and hiding behind the "wasta" excuse, I would say go and rush after what you want. Sitting at home doing nothing to do is useless. Go out face the departments, write proper letters and eventually you will get something. Im not saying there is no such a thing called "wasta" but even though you cant take it as an excuse. Hundreds of Pilots got selected according to their results and hardworking. One more thing, about the foreigners, if you were a foreigner and your father worked for the company for more than 25 years don't you think you deserve a chance to get employed? plus the company will have an impression that you will be loyal to them as you have a part of your family involved since long time. THATS THE CONCEPT !!! but it doesnt mean they only take relatives DON'T WORRY.
Secondly, about BDB. This project is not a sponsorship !!! many people think that this is a replacement for the Gulf National program of Gulf Air cadet recruitment. Well its not, this is just a new project that BDB offered to make it possible to take a loan and study on your own expense then start paying the installments after a reasonable grace period and a flat fixed interest rate. If the candidate is not interested then no one forced him/her to go and take it. The project was opened long time ago as an educational loan for any kind of studies, but then expanded to cover aviation industry. Now anyone can take the loan and use yet either for cadet studies or type rating or whatever course.
The agreement signed between BDB and gulf air states that Gulf Air agrees to assess these Cadets some time later in the middle of the training and take those who have high marks and join them to the company. It has nothing to do with sponsorship as many people think and now are blaming Gulf Air or trying to set rules to take the loan !!
Last edited by pilitio; 26th December 2007 at 19:22.