I just found a very interesting slide which was presented by GF's VP of Training at the MPL forum in Aqaba 2 or so months ago. It's really interesting.
Download the slide as a
PDF HERE [541Kb - Right click, Save As]
According to the slide, all of Gulf Air's training that comes under the their AQP programme is actually the brain child of the FAA under Advisory Circular (AC 120-54). Goes onto say that the FAA assisted them with their AQP programme from day one.
A small extract from the slide:
Gulf Air’s Pilot requirements in the next 5 years
• Significant new-hire / command upgrade program required NOW !!
• 755 new pilots required (avg. 150+ per year)
• 470 new F/O’s (avg. 90+ per year)
• MPL will provide bulk of new F/O’s