CEO resigns from GF

[International]

Due to yet more difficult behaviour from the Chairman of the Board (the same chairman who brought you the news that 25% of GF staff must go, when it was not true, and thus started a mass exodus leaving GF short staffed) the CEO has decided to hand in his resignation.

I think it was an ultimatum to the board. Either MK stops interfering in the running of GF or AD leaves.

Yet again GF is the loser...

[Sal-e]

Shiez!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wtf?

[bravothree]

Oh blimey!

[jackbauer]

Surely not true....whats the source? If it is then last person out switch off the lights please.:ouch:

[Bombay HF]

That will be Ironbutt turning the lights off, won't it?;)

[Krinkle]

It's true.

Dose resigned today.

Gulf Air will confirm it this evening.

[ironbutt57]

I reckon there will be a big fight for that light switch:} hopefully I'll be long dead and gone before it comes to that:cool:

[GF-A330]

André Dosé, in a statement to Gulf Air employees in response to certain reports in the Arabic media, said: “Over the weekend, there have been newspaper articles about me and the Gulf Air management in the Arabic press. I want you to know that I am aware of what has been written and that I am intentionally not responding to the various stories.

'Going forward, I will continue working for what is best for Gulf Air,” he said.

[Icarus]

You missed the bit about .. "..I will be talking to H.E. M Khooeji later today.." (Is he really a H.E.??)

Maybe that was the 'Thanks but no thanks. Not much point if I am not being allowed to be the CEO. Why do the bored keep moving the goalposts?..Etc etc etc' talk scheduled for 'later today'.

Maybe that is what everyones talking about in the posts above leading to his (rumoured) resignation? If it's true, this is the shortest tenure in Gulf Air's history - and must surely bring about the end of what was once an airline the envy of many.

Time to bag that indemnity!

[SubsonicMortal]

Is this truly for real?

[SCATANA]

GF-A330,

What statement ?? I didn't see anything anywhere.

Although I feel it's true, we need proof guys.

[SCATANA]

Just got sms msg that AD and BN resigned.

still no proof though.

[sheryas777]

Someone has to shut-up,those interfering into Gulf air business.I mean those who they call themselves, politicians,and member of the parlement.These poeple are only making way for the new airlines,owned by businessmen.PCE and the Board must ignor,their efforts.

[desertrat60]

just confirmed thru gf hr contact, AD definitely a gonner, BJ tba

[SCATANA]

I hope the new guy who will come gives us another much needed pay-rise :ok: :D

[skywaytoheaven]

Just cant believe this....was just starting to enjoy surfing the wave!

[Mach084]

I hope the new guy who will come gives us another much needed pay-rise

Now that really made me laugh mate. More chances they take back the payrise we just had and then some, than getting any more.

[vomit comet]

its all gone to ****s now the board has taken over..they have absolutely no aviation background what so ever....:{:{
definitely going down:ugh:

[dontevenjoke]

GF was at one time, and also had the potential to be a great place to work. But thanks to corruption, inefficient management and office staff (enter staff travel) it has become the laughing stock of the middle east.

It's time for the government to let the professionals (ish) do their job and get GF back on track before it disappears....and it will.

Hope everyone has their CV's up to date.

Cheers

[sirwa69]

Also heard another rumour, (hey, this is a rumour network)
Bahrain and Oman could not agree about who was to be the new CEO. AD ended up being the compromise candidate that they could both agree on. Now that Oman have gone Bahrain want to bring in their first choice, however I don't know who that is :confused:

[Sal-e]

As far as the recent payrise go, I think the status quo will prevail. If anything, it may go up! You never know, stranger things have happened.

[SCATANA]

Now that really made me laugh mate. More chances they take back the payrise we just had and then some, than getting any more.

And why is that, mate ?

[Sal-e]

Because out here, when things make sense, they don't happen!!:bored:

[mydogsnameisbjorn]

Those two were in way over their heads to begin with. They allowed consultants to make their decisions. They did not know the culture...you know Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was Gulf Air. GF has had the kids in the black suits running around (15-25) of them-for April, May, June and 3 weeks into July. Millions wasted on finding out answers that many of the staff could have provided.
They are finished in the airline industry. BN was too young inexperienced and full of buzz words with no accomplishments. AD made a mistake by assigning him to mismanage the most costly part of the operation. It was a quick cash grap by them and their EU black suits. Hats off to them. They got the boot....They kept the cash....They ride off into the sunset.
Hi ole Silver

[Sal-e]

My last comment was based on whether AD had actually resigned or not.

At the end of the day, GF must run like a business, not as a government department as it has done since it's inception.

It MUST be profitable. It MUST be safe and reliable. It must be a competitive and attractive product for our customer base. And eventually, pilots MUST reap the benefits of being a part of a successful business.

Those benefits do not materialise from day one. Nevertheless, we've had a small taste of good faith by this leading group.

So far, GF is heading in the RIGHT direction. The much taunted 'wave' schedule had already reaped early rewards after a few teething problems. On-going issues such as maintenance are being addressed. These are a direct result of an aging fleet and engineering that are pushed to the hilt.

When GF becomes self sustaining and I dare say profitable, (possibly the only airline in the region to be) I'd imagine pilots to benefit from this.

For those of you who would rather bag management for TRYING to run a lean operation, there is no grounds whatsoever for you to criticize the methods and systems being used. They are painful, timely and necessary.

If the changes has hurt you because you had vested financial interest in the airline that had been axed, a single tear drop rolls down my cheek for you. I will risk indignation by accusing quite a few of the board members of that.

I will stay if the board keeps it's paws off the everyday running of the airline. So far, this has not been the case. I hope lessons will be learnt and AD stays. And no, I'm not pro management, I am pro pilot.

[jimmyhagendas]

Hood or what ?

[bus787]

GF Back in Crisis.
The Prob the usual bored.
Good move Andre let them run the show.They only know how to sink the boat.
The best a gentleman could do.
Now you have earnd respect.

Guys rumour that the corruption enquiry going very high up in the local regime.Too much toes being pressed.Things are held quite to safe guard local thiefs.

THE START OF THE END.

[Panama Jack]

I'd have to agree with you Sal-e.

If true, am starting to come to the conclusion that Gulf Air's greatest challenge is that it routinely charges CEO's with lofty goals while failing to give them the support to make it happen. ie. Make Gulf Air profitable and a pride of Bahrain, but don't make any cutbacks. It is like asking an athlete to perform gymnastics wearing a straight jacket.

If it is true, Gulf Air is again a ship without a rudder. It is very sad, and cause for great concern. :uhoh:

[Panama Jack]

So then, a very sad day for our airline:

GULF AIR CHIEF QUITS



By MARK SUMMERS

MANAMA

MANAMA: Gulf Air president and chief executive Andre Dose resigned yesterday, plunging the airline into crisis.

Chairman Mahmood Kooheji, Mr Dose, board members and management officials were locked in talks until around 11pm last night, without conclusion.

They are due to meet again today, but as of last night, Mr Dose's resignation was still on the table. Sources said the resignation followed allegations made against the management team, but would not elaborate.

"With what happened this morning, the management had no choice but to resign, because they don't think it is a healthy situation to go forward with such allegations being made against them," they said.

"Mr Dose has submitted his resignation and the board does not have a clue what to do about it.

"The board of directors have not made a decision to accept the resignation or not.

"They do not have a clue when they wake up tomorrow morning who is going to manage the company, if Andre Dose does not.

"Nobody knows whether Gulf Air still has a chief executive. It is in limbo."

A Gulf Air official said directors and management had been in talks throughout the day.

"Gulf Air board of directors and Gulf Air management have been in constant meetings throughout the day, discussing various issues," said head of corporate affairs and of the president and chief executive's office, Hisham Abu Alfateh.

"Until 11pm, no decision has been made regarding most of what has been discussed and how to move forward.

"Therefore they both have decided to continue their discussions tomorrow."

The crisis comes days after Gulf Air confirmed that it was helping police with inquiries into a criminal investigation into suspected financial irregularities, spanning several years.

UK-based forensic auditors Kroll are also understood to be going through the airline's books with a fine toothcomb.

It is understood that Mr Dose had clashed with the board over his authority to run the airline.

Neither Mr Kooheji nor Mr Dose were available for comment last night.




http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=188486&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30125

Airline 'too weak to face competition'

GULF Air is so seriously weakened it is out of its depth in a highly competitive market, says an international aviation industry expert.

In its current state it could make sense for it to be "swallowed up" by a larger airline, said UK-based Jane's Transport Finance Jim Smith.

He said Bahrain's national carrier now lacked the "muscle" to take-on the larger airline's of neighbouring countries. Mr Smith described Dose's resignation as a "big blow" and said previous efforts to boost the carrier's fortunes had come to nothing.

"Gulf Air is sort of a minor player amongst people like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, so regardless of who is at the helm, Gulf Air is at a competitive disadvantage in competing with these larger guys," he said.

But Mr Smith said he was unsure whether Gulf Air's perilous finances made it likely that a larger regional carrier would attempt a take-over.

"I don't know whether it is likely or not - it depends on the willingness of the government to fund the airline," he said.

"As a strategic move, Gulf Air just doesn't have the muscle of an Emirates or an Etihad, or a Qatar. It would make sense from a strategic standpoint for it to be swallowed up."

Mr Smith also cast doubts as to the success of the high-profile 'Project Falcon' implemented by previous president and chief executive James Hogan - which saw the re-branding of the airline and the introduction of Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies.

"I don't think project Falcon has worked - it's more like Project Seagull," said the expert, adding that he believed doubts about Gulf Air's strategy had played a part in Mr Hogan's decision to leave the carrier.

"I think one of the reasons that James left was that he saw the idea of trying to turn Bahrain into a tourist haven and realised the chances are fairly slim that is going to happen.

"Particularly with what is happening in Dubai now. Qatar is trying to turn Doha into a Dubai. The third player in this is Bahrain - Doha might happen, it certainly won't be as big as Dubai, but Bahrain is not going to happen."



http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=188485&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30125

[Trader]

Sorry Bjorn's Dog but the consultants do NOT make decision - the managers do. The problem at GF is that almost NO one can do their job with any degree of competatancy!!!!

What answers could the staff have provided?????? The staff that had any ability did provide answers but just LOOK at our HR dept!! How 'bout our finance dept?????? How 'bout admin!!???? This company is quite literally THIRTY YEARS behind when it comes to management, systems and employee ability. That is NOT an exageration.

[point8four]

1) Reach between your knees.


2) Grab yellow and black handles.


3) Pull.


4) Hang on.

[salahabuali]

Now why is it that this decision does not surprise me?

Auditors out of control.
No managers left to manage the airline and where some are left, known to be leaving for the competition but still making decisions.
Bahrainis demonstrating and forcing their will on others with their incompetence.
A near absent PCE, albeit for the Thursday media session.
A surge in homos and philanderers running the show to suit their own purpose and agends.

Good luck.

[Desertia]

The funniest item in here? The MP saying "It appears to me that the days of expatriates running Gulf Air are possibly over.". And that, my friend, is why the days of Gulf Air will shortly be over, unless the owners are going to continue to keep feeding the circling Gulf Air sharks that have been feeding off it for years.....or actually do something about them. Who in their right minds would appoint the complete numpty who is in the CE chair right now?



Gulf Air in crisis

By MARK SUMMERS

GULF Air president and chief executive Andre Dose's resignation and the crisis talks which followed, stunned airline staff and industry observers last night.

It came within hours of the Swiss aviation veteran issuing a statement dismissing reports that he was embroiled in clashes with the board - and declaring that he would be staying on to steer the airline to success.

"Over the weekend, there have been newspaper articles about me and the Gulf Air management in the Arabic Press. I want you to know that I am aware of what has been written and that I am intentionally not responding to the various stories," he said in the statement, which also went out via email to staff.

"We have made great progress over the past three months, including a substantial improvement in punctuality and the successful introduction of a customer friendly schedule.

"Going forward, I will continue working for what is best for Gulf Air."

But Mr Dose also said he would be meeting Gulf Air chairman Mahmood Kooheji later in the day to "discuss the issues" and it is at that meeting that he is understood to have submitted his resignation.

Talks

Mr Kooheji, Mr Dose and other board members and management officials were locked in talks until 11pm last night but were unable to reach agreement.

Sources said Mr Dose's resignation stood, pending further talks today.

The crunch came days after Gulf Air confirmed that it was helping with police inquiries following the arrest and questioning of a senior airline official.

Mr Kooheji told the GDN last week the airline was co-operating with a criminal investigation, apparently into suspected financial irregularities.

In-flight services head Michael Kent was arrested on July 12 and released 24 hours later, after being questioned by the Public Prosecution.

He has still not been charged but has been banned from leaving the country, while inquiries continue, said sources.

Investigators from UK-based forensic auditing specialists Kroll are also understood to be going through Gulf Air's books with a "fine toothcomb".

Mr Kooheji confirmed that a police inquiry was underway, but would not give details, saying that all staff had been ordered to say nothing.

Mr Kent was arrested at his office as he prepared to attend a leaving party in his honour ahead of his pending departure for his native Australia, having already resigned.

He had been at Gulf Air since 2002.

Mr Kent told the GDN earlier that he and his team were innocent of any wrong-doing.

"I know without question that I and my team are completely innocent of these accusations," he said.

It is understood that police raided Mr Kent's flat and took away property including a computer, as part of investigation centring on investigations into in-flight supply contracts, such as catering.

Two months ago Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa told MPs that officials were going through the airline's books with a fine toothcomb.

"National company Mumtalakat officials are currently studying every paper and if any violation is found, then those involved will be summoned to the Public Prosecution," he said at the time.

Mr Dose's resignation came just four months after he joined the airline.

Plans

In April shortly after his arrival, he unveiled a BD310 million 'Making Gulf Air Well' plan designed to stem losses of over $1m (BD378,000) a day.

"We can do it," Mr Dose declared then, as the airline embarked on a major restructuring programme including significant staff cuts and the axing of several long-haul routes.

If he stands by his resignation today Gulf Air - which he described as being in a 'drastic' state upon his arrival - will have lost two chief executives in less than a year.

Australian predecessor James Hogan left the airline after four years, in October last year.

Mr Dose had reportedly clashed with the Gulf Air board over the formation of two committees he felt would interfere with his decision-making as chief executive.

It is understood he objected to an executive committee and an audit and accounting committee on the basis they infringed on his authority.

Sources also said he was unhappy with the handling of the Kroll investigation.

Well-placed senior staff said the crisis came at a critical time for the airline, but that even if Mr Dose did go, it still had people in place capable of reviving its fortunes.

"The staff can run the show - we have experienced people," they said.

"The Bahraini locals are capable of running the show - the chief executive of Air Arabia is an ex-Gulf Air employee.

"Mr Kooheji and his group, I am sure, know Bahrainis can run the show. I don't think Gulf Air will be lost. It will survive as long as there is government support."

Al Wefaq MP Dr Jasim Husain, a member of the parliament's finance and economics committee, which cross-examined the Gulf Air board at a meeting earlier this month, said he was stunned by the crisis.

"It is a major adverse development and I am shocked by it," he said.

"This is the last thing the company was in need of really. It is certainly bad news for the company, especially in the summer time, which is the bulk of the business.

"It appears to me that the days of expatriates running Gulf Air are possibly over.

"We knew Mr Dose wanted some sort of freedom to do his job, but apparently the board was not prepared to allow this. That is a very major development.

"It just shows the divisions have been between the board and Mr Dose. I always had the belief that he would continue for some time.

"What matters now is not individual people - it is the company. It's about where the company will go from now.

"We hope the company will be able to overcome this development."

The crisis is another hammer-blow for a carrier already crippled by heavy losses - a crisis Mr Dose had pledged to correct.

"Gulf Air generated losses in 2006 of BD130m - the company is bleeding," he said at a Press conference held at the Muharraq headquarters in April, to herald his arrival.

"We have to stop the losses, our shareholders will not tolerate it if the company bleeds for another 12 months the way it is bleeding now.

"Immediate measures are needed to turn it around, the measures will be profound and in places they will be unfortunately painful.

"The management is fully committed to do whatever is needed to stop the bleeding and make it profitable again."

Those "profound" measures included the transition to an all-Airbus fleet, a reduction in the airline's aircraft numbers from 34 to 28 and job cuts designed to shed roughly a quarter of Gulf Air's then 6,000-strong staff.

On July 1 the airline implemented a new 'wave' schedule designed to group departures and arrivals from Bahrain International Airport together, in order to cut transit times.

Optimism

When Mr Dose arrived at Gulf Air, he declared his intent to take a "very aggressive" approach to arresting its losses "in a very short period of time".

He told the media he was confident the rescue operation would succeed where others had failed.

"I am here to stop losses, together with my team and we have very good experience," he said.

"We are not just Sunday afternoon airline managers - people on my team have been in very critical situations.

"They have experience in solving problems and making companies work again when things were critical. I am not new to this, I have done this several times.

"Such a clear programme and such speed have never been seen in the company.

"We shall not accept failure - there is only one way forward, we have to succeed."

Neither Mr Kooheji nor Mr Dose were available for comment last night.

Mr Dose's No.2, chief operating officer Bjorn Naf, was in his native Switzerland last night and told the GDN he had heard nothing about the crisis.

[MaffiFaloos]

What in heaven’s name is going on? When is Bahrain going to learn that the only reason Dubai is so successful is that they have employed, in the most part, expats to run their businesses unfettered by strife ridden tribal locals with diverse agendas bearing no heed to the requirements of the business or country. GF was the premier airline in the region, between the warring political owners they have managed to destroy what was a gem with unlimited potential to become a world player. The withdrawal of Oman from the company was a god send and Bahrain has the opportunity to really get this old lady back on track. And what does Bahrain do, it once again shoots itself in the head and continues to destroy the company from within. Whether Dose is the right man is debatable, clearly the Board is not. The powers that be and in particular the Crown Prince need a reality check and a wakeup call. The current problems in Gulf Air are deep seated and rooted in the culture, a root and branch re-organisation is required starting with the Board. Redundancies are required and one way or the other Bahrain will have to bite the bullet either by folding the company (total redundancy) or re-organising it into a lean machine capable of making its own way in an ever increasingly competitive world. Gulf Air can no longer be a social service employing clearly inadequate personnel in a highly technical and demanding business. This re-organisation equally applies to BAS who along with the board are a rock around the neck of Gulf Air and will help sink any attempt to get the airline back on track. If indeed Dose is to leave then the worst thing the Government of Bahrain can do is once again bury its head in the sand and run away from this calamity by employing more and more locals who between them are destroying the Falcon that could still yet be the pride of Bahrain. GF is still capable of being an engine of growth for the country employing well trained locals with a can do attitude, this will take time and will involve a seed change in the way the country manages its assets and infrastructure which is currently a shambles ambling along from one disaster to another. On the bright side the country is growing rapidly on the back of $70 per barrel, regrettably the administration and culture are not. To continue in this vein will only lead to a catastrophe of national proportions involving civil strife. Gulf Air is merely a symptom of a far deeper malaise destroying from within.

[slowjet]

Trader, what is "competatancy" ? Do you mean, 'competent Nancy' ? Oh no, HE is being investigated by the CID, I am informed !

Joking apart, I am greatly depressed to read all this having left Gf some time ago & joined these forums in response to the Massalama list (many joining my consultancy Recruitment efforts) and the sad news of Rad Gammage. I have been hooked on the pages ever since.

You guys have to realise that Gf was NEVER a proper airline. A pimping service for very high ups & easy prey for the thugs who syphon off huge profits for personal reward. AD has immediately identified just that (amongst other irregularities) and, of course, comes to a full stop. That is where the million a day is going. Cosmetics like Skyfannies, skybeds, rebranding (never succeeded) will not address the real problem. AD came in with cosmetics but was binding them together with other good strategies, But he fell at the really important fence, corruption.

I saw all of this in 2004 but, in the back of the crew bus, was told by my Skipper to be careful what I said. It was all true, he said, but I could go to jail for publicly making my views heard !

Ok. GF is the Alitalia of the Middle East. For many of the same reasons. It is the only commercially focused airline in the Region and that is why it will fail. You cannot compete on a non-level playing field. Other regionals ARE NOT making money but are having money thrown at them by wealthy owners. The Bahrain Government needs to do the same, for a while.

You know, as a young First Officer at Luton in the 70's, GF was THE airline to go to. You could not get in unless you had the type rating or were a Freemason. I was 737 but STILL could not get in. It was fiercely competitive. (gees, I hope that is the right spelling), and now, waching the ship go down & witnessing the Captain jumping off too, is unbearable.

Get a really abrasive, go-ahead, unafraid CEO (not unlike AD, actually,), & you night come out of this. Keep AD but give him full authority. Prosecute the real leeches (but how far up do you go?) & rid the company of the wretched nepotism that STILL cripples the lot of you (HR,Managers, Some Chief Pilots and all the interconnection)............you NIGHT get somewhere. I sadly say, I doubt it.

All very depressing but good luck to the many professional pilots I still know out there who really want to make this work (even IB).

Oh, we just signed up two more off the 767. that for the Massalam list.

All the best, Gentlemen.

[SCATANA]

http://download.yousendit.com/4BFB2AAC1DA3B435 (http://download.yousendit.com/4BFB2AAC1DA3B435)

[Capt Birdseye jnr]

So does any one know-has the board re-instated AD or has he left the building for good? Has there been any official statements released

[salahabuali]

Dose has appeared weak, by allowing his VPM&S to act on his behalf, a flaming homo with a reputation to match.

The same guy who is probably leaving to Etihad after destroying GF.

I have a feeling that Dose has been asked to go, because he was not in control or was using the current mess to set hiw own agenda for personal gain. His lack of intrest can only point in that direction.

Good luck!

[Super Duper]

MaffiFaloos



Quote
When is Bahrain going to learn that the only reason Dubai is so successful is that they have employed, in the most part, expats to run their businesses.
Reply
Was it not the previous PCE who Put GF in this situation in the first place, and I believe he was Expat…. Just in case you didn’t know.


Quote
Whether Dose is the right man is debatable, clearly the Board is not.
Reply
And you came to this conclusion after which intensive research?

Quote
Redundancies are required and one way or the other Bahrain will have to bite the bullet.
Reply
GF is 75% Expats and 25%Locals, if there are any Redundancies it should be the expats that go, thank you very much.

Quote
And more locals who between them are destroying the Falcon that could still yet be the pride of Bahrain.
Reply
British Airways announced 750mills losses, according to your theory above the British are useless at running an airline.

Quote
GF is still capable of being an engine of growth for the country employing well trained locals with a can do attitude, this will take time and will involve a seed change in the way the country manages its assets and infrastructure
Reply
Not true, Very capable Bahrainis are running Air Arabia and making huge profit, this negates your theory, however, let me tell you that it is the corrupt Expats who suck up to the influential figures who are really failing the airline or any other business they touch.

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

That same tosser did not last six months at QR, if my memory serves me right he left under a cloud of suspicious wrong doing and corruption when a few big honchos were arrested and jailed....

noughsaid!

[Not too small]

Be fair you all wanted him and the rest to leave but now changing your mined and want him to stay.
The airline needs new blood from the good loyal people as they have shown that in other airline.
So we need new board that understand something about running an airline and not bunch of group that made bad calls in the past and the present.
And if you want to know why AD resigned it because there will be no more loose money from the gov from sep 2007
I hope there will kick out all the bad people from GF Bahraini and non bahraini
I always hope for the best.:8:D

[Fay Jinah]

Who gets the Range Rover?

[Propellor]

Slowjet: Trader had justified his spellings in his second paragraph; he is thirty years behind, i.e. assuming he is a GF employee.
“Sorry Bjorn's Dog but the consultants do NOT make decision - the managers do. The problem at GF is that almost NO one can do their job with any degree of competatancy!!!!
What answers could the staff have provided?????? The staff that had any ability did provide answers but just LOOK at our HR dept!! How 'bout our finance dept?????? How 'bout admin!!???? This company is quite literally THIRTY YEARS behind when it comes to management, systems and employee ability.”
No offence, Trader – its part of the game;)
p.s.
Slowjet, what is this ‘(many joining my consultancy Recruitment efforts)’ about? Any decent jobs in the offing?:confused:

[brassplate]

congratulations all you corrupt sons of bitches on the take with the golden falcon.
well this golden falcon has stopped laying those golden eggs that you've benefited from for all these years.
what is supposed to bolster the bahrain economy may well sink it now due to a few individuals who most profusely opposed changes put forward by this management because of great risk to their personal interests.
well ha ha ha.....everyone can see what has happened. you are now in the spotlight. because AD had not bluffed with that resignation but forced you to come up with excuses like blundering blabbering fools. kahooji and board, congratulations for your contribution to bahrain and it's people!!!!!

[hayjaa]

It was obvious that AD was another copy of Hogan. He only did minor changes nothing much was changed. Different type of propaganda WE CAN DO IT and other usless stuff!!

SYD flight cancelled ZURICH flight was on the way!!! And WE CAN DO IT.


Good decision and all the best MR. alkooheji and co :D

[brassplate]

why don't you put one of your locals on the hot seat....see how well they do in lying about nonexistent profits and debts swept under the carpet? (they all seem to do that well) too bad for bahrainis. reaffirmed the right decision for me to leave woohoo!!!

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Mr. Al kooheji is doing a great job, screw AD, who the hell is he?

Trying to come and setup his own sphere of influence around contracts etc.... watching as managers and VPs tie this company to the ground knowing well that these managers will be leaving to the competition soon....So where is this accountability?

If I were Al kooheji now I would investigate all expat managers who are responsible for contracts, prior to them completing their service with GF, marketing is an area to look into a total disaster area with contracts flying left right and center without any corporate approval, and their manager is now leaving to join EY....fantastic, did AD not know about this or is he plain stupid?

Accountability my @rse!

[Trader]

Quote
When is Bahrain going to learn that the only reason Dubai is so successful is that they have employed, in the most part, expats to run their businesses.
Reply
Was it not the previous PCE who Put GF in this situation in the first place, and I believe he was Expat…. Just in case you didn’t know.
No - it was the years of inept management prior to his arrival. Add to the fact that the fact that he, as well as Dose, we hamstrung by the board and you see the result today.
Quote
Whether Dose is the right man is debatable, clearly the Board is not.
Reply
And you came to this conclusion after which intensive research?
Doesn't take much research. Just read the papers - the Board constantly making statements on behalf of GF. Medling in the day to days ops of the company. Dose is leaving becasue they want to meddle further. The Boards job is not to run the airline but ti hire management to do it. Even if you believe that Dose and Hogan were bad then the BOD is faulted again - for failing to hire good management
Quote
Redundancies are required and one way or the other Bahrain will have to bite the bullet.
Reply
GF is 75% Expats and 25%Locals, if there are any Redundancies it should be the expats that go, thank you very much.
What are you smoking????? LOOK at the office - 90% local
Quote
And more locals who between them are destroying the Falcon that could still yet be the pride of Bahrain.
Reply
British Airways announced 750mills losses, according to your theory above the British are useless at running an airline.
No BA lost money the last while. But overall they are profitable. GF - not even close.
Quote
GF is still capable of being an engine of growth for the country employing well trained locals with a can do attitude, this will take time and will involve a seed change in the way the country manages its assets and infrastructure
Reply
Not true, Very capable Bahrainis are running Air Arabia and making huge profit, this negates your theory, however, let me tell you that it is the corrupt Expats who suck up to the influential figures who are really failing the airline or any other business they touch.
Of course there are competant Bahraini's!!! Just not at GF (well, outside of flt ops not many competant ones). GF has been a place for various Bahraini's to gorge themselves on cash while some in the country live in poverty!!!! Get rid of the cronyism, place good Bahraini's and Expats in proper postions, stop meddling and the company might survive.

[desertrat60]

hey salahbuali
you got one thing straight.....homos and philanderers and incompetent auditors to top it all off. with the likes of mk on house arrest, ops about to explode due complete mismanagement ( hey give 'em a break, tough to manage the masses when you are "taking care" of crew downroute and your eyes are on an ey paycheck ) and you have the men in black auditing from the tables at costa......sounds like a perfect org structure to me. bjorndog hit the mark.....they ride off into the sunset, we are left taxiing the rustbuckets trying to keep a straight face. i am gonna try to keep discovering - pick me, pick me , pick me

[Super Duper]

The Range rover should go to the Guy who uncovered the robbers and exposed them for what they really are :D

[soggyblonde]

Was reading in the GDN & The BT today that AD is leaving. Can't blame him with all the crap he has to wade through. The GDN also stated that if he does leave he will not really be missed as the Bahraini's will be able to take over!!!

All I have to say about Bahraini's taking over is :----

" GOD HELP US ALL ":eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh:

[Super Duper]

Hey SB, If Bahrainis don’t quench your thirst, why are you not working for your native country?

[JABAL]

What GF needs now is the little guy running the show south of this Island!!! I can assure he'll turn this Co to what it should be in six month, mark my word:ok:

[Desert_Storm]

couldn't agree more with you about this soggyblonde. Gotta say that the local CSM's and not only CSM's but also the regular local F/A's are quite hard workers but unfortunately, this situations have nothing to do with the whole crew members community but with the very, very poor management GF have had during its last few years, and let me make something cristal clear for all of those who still think this GF situation was caused only by Mr. Hogans administration: when you are the CEO or COO it's obvious that you have a lot of power but all that power have certain limits, limits imposed by the Bored of Directors and the shareholders, so please, don't be so naive to think that the BOD have nothing to do with this. Y'all will see in the very near future that MR. MK investigation will stop all of a sudden just for a simple reason: if you dig deep enough, you'd be force to take to the court a lot of very high ranked local guys and don't think this goverment is going to permit that (the **** could stain'em as well, isn't it?

[wapses]

Astonishing situation. Less than four months in the job after a six month search for the right guy ... or someone who would take the job. You chaps must be wondering what's next? I heard that he wasn't the first choice of the Bahrain board members and now that it is Bahrain-only his support slipped away.

Who will take the job now? Bit of a poisoned chalice.

And what about all those major decisions he and his team of consultants made? Discontinuing six routes. Why? I have heard many people disagreeing with a number of those decisions, particularly Dublin. Will the next guy want to review the review?

The airline has been in limbo for over a year now since the Australian one announced his departure. Now more in-limbo to come. Not a good position to be in.

And with the continuing uncertainty about the future I have heard that many good guys in management will be looking around for alternatives. If you're not careful, by the time you get your next CEO all you will have left is the dregs, the staff no one else wants.

Someone like Rod Eddington needs to come in for a couple of years on a short term contract to turn the airline around and then turn the thing over to a competent CEO.

Good luck!

[left_to_first_class]

Ok so AD leaves soon, so who will run the shop? All indications are that it will be a Bahraini (remember AD was the compromise choice between Oman and Bahrain).

A couple of posters have said that Bahraini's can run GF and site Air Arabia as an example. Err have a look at the Air Arabia management team. Out of 10 top team, there are 4 arabs.
Take a closer look and the only one I know who is Bahraini is Adel Ali. Look at Adel's background and where did he get most of his experience and grounding - BA !
Fact is that a local GF Bahraini ain't going to make GF work. They will need a non-GF Bahraini. The Bahraini local will have been trained up by a top tier airline, probably has a good job already, so why would they take up the poison chalice?

GF's screwed !
As I posted months ago, GF RIP.

[h73kr]

Up until very recently the fortunes of Gulf Air have been directly relevant and interesting to me, less so now, but nonetheless, because peoples livelehods are at stake, I hope things can work out eventually for Gulf Air, if it deserves to survive.

[Sal-e]

Rod Eddington!! The Australian who left Ansett in a healthy state? He'll be right at home with GF.

[Sal-e]

Ok, official word.

Manama, Bahrain 23 July 2007: The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf Air, Mr. Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji, announced today that the Board in its meeting held today 23rd July 2007 in the presence of the President and Chief Executive of the Company, Mr. Andre Dose, discussed the modus operandi of the company that was approved by the Board last week to ensure transparency and adherence to the rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Bahrain to be executed once the ownership of the company transfers entirely to the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company B.S.C.(c). The Board of Directors reviewed available options for the ongoing implementation of the company’s restructuring plan.

It has been mutually decided that Mr. Andre Dose will leave the company in accordance with the terms of his employment contract. The Board thanked Mr. Dose for his assistance to the company during his employment period and wished him every success in his future plans.

The Board also discussed the latest developments with regard to the implementation of the company’s restructuring plan and expressed its satisfaction with the positive results achieved thus far. The Board also expressed gratitude and appreciation to all company employees for their positive contributions towards such achievements. In addition, the Board thanked all those involved within Bahrain International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) Company for their cooperation in supporting the National Carrier.

The Board is highly optimistic and trusts that the company will have a promising future especially after the implementation of the Company’s network optimisation and overall restructuring plan, thereby continuing its 57 year history.

The Board has also announced that a search for a new President and Chief Executive is ongoing.

[320 star]

so who is Adel Kanoo? the new PCE,

[sirwa69]

320

Where did you here that? is this official? I know Adel and he has no airline experience unless you count that he is married to a BA employee :confused:

On on

[Super Duper]

Rod Eddington!! The Australian who left Ansett in a healthy state? He'll be right at home with GF.

Please, Please, please, lets have our wits about us and be mature, who in their right mind would accept another Expat after the disaster the last two clowns have put the Company in. You must suckers for punishment.

[Trader]

Rumor is Al Moyed to be the next PCE.

No one in this country has the experience to run an airline - especially an airline in as much trouble at GF.

The back is about to break on this airline. All of the management with experience are leaving.

I am glad I am out of here!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sal-e]

Copy and paste straight out of 'mygulfair'. Today's GDN also has a couple of interesting reads, for all it's worth.

[Fay Jinah]

So four months and off you go.

Pitty we did not get to meet mate, but in four months, this is what was achieved:


Half your management are gone to Etihad
Half of your crew has gone to the competition
Half of your pilots are on their way out
Michael Kent is in jail
Uncertainty before you came
Uncertainty after you leave
The management team looks like an exclusive club of rich assholes out of reach and full of shiite
Lost a lot of the company money on consultants
Changed nothing
Promised and never delivered
Bravo!

Bye!

[Chuck Y]

Good news gentlemen, our all-knowing & supremely wise board have found the perfect replacement for AD. Indeed at this very moment high level talks are going on half way around the world in Orlando at the Walt Disney HQ. I seems dear brothers that the board are in the process of securing the sevices of Ali Baba & 40 of his top 'advisors'. Also the Little Mermaid is wanted in some 'other' cirles to perform certain favours. Daffy Duck is rumoured to be heading the PR dept & finally The Scrooge will be in the finance dept.
The only dark spot on this new shining vision of the board is that unfortunately they were unable to convince Pocahantas to sign with us.
Still we can dream though:}

[Super Duper]

Hey Chuck,



I suppose Pinocchio is too much to ask for, or he is he a permanent resident of the board :E

[Spirit]

The new CEO will be Dickless Cheney.

The new name will be Halliburton Gulfways...

Since both are corrupt, why not merge and turn it in to classy act?

We'll have free acces to iraqi oil, and they will have a deficit to hide their black figures in, to avoid the IRS:}.

[DREAMLINER380]

This is the first and last post I will write, and I am sorry to say but my following words will hurt many! I am writing the following with the utmost transparency.

Transparency, as used in the humanities (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanities), implies openness, communication, and accountability (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accountability). It is a metaphorical extension of the meaning used in the physical sciences (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_sciences): a "transparent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparency_%28optics%29)" object is one that can be seen through.

Well me being an ex Gulf Air F/O in the 90’s I have always been interested in what is going on and due to the recent incidents I have been looking with interest at this ‘Forum” for any insight on what is happening with GF.

I am sorry to say that it is no surprise that GF is in the state it is when it employs people with manners and behavior like many of you.
I have been shocked by the ignorance, hatred and racism that some of you write your posts!! I have never been in favor of such sites, I have done a big mistake by now being interested - the stupidity, selfishness and lack of maturity that some of you show is un acceptable and this is the reason I am writing.

We are supposed to be mature professionals with years of experience!! Where is the CRM that we are supposed to be living by not just on the job but in everyday life!?
I really feel sorry for the crew that has to spend nights and days flying with many of you. You give me a sense that you are boring, uneducated and with no interests in life at all.
(Spending time writing such obscene ideas on such a site is really petty) at least try and use this time to get everybody together and try save your company from being lost.

The message saying that this would be a chance to get a pay rise (like many others)is so selfish, do you guys do not see beyond your nose and realize how serious this is?? You might not have a job in a few weeks and all you think about is a pay rise!!!!!
I always thought that a forum is a portal for ideas to be shared and to educate one another instead this forum is being abused!!!! Shame.
This forum seems to be much more of a twelve year old blog, and many of you remind me of old Sicilian country woman back stabbing and foul mouthing their neighbor ( for you not knowing what a blog is please ask someone or google it)

Many of you seem very smart and intelligent as you have all the strategies and formulas to every solution – maybe you should give the post of the new CEO a try – considering that the last 2 CEOs (I am quoting your words here) have done nothing and that the company is in the state it is because of them, I am sure you will be able to do a better job then they did! Don’t you think?? You might shine!
Well with your attitude I believe that there will not be many employees working for the company if you did take over – EVERYBODY WOULD LEAVE.
Also I do not think you have 1% of courage to do so – you give me the feeling that you are a person that would throw a stone and hide his hand – A looser!!

To tackle the last few incidents that happened and how individuals are being questioned etc I wonder how it is only now that such actions are being taken – I ask my self is it may be these individuals are being used as a scapegoat?? (Please refer to a dictionary if you do not know the meaning) It is strange how many of you said that the pilfering happened since the Oz troop came in……Have you forgotten about what happened during the nineties!??? Have you really forgotten? Well or maybe you where blind, because it happened so ruthlessly in the open!!!

When it comes to fraud theft and corruption for me it is taboo….and for whom is “caught with their hand in the cookie jar”( again please google this it’s a saying) ………Yes there should be JUSTICE FOR ALL , and in the civilized world we also say Innocent until proven guilty. So stop pointing the fingers and only do so when there is proof!! Living life with such fanatical hatred makes life complicated for everyone – the most important for YOU! You achieve nothing and give back nothing by living this way.

Yes I agree that there are many locals that can run a company; many are doing so already and many of them are friends of mine – but Gulf Air is not a normal company run in the normal diplomatic system it has old ways of being run and this makes the job harder then any other job out there.
Only few locals will go for the job at hand, many know what kind of bureaucracy and ‘vicious circle of friends’ are behind the so called ‘pink palace’, they have been around so long and are now so powerful that they are well camouflaged and now Untouchable! It will be the continuation of the end if one of them will take over!

I wish you all the best for your future!! Take care and before you come back to me with foulmouthed replies, read between the lines and ask your self a few honest questions that deserve only honest answers!!

GOD BLESS !!

The capacity for getting along with our neighbor depends to a large extent on the capacity for getting along with ourselves. The self-respecting individual will try to be as tolerant of his neighbor's shortcomings as he is of his own. - Eric Hoffer

[soggyblonde]

Taxes my friend. No taxes. Well except for the new 1% for unemployable BAHRANI'S.:}:ugh::E

[Chuck Y]

Dreamliner380,
Thank you so much for finally joining in our childish discussions. You post was very interesting, so much so that I nodded off a few times. Put that together with having to "google" or use a dictionnary in order to translate your post since we here cannot possibly have any idea what you are talking about because of your superior intellect.

[soggyblonde]

In one of my last posts I said "God Help Us All"!!!!
This is because the GDN said a Bahraini can run the show. In today's GDN they are still puhing for it. It's say's "if a bahraini can be a MP & a MP has more power than a ceo a Bahraini should do it".
One the very next page, the very same MP's who have more power than a CEO are pushing for a BLACKMAGIC & WHITCHCRAFT LAW.:sad::eek::sad::eek:
This law will allow the legal punishment of all the witch's, wizards and worlock's out there.
Hey! lets stick all these Witch's, Wizards and Worlocks in a prison cell with some BEDKNOBS AND BROOM STICKS.

I SAY AGAIN.

"GOD HELP US ALL":ugh::ugh::ugh:

[CI100]

Dreamliner380

Thank you for your post. Well said. I am glad we still have aviators like you around.

[Desertia]

Interim audit report went it two days ago. Dose's departure is not unrelated.....

[GAGing in Bahrain]

Soggy, I say lets hire all those witches and warlocks and let them take the pilot jobs of all our departing brethren. That way their "magic" would fly the planes, fix em' and fuel em'! Think of all the money saved!:8 Hell, make one the new CEO and we're dancin'!!!!:} I can see the GDN headline already!

"GulfAir magically back in the black!"

[Panama Jack]

Thanks DREAMLINER380, for a few words of sanity in these trying times.

[Few Cloudy]

According Swiss newspaper it was due to the recently announced increase in the board controlling management actions, since a certain gentleman (not Dose) had some irregularities in his financial responsibilities. There was a competence disagreement then.

Well in a way I feel sorry for Dose, although he never did hack it at Swiss . but once you get sand in the works...

FC.

[Super Duper]

Sorry, but if you don’t understand what such forums are for, then go consult before labeling everyone with ignorance. Your post did not add anything to this thread (if you don’t understand what anything means, it means anything good or bad).

If we were to follow your advice and be legal representative, then nothing would be said here ever, we might all pack up and go home.

And no your words didn’t hurt, only showed you as a lament. :rolleyes:

[sheryas777]

Stop comparing Dubai to Bahrain.
Bahrain is not in need of money laundering,to spent on its airline or have the tallest buildings.Bahrain has its poeple,to bring Gulf air,back and strong.
Emirates,Qatar,Etihad,,,how many local staff real citizens have,out of 7000 qatar airways how many Qatari are there 70,,700 same goes to others.Bahrain is not like other countries,Bahrain needs clean and honest poeple,not expatriate with intention of only getting rich by any mean and as fast as possible.

[BrakesHotDelayTO]

Rahla Sa'eeda guys!

I never had much faith in AD, BN or their 'team' of teenagers. But then it is not entirely their fault. The reason Gulf Air is in such trouble is directly attributable to the corrupt, conflict of interest, greedy culture that is endemic in the 'higher' enchelons of our civilised :yuk: society.

I say it is too late; whilst we bicker amongst ourselves and run trying to hang people who have made mistakes, we are missing the big point here - RUNNING THE AIRLINE.

The last few months have been a public relations nightmare, fuelled by ours truly, the GDN.

And whilst we waste time, QR, EK, EY continue to grow.

Ladies and Gents, it has been a pleasure.

[Krinkle]

Bjorn Naf confirmed as acting PCE

[Icarus]

Understand this could be for as much as up to 4 months with the possibility of no parole for good behaviour.

[extreme P]

Can anybody elaborate on "criminal investigation"?

Gulf Air CEO Dose resigns; chairman says carrier under 'criminal investigation'
Tuesday July 24, 2007
Gulf Air's board of directors yesterday accepted the resignation of CEO Andre Dose, effective immediately, ending the former Crossair and Swiss International Air Lines CEO's tenure less than four months after he joined the Bahrain-based carrier and unveiled a major restructuring program.

The sudden resignation came just days after Gulf Air Chairman Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji confirmed that the airline is being investigated by Bahrain prosecutors. Speaking last week to Gulf Daily News, Kooheji said, "There is a criminal investigation from the public prosecutor and we have been advised not to make any comment or talk about the case." He added that he had told all airline employees, "Guys this is a public prosecution investigation; I want everybody to shut up."

It is not clear if the probe and Dose's resignation are related. The Gulf Air board gave no explanation for the CEO's departure, saying in a statement issued yesterday that "it has been mutually agreed" he would leave the company. It "thanked" Dose for "his assistance" and said the restructuring program he initiated would move forward. "The board is highly optimistic and trusts that the company will have a promising future, especially after the implementation of the company's network optimization and restructuring plan," the statement said.

Dose became Gulf Air's CEO in early April and later that month admitted the carrier was losing more than $1 million daily. He initiated an extensive restructuring that calls for a transition from a mixed fleet of 34 aircraft to an all-Airbus fleet comprising 28 aircraft focused mostly on serving the Middle East (ATWOnline, April 18). "We have tough times ahead of us," he said when he announced the program. "But we need these measures to ensure survival of the company."

The airline said the modernization was being funded by an $825 million infusion from its owners, the governments of Bahrain and Oman. However, Oman has signed a letter of intent to withdraw its holding later this year, leaving Bahrain as the sole owner.

In yesterday's statement, Gulf Air's board said it had developed and approved a plan that would "ensure transparency and adherence to the rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Bahrain." It added that the airline would be overseen by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Co., a government-controlled entity.

[Thin Albert]

Come on guys, we at swiss were very happy when he left, and at least it went up after him.....:{

[F4F]

... thanks to loads of taxpayer's $$$$$$ :\

[El Rey Leon]

Why all of a sudden Bahrain is getting very tough with people stealing GF properties?? Where were they all these years?

Even when GF was shared with Oman, AUH, and Qatar Bahraini money was there! but they never really put their foot down! This shold have been done long time ago!

It is always better later than never

[tmax]

they gonna eat him alive!!!
bn ceo!! what a joke!! the guy is good for a f/o position in the center of africa

[cantilever]

Why waste time and money on an investigation......just ask the long term employees they can tell you who stole all the money!

Do these pr##ks realise they have made GF into an Aviation Joke...but then again why should they worry their bank accounts are full, its only the employees that will suffer!

Lets hope that somehow those Fat cats get their just rewards.

[Sal-e]

Who can confirm that BN is now A/PCE?

[Bombay HF]

It's in the GDN today.

[Sal-e]

Must have been a late edition. Oh well. Guess he's got nothing to lose.

[Super Duper]

Who can confirm that BN is now A/PCE?

It was an internal Memo at 19:31 24th Jul

[El Rey Leon]

By MARK SUMMERS
MANAMA
GULF Air declared "business as usual" as chief operating officer Bjorn NŠf stepped in as acting president and chief executive last night, following Andre Dose's resignation. Mr Dose, who resigned on Sunday after just four months in the job, following clashes with the board, is understood to be leaving Bahrain tomorrow. The airline will continue to look for a permanent replacement, the airline said yesterday.
Mr NŠf, fresh back in Bahrain from a trip to his native Switzerland, said it was business as usual.
"I feel comfortable and of course the plan has not changed. We will move forward on the plan we set out on four months ago," he said.
Mr NŠf would not comment further, saying he would be addressing a Press conference today.
He was brought in by Mr Dose, a fellow Swiss, as his right-hand man and to help push forward the airline's recovery, through job and route cuts, plus other cost-saving measures.
Mr NŠf's caretaker appointment came after a meeting with the board at Gulf Air's Muharraq headquarters.
The airline said the search for a permanent president and chief executive had begun and the post was open for Bahrainis and other nationalities.
The next person to fill the role will be selected purely on their qualifications and experience, it said in a statement.
Mr NŠf has been instrumental in implementing Gulf Air's new revamped network, which is based on a "wave model" and was launched on July 1.
He is also spearheading an initiative to boost the carrier's punctuality, which Gulf Air claimed was improving every day under his command.
"Mr NŠf's proven multi-tasking capabilities, gained over the years in the air travel industry, suit his new role perfectly," the airline said in its statement.
The 42-year-old begun his aviation carrier in 1990 with airline pilot training in the US and Switzerland.
Mr Naf worked with Mr Dose at both Swiss International Airlines and Crossair before renewing their partnership - albeit for only four months - at Gulf Air.
From the early 1990s to late 2000, he served in various departments at Crossair, also serving as a captain for the airline.
Mr NŠf also served as the executive vice-president for product and services at Swiss International Airlines, overseeing cabin crew, ground services, operations control centre, product management and development and also customer services.
Mr NŠf joined Gulf Air from Transafrik International, Kenya, where as chief executive officer, he oversaw international cargo, humanitarian and relief flights for the United Nations. :\

It does not look good falks!

[wastafarian]

The airline said the search for a permanent president and chief executive had begun and the post was open for Bahrainis and other nationalities.


bahriani aplications- on top of desk
other natonalities- in the cilindrical file.

[Desertia]

I have to laugh hearing Bahrainis blame the expats for robbing the airline blind.
The locals have been raping it ever since they found out how far they could shove their snouts in the trough.

I work with one Bahraini colleague who only ever flies up the front and pays economy prices, simply because his uncle is on the board.

The cronyism and corruption is beyond belief.

I love hearing the locals try and blame Hogan - not that I'm a big fan of the bloke, but seriously, do you really think he sold the London HQ without the board's knowledge?

It's time some of our Bahraini posters took a look at Animal Farm (and I mean the book, not the video).

[Super Duper]

Have you not heard of Bahrainis being blamed, by the likes of you, and that’s without being in control.

If Bahrainis blame an expat it is because he was at the helm at the time, who would you like us to mention, the pilot on line. Besides there is a good reason why these blokes are labeled “Accountable Manager”.

If Bahrainis get blamed by the likes of you even when an expat was at the helm, then god help them when it is really their fault.

And because you worked with one Bahraini, now you want to crucify them all. That says a great deal about you, doesn’t it?

If we worked by your blame policies and tactics, then well, the smart ones know what I was going to say if I was to continue typing, but I will stop here.…

[Stratosphere6000]

Now lets no get excited and point fingers boys...but desertia has a point. You think these managers have all the power they need? Why do you think Dose resigned? The Expats unfortunately are the scape goats. They're just puppets. Told what to do and when it goes wrong they have to take the blame for it. Thats one of the main reasons for Dose leaving. He wants to take the responsibility for things he does. Not be told what to do then get shafted and blamed cause it was not his idea. James Hogan came and sold all the assets. Yeah and the big boys in Bahrain just let him do it...ha ha if any of you believe that then says a lot about you.......

[Super Duper]

Stratosphere6000 (http://www.pprune.org/forums/member.php?u=142374), you make valid points and I respect that, at least you are not one sided.

Good for you

[Capt Al Fakhem]

All you tossers now talking about expats stealing perhaps have a very short memory.

I guess Assiyabie was expat was he? When he was faced with an investigation he threatened to name some "high profile" names and the case was quickly dropped. Do you remember how many million BD disappeared

The Qatari ex PCE who opened a flight school in Doha and forced GF to send cadets there at more than double the price of Oxford was expat as well was he?

I can go on but I dont want to name others closer to home.

Wake up people, corruption has no nationality

[Super Duper]

List you foul mouth, we are talking now, how far back do you want to go, back to Hitler and blame it all on him? As you cry babies tend to do. Grow up will you. FYI, foul language on forums only hurts you, and the Moderator will be on to you.

[Spirit]

Super, Al Fakhem wrote that corruption knows no nationality.

Now, that sounds like a pretty neutral statement to me, if not THE most neutral yet said in this thread.

Why don't you leave it at that, and let's get on with the issue...this Bahraini vs expat-thing is boring me to death?

[Super Duper]

I for one respect your Spirit as it were, and lets move on. :ok:

[left_to_first_class]

It's more than 100% likely that the next PCE will be a Bahraini.
But whom?
I hear from a few well placed sources that that person will have to be a Sunni moslem - as only a sunni is allowed to run anything remotely to do with the government in Bahrain.
So, in doing this, you allow the neoptism and corruption to carry on. In fact it will only create polarisation amongst the bahrani staff, as there bosses (sunni) get richer on the back of them (shia).

Before I am blasted out of the water, remember in Bahrain there is a big sunni vs shia thing. The Shia make up the majority of the bahranis (and workforce in GF) but its the sunni's who have the power and are the ones pulling the strings in the background at GF.

[Propellor]

When an Australian CEO comes, we fly to Australia;
When a Swiss CEO comes, we (almost) fly to Switzerland;
With a Bahraini CEO comes, we will fly (only) to .................;)
(As it almost happened had the last Bahraini CEO lasted or had spent more time in the office instead of flying over a 100 hours a month in his 'gratis' command)
Taking a cue from that, can GF restore some 'circling' approaches and also introduce sightseeing flights over the beautiful island (Saudi Causeway, Pearl Roundabout, Dairy Queen traffic lights, et al)
Despite all the above, I still wish for a Bahraini CEO - it will take the flak away from the expats for a while, who in any case should not be blamed for the foul selection of CEOs, to start with.

[Sal-e]

Players change, same game. I'm glad that's happened. A overhaul will only take us back to square one. Let's just run with the current plan and see it to fruition. All those who have paniced, I think it's still premature. So far so good.

[Heleheleyani]

QUOTE

With a Bahraini CEO comes, we will fly (only) to .................;)

Casablanca of course !!!!!!!!!

[vomit comet]

that wasnt a bad nightstop:E

[Icarus]

Ah the wonderful flight training establishment in Doha, where Oxford cadets who failed time and time again suddenly passed with flying (no pun) colors first time around!

Can't see GF lasting much longer now at all, not in any state worth respecting and staying for anyway. The 'old boys club' is in process already with the recently promoted GCC nationals keeping their cousins close by.

Locals foul mouthing AD the day he resigned saying it wasn't a day too late.

Expats aghast at the the recent events.

More instability than San Andreas fault!

[tbaylx]

Sal-e i think the problem is there isn't a current plan...punching out now wouldn't be premature. Rather do that than ride the flaming jet into the ground. Maybe they put out the fire, maybe they don't. I'll watch it from a nice safe far away place :)

[old-timer]

What a pity (putting it mildly !!) I was heading out there later this month
but I don't think I'l bother now :confused:

[Omania335]

CEO being Ex Captain will always Focus on Flight Ops More then
Making decision to make money and profit for the airline

[wastafarian]

sory to say it bud, but i think his quals as a mba mean more than his captan experience. being a pilot means sqot. i wouldnt trust most pilots to run a hoar house, much less an airline.

[soggyblonde]

Hey Super Dumper,
We can not have Pinnocchio on the board, every will know when he is lying about where all the money went.:E:E:ooh::ooh:

[soggyblonde]

To Vomit Comet,
You are right Casablanca was not a bad night stop. But it was not a good one either. Walk outside to hotel was like stepping back to where time forgot.:E

[soggyblonde]

Have to agree with Wastafarian, but they do a good job landing and taking off though. And I don't mean taking off to the competition.:E

[Sal-e]

tbylx,
there is a plan. And it's to get this airline running again (remember 'get well gulfair'?). Of course we may have different ideas on this. It's either expansion with new aircrafts and routes OR contraction with cost cutting and the current older planes. Unfortunately for pilots, they've chosen the latter (least risk). Either way may make or break the company and/or the country, the difference being a matter of how fast.
The rest now will be up to loads and yields. From a pilot's point of view, one can hang around and see (I'll be one of them) or, as you so colourfully put it, watch the blaze from a safe distance. Thankfully, there is a chronic pilot shortage worldwide so we can actually entertain both options without worrying too much.
Safe flying.

[GAGing in Bahrain]

From today's GDN:*Mr Dose will not be flying Gulf Air when he leaves today - he will be taking Qatar Airways to Doha and then on to Zurich, in his native Switzerland, said sources.Now that's irony for ya'!;)

[Super Duper]

every will know when he is lying about where all the money went.
Good one SG. very witty.

For more serious matters now. I for one am very seriously considering retracting my resignation and staying back, I think we probably have passed the worst (well, Can’t get any worse) and improvement should be on the way.
FWIW, I meet B. Naf a few times and I think I trust the guy, he sounds genuine, and welling to work on all fronts, the best thing I sensed about him is that he is willing to listen especially if you have something to say about improvement he will give you the time.
This is not an invitation for you to withdraw your resignation. However it is an invitation to keep an open mind and a close eye on how things are shaping up, this is specially for those who have been here a while, it’s a shame to waste your seniority and the relatively higher pay to go to the unknown for the same or slightly less pay (to reiterate, those who have been here a while).

[Al Fakhem]

Spirit wrote:

Super, Al Fakhem wrote that corruption knows no nationality.


I have written nothing of the sort, mate. Where on earth do you get this from?

[boeingdriverx]

Guys!

don't you see that the Board of Directors is running the show ?

Nothing will change, they will continue to downsize and try to transform Gulf Air in a way, that they can sell it quickly to the private sector...

Where is GF going strategically? nobody does really care actually, we are more interested in personnal issues of who and what. Obviously we are not competing with QR / EK / EY to be an 'international' airline anymore...

so maybe are we trying to be another 'Regional Carrier', we are then competing directly with Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways and their likes. The problem is that these structures have very lean organisation and are making big profits (GDN yesterday: Arabia profit up by 111% ) so again we can't compete.

So were are we going?

BD

[ddd]

In today's GDN:
Mr Dose left because he could not get used to the Bahraini way of doing business, Mr Al Kooheji told the Press.
He said Mr Dose had wanted to work faster than Bahraini legislative constraints allow.
"In terms of our previous president, I think the issue was the environment in which we work in Bahrain," said Mr Al Kooheji.
"In Bahrain we are very open about the fact that it is a modest operation. Maybe in business you need to take a lot of decisions very quickly and very promptly, but if you are a public company you have to adhere to a lot of rules and obligations, whether they are good or bad.
"We believe they are good, we believe they add transparency. It is a personal sort of style of working.
"Some people are comfortable working in a certain environment and some people are not able to work in that environment.
"We have to work with parliament, we have other legislative people that we need to answer to and we need to accommodate."
This difference in management style was the reason for Mr Dose's exit, rather than any major disagreement on how the airline's 'Making Gulf Air Well' recovery plan should be implemented, said Mr Al Kooheji.
"That is the reason - there was no difference of opinion regarding the programme," he said.
"Even if you talk to the previous president and chief executive, he will tell you that he believes in this programme - it is a good programme, nobody ever disputed that, we are all committed to that.
"So it's just the style of working. It is the environment that we are in."
Mr Al Kooheji later dismissed the idea that there were underlying problems in the relationship between the board and Mr Dose which caused the rift.
"I don't think the problem was between the board and Mr Dose. The new Gulf Air is a 100 per cent Bahrain-owned company and we will soon be subject to a tender law and the audit bureau of Bahrain," he said.
"Those sort of laws that are in Bahrain require us to adhere to a certain process and be very transparent in our business.
"The previous PCE's opinion was we are restructuring and we need to do things in a fast-track way and bypass these.
"Our opinion is no - we need to do it by the book, even if it is a little bit slower.
"I think transparency is always good. We want to be in compliance with the law to the fullest that we can be."
There was no personal animosity, said Mr Al Kooheji.
"Personally there was no dispute with him - things ended on a very friendly note. Even before his departure he gave very good words of encouragement to the management team, asking them to continue the programme," he said.
"I personally have very high regard for him - he is a very professional person and we left on friendly terms.
"He said if we want to contact him or get his opinion on things he is happy and willing to help us - so he is departing, but his heart is still with us."
Mr NŠf takes over temporarily after impressing the Gulf Air board of directors with his efforts as he led the introduction of a new, "passenger-friendly" schedule, launched on July 1.
The new schedule has dramatically cut the number of flight cancellations and improved punctuality, according to Mr Al Kooheji.
"Our new network has been in operation from July 1 - just over three weeks - and the results we are having are encouraging and remarkable," he said.
"In the whole month we have only had five cancellations, whereas in the same period last year we had 100 (flight) cancellations.
"Last month, before the new schedule, we had 23 cancellations in one weekend - so compare 23 cancellations over two days to only five cancellations in three weeks.
"This shows the programme was done properly and is stable and is achieving what we expected.
"Punctuality is also improving a lot - our target was to achieve 80 per cent punctuality, we have now reached 85pc - it has gradually reached that level and it shows the wave scheme which we put in is working."
Mr Al Kooheji also revealed that with around six weeks left until the deadline for Gulf Air staff to volunteer for redundancy packages, 363 people had applied - making the airline confident of reaching its target of 400 people.
"We expect the first leased A321 aircraft to come into operation in the middle of October. It is not a brand new aircraft, but it will be an aircraft of the standard and quality we will be happy with at Gulf Air," he added.
Mr Dose's departure will have no bearing on the carrier's determination to implement the BD310 million Making Gulf Air Well programme, which he played a large part in conceiving, said Mr Al Kooheji.
"The programme we have is a very well thought out programme. It is continuing, we are going ahead with it. People change, people leave and people join, and the programme is going ahead," he said.
"It is a common sense programme - it was what the business needs and it is what the business can support.
"We are very proud to continue with the team we have and in the past two or three months we were able to bring in really, really capable and very experienced people and officials and senior executives into the company to implement this programme - and we are getting the fruits of the work of these professionals.
"I feel everybody is committed to the airline, the recent numbers are very encouraging for us.
"I don't want to name them but I know other airlines in other areas who have tried to implement major restructuring and after a few weeks they have abandoned it, but for us here it has worked.
"The credit doesn't go to Gulf Air only - the credit goes to everybody. It goes to Bahrain Airport Services and the Bahrain Airport authorities - they have been very co-operative and have helped us achieve this."
Board member Jawad Habib said Gulf Air was not at risk of being swallowed by bigger players - whether by existing low-cost airlines or possible new entrants to the industry.
"We have a very sophisticated network and we have slots in over 60 countries and I don't think the network that Gulf Air has achieved over the last 60 years can be easily achieved by a new airline," he said.
"It is in the interest of Gulf Air to manage the new situation, let these newcomers bring passengers to the hub of the national carrier and take these passengers from here on a sophisticated network."
Mr Habib later spelled out the continuing importance of Gulf Air to Bahrain.
"I don't believe we have an alternative but to support Gulf Air, to be absolutely frank with you," he told the GDN.
"It is a political decision and it has been decided we will support Gulf Air.
"We once did an analysis and asked 'Why have the hub in Bahrain? Why not have the hub in Muscat, which is in a country with a bigger population ?'
"The result was that Bahrain is a better option. Why? Because we have the business community. When you have more than 400 financial institutions and they commute on a daily basis to see their clients, you have a strong base.
"So they need a reliable airline that fits with their schedule. We have our niche and I don't think anyone can pick it up.
"We have that niche and there are others we can open in the future - for example at a proximity of 25km you have five million people sitting on the other side of the causeway who would prefer to travel long haul on Gulf Air than a Saudi carrier."
Gulf Air has not yet approached anyone to fill the role of president and chief executive on a permanent basis and will not be giving preference to Bahraini candidates, said Mr Al Kooheji.
"We have Mr NŠf as acting PCE. We have not approached anyone, we have said we will look at Bahraini and non-Bahraini - we will do selection based on experience and capabilities," he said.
"Mr NŠf is a natural candidate for that process - I think he is doing an excellent job in operations, he really was able to turn around the operations.
"I am not talking commercially, but operationally the company is turning around. That is a big achievement for him in that area.
"We will do it very professionally, very openly, we have not talked to anybody, we have not approached anybody - we are doing a proper process. Anybody who thinks he is capable can apply and he will go through the system.
"We are looking for someone to get the job done, that's what we want. We have already started the process. Let's hope we will be lucky as soon as possible," he said.
Mr Al Kooheji denied that Mr Dose's abrupt departure and the fact that his eventual successor will have to adhere to his predecessor's strategy, would make strong candidates wary of accepting the position.
"I don't think so - I think the programme is achieving," he said.
"When people come in they have two worries, usually. Whether they have political backing to do exactly what they want to do or whether they have the funding support to do their programme. We have that."
He also said the airline would continue to have strong financial support from the government's Mumtalakat Holding Company.
"Although we are supporting the company with money, our eye is really on turning around this company commercially and running it on a commercial basis and hopefully to privatise in and have an initial public offering (IPO) in a few years time. We think we have the market, and we have the network," Mr Al Kooheji told the GDN.
"For us we have really selected a model that will really make this company stand on its own.
"We are not competing with the big airlines and their big network everywhere else - we want to serve the economy and we would like those in the Bahrain economy to use Gulf Air."
Mr Al Kooheji said the airline was reviewing its use of consultants Roland Berger - whose Middle East head Michael Wette also sits on the Gulf Air board.
A new arrangement will be implemented to avoid accusations of conflict of interest, he said.
"The Roland Berger consultant issue was debated and we had a decision from the board that we will not have a conflict continuing," said Mr Kooheji.
'In future, if we have a member on the board then we will not invite Roland Berger for any new assignments, but whatever work we have ongoing has to be completed."
Mr Al Kooheji refused to comment on the arrest and questioning of in-flight services head Michael Kent.
He was arrested on July 12 and released 24 hours later, without charge but under a travel ban. It is understood the investigation relates to contracts for in-flight services supplies.
UK-based forensic auditors Kroll are reportedly going through the airline's books, investigating alleged irregularities, spanning several years.
Mr Al Kooheji would not comment on the inquiry.

[Spirit]

It appears, that I've been mixing up the honourable Al Fakhem with the equally honourable Capt Al Fakhem.

My sincere apologies, gentlemen; it must be all that darn alcohol, f:mad:ing up my eyesight:}.

[bus787]

Mr Kooheji Statment makes it clear Gulf air does not want to change.
Mr Dose wanted things fast .This is not how we work at GF Inxallah it will be done.

It has to go thorugh ll the Govt system of course all have to see if they gain anything otherwise not neeeded .

Kooheji that statement should have been kept a secret.

Dose wanted a dynamic company with quck change.

Board wants the Old boring Gulf air where things are never done.

[dontevenjoke]

It's kinda funny that the board says previous PCE's couldn't get used to the Bahraini way of doing business..........oh wait a second........MAYBE THAT'S THE PROBLEM!

You have to be open minded when it comes to international business, and it seems the board doesn't want to take suggestions from anyone but themselves.

Good luck GF, your gonna need it.

Cheers.

[sheryas777]

Mr Chairman is too carful in his statments,it seems he is scared of the Bahrain parlement member more than,keeping Gulf air the flag carrier fly high.My advise to Mr Alkooheji and the chairman of Momtalikat,to stop the interference of the MPs and others,who have no knowledge on the aviation business.
As it seems there are no other subjects to be discussed,Gulf air is their lower wall to jump over.

[sheryas777]

I t was my last expctation to have someone like you,among us.Dont give wrong imperssion about Bahrain if you are a Bahraini,poeple like you should not be in this company,not trusted.
Shia population more Sunni more nothing to do with us,I say Sunni are more,bacause many Sunni are married to Shia girles obviously the children are Sunni,no doubt.
Shia in Gulf air reached to the highest level,some have left some are still there,what have they done to the company,A/HR is one example,he only brought more of his kind to his department and the company.
There are many nice Shia I know,specialy in cabin services,and pilots,but also few bad,with enemy intentions like you.:=

[sheryas777]

t was my last expctation to have someone like you,among us.Dont give wrong imperssion about Bahrain if you are a Bahraini,poeple like you should not be in this company,not trusted.
Shia population more Sunni more nothing to do with us,I say Sunni are more,bacause many Sunni are married to Shia girles obviously the children are Sunni,no doubt.
Shia in Gulf air reached to the highest level,some have left some are still there,what have they done to the company,A/HR is one example,he only brought more of his kind to his department and the company.
There are many nice Shia I know,specialy in cabin services,and pilots,but also few bad,with enemy intentions like you.:=

[Capt Al Fakhem]

sheryas777

Mr Chairman is too carful in his statments,it seems he is scared of the Bahrain parlement member more than,keeping Gulf air the flag carrier fly high.My advise to Mr Alkooheji and the chairman of Momtalikat,to stop the interference of the MPs and others,who have no knowledge on the aviation business.
As it seems there are no other subjects to be discussed,Gulf air is their lower wall to jump over.

I applaud you for that statement which is probably the best and most accurate I've read for some time now. Please though dont get into the Sunni vs Shia issue, sects have nothing to do with business. As you mentioned there are good and bad from each side.

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Is it coincidental that PCE resigns after interim report is submitted?

IMHO Dose wasn't up to the standard and it showed through to the lowest ranks.

What Al kooheji sees is the numbers and these were not good either.

[Capt Al Fakhem]

And the all knowing, all seeing Mr Kooheji expects the numbers to change in under 4 months of Dose's tenure??????

If this is the case, he needs a bloody magician not a CEO

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Well no one knows the exact contents but I am sure they were very indicative.

The nomination of Naf to head the organisation is good, fresh ideas and I believe better dynamics, despite the 5 minute sand clock meetings he listens and I think it says it all.

Cheers

[Capt Al Fakhem]

The resignation of Dose after just 4 months is not a good sign for GF. If a professional CEO resigns after 4 months it shows he either sees the situation as "unrecoverable" or he simply cannot work with the board. Either way the end result is damaging to the airline.

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

Between both entities' history I would think it would difficult to evaluate.....

[Capt Al Fakhem]

Grandad I admire your optimism, I just hope you dont get badly dissapointed.
Kiss Grandma for me;)

[Al Fakhem Snr.]

A bit of courage never hurt my son...as long as you are operating within the guidelines!

Grandma is asking about you, let me know when you have some time on your hands its time we find you a wife...

:O

[International]

The interim report had very little that was unexpected, so I doubt that was the reason Dose left.

As it has publicly been stated, there were diferrences of opinion. The sub text of that, is that the board wanted control over the running of the airline, instead of letting the PCE run the airline.

It is understandable that the board would want more involvement after the way GF has spiralled downwards for the last decade.

However, it is also understandable that Dose did not expect to be just a figurehead and thought it was better to leave than work with his hands tied.

You pick your story, you pick your fight.

[wapses]

One of the principal reasons that GF is in the mess it is is because as a company it moves too slowly; reacts to competitors too slowly (for example with fares) ... and now Mr Koosqueezy wants to slow things down even more while each decision is considered and reconsidered by committees. The damn place will stop completely. What the company needs is to give authority to managers to manage without every decision having to be approved by a bloody committee.

And if the airline doesn't trust its managers to make decisions without screwing the company, then it should fire them and hire some trustworthy ones.

This kind of scrutiny doesn't happen in other countries where managers are trusted. Problem is that in the sand pit the locals have spent their whole lives inventing corrupt practices and so it is assumed (wrongly) that everyone is at it.

But this does all lead to the strong impression that your ex CEO did not know what he was getting into and had not done his homework on the region before accepting the job. I cannot see how his acting successor will do any better. His CV looks very unimpressive. People who spend time in aviation in Africa usually do so because they cannot find a proper job.

[Sal-e]

boeingdriverx, guess you're right. More importantly, how will this affect the pilots? On today's paper.

MANAMA: Gulf Air is planning to launch part of its shares for subscription next year, it was revealed last night. It will allow private institutions, including Gulf companies, to buy shares, chairman Mahmood Al Kooheji told Akhbar Al Khaleej.

With the government's support, the management aims to lead the company back to profitability, which will consolidate its status and raise its shares in both Bahrain and the Gulf markets, Mr Al Kooheji said.

The government is determined to maintain Gulf Air's position as an essential and strong backer for the national economy, he said.

"Gulf Air is now on the right path to success."

[ironbutt57]

While GF at present does not generate operational income, I would suspect it does make a large contribution to the Bahraini economy, so in a way it at least probably "breaks even" glad to see they do realize this, and will continue to go ahead with the airline...but IMHO fleet replacement has to be high on the list, as reliability and product satisfaction cannot be forthcoming with the state of the aircraft...while it is improving steadily, the cabin furnishings, entertainment systems, galley food prep failities are in desperate need of REPLACING...with NEW updated equipment, not refurbished same old stuff...are the current aircraft worth the investment??

[Sal-e]

I thought high on their list of things to do was a complete cabin refurbishment on the entire fleet. Guess other distractions got in the way.....like the BD140,000 refurbishment of Staff Travel.:confused: Although that needed to be done and I personally welcomed it, I would've thought that should have been way down the list.

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

"Gulf Air is now on the right path to success."

Well it seems Kooheji now thinks we are really looking rosey. Wonder
where he got that from. :ugh:

[6_DoF]

The GDN and Kooheji, Must be true then

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

Every time this lad opens his mouth he seems to find a great way to put his foot in it.

[Not too small]

If the board and the goverment wants anything good for the company or themselves they should put there priority right and i believe that getting new A/C is due or its getting little late.
If gulf air does not announce a deal for new A/C by the end of this year i will be writing in the maasallama list because its getting stressful flying this gunk. :eek::confused:

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

I fully agree this "gunk" is almost as bad as the junk we fly :E

PS
Sorry mate I know it was a simple typo but I really had a good laugh with it. Cheers

[left_to_first_class]

The GF chairman is a liability . Full Stop. Everytime he opens his mouth all you get is b***S**t. He's the one who was on the front page of GDN after Dose announced the company was in a dire situation and told the job losses will be amongst the expats. He's the one who is having audiences with the local staff/union and coming up with daft comments like in todays' GDN.

Perhaps he needs to find out what the role of chairman is ...

Role of Chairman (taken from Mercuri Urval)

Runs the Board - organises, with Company Secretary, the Board committees etc.
Maintains consistent strategic input and scrutiny
Enhances the standing of the company with the outside world. Communicates with investors the strategic content and architecture of accountability.
Recommends to the Board the appointment / dismissal of the Chief Executive and Non-Executives
Reviews the performance of Non-Executives and keeps them informed
Assists and guides the CEO (acts as mentor / coach)
Reviews the performance of the Directors
Ensures the Board annually reviews its performance and is balancedAnd the role of CEO:

Runs the company’s business

Responsible for operations and financial performance
Provides clear leadership
Executive Directors report to CEO
Prepares strategy, plans, objectives etc. and implements
Submits acquisition / investment proposals and implements
Develops organisation structures, succession planning
Together with Chairman, communicates to investors etc.
Submits proposals on Non-Executive fees to the BoardDoes anyone have info on who Mahmood Al Kooheji is and whether he has experience of running a company. From what I can gather from my sources, he's a senior civil servant as is experience has been with the ministry of finance - please correct me though.

[soggyblonde]

To Capt Al Flakhem,
I thought there was no Sunni or Shia, only BAHRAINI!!!!.......... Who cares what side of the religious fence you are on, as long as the job gets done. What happened to a multiculture society. Bahrain definately has a few different cultures in it.!!!!!:eek:

[Capt Al Fakhem]

Soggyblond, I think you may have a problem my lass, I said:

Please though dont get into the Sunni vs Shia issue, sects have nothing to do with business. As you mentioned there are good and bad from each side

Next time read carefully before you start shooting

[6_DoF]

I've heard Mr Kooheji was a very successful business man!!!! who used to run a furniture shop. About 10 years ago when there were lots of riots in Bahrain his shop mysteriously burnt to the ground. Apparently the Insurance company told him to go away politely.

[Che Guevara]

I've heard Mr Kooheji was a very successful business man!!!! who used to run a furniture shop:ooh:

Now there is a qualification to run an airline!

Anyone else interested in buying shares in GF? I know someone who can also sell you some beachfront property in Bahrain...remember, there are 'miles of white sand beaches' here...

The Magic Kingdom! ;)

Think I'll 'be off to Havana now for a Cuba Libre or two...

Buena suerte!

[sirwa69]

IronButt
Are you sure you don't Hash?
I have just returned from the Hash tonight and heard someone expouse exactly your sentiments on how the Kingdom of Bahrain PLC must surely break even with Gulf Air when you take into account that all the staff spend their salarys here.
Funiliy enough that gentleman was a pilot with GA.
Have we met?
On On

[scanscanscan]

So.....If the CEO who resigned after a few months got a pay off of....three years salery.....around £3,000,000.00 million according to the usual CEO contract...this leaves the line pilots and trainers working their guts out in non A/c aircraft in the wrong sector.

[tmax]

that was the place the people and the airline to work for!!!!!!!!! back in 1998-9 2000! thaks houi or habibi or how they call their brothers friends or sisters here

[tmax]

yaahii or something similar! pok my hon!!!

[Panama Jack]

In reading the GDN during the last few days, there have been a few, and from what I read, conflicting statements made by Mr. Kooheji that have left me with vertigo. I am now unclear and worried about where Gulf Air is headed.

I am talking about the Flight Path to Success (http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=188734&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30128&date=7/26/2007) article published in the July 26th edition of the Gulf Daily News that sums up the Board's dissatisfaction with Mr. Dosé's way of doing business, and then the article published the next day in the GDN (and cited by Sal-e) that tells of plans to make the company go public sometime in 2008.

In light of the misgivings that the Board has had with Dosé's objective-based management techniques, "floating" the company next year seems equivalent to putting a boat in the ocean before a chance has been given to patch all of the holes in the hull.

I've heard a few people referring to Gulf Air as "The Alitalia of the Middle East." An interesting article about Alitalia's problems were published in this week's edition of The Economist. It is bothersome to read so many parallels.

Down to earth with a bump
Jul 19th 2007 | ROME
From The Economist print edition

The Italian government's plan to sell its stake in Alitalia fails to take off

AFP

WHAT are your airline loyalty points worth? Alitalia's 3m MilleMiglia cardholders are wondering how quickly they can use theirs, since their value could soon fall to zero given the precarious and uncertain future of Alitalia, Italy's state-controlled flag-carrier. On July 17th Air One, a privately owned Italian airline, announced that it would not bid for the shares in Alitalia that the government offered for sale at the end of last year, initially attracting 11 expressions of interest. As potential bidders dropped out, Air One was seen as the last hope for an Italian buyer. It said that it had decided not to make a binding offer because of the contractual conditions, though difficulties in financing the deal probably did not help.

The lack of interest in Alitalia is not surprising, given the conditions that the buyer was required to meet. These included taking on Alitalia's debt and maintaining its current route structure, territorial coverage and Italian identity—keeping things pretty much as they are, in short.

Yet Alitalia clearly needs shock therapy. Last year it reported a consolidated net loss of €626m ($785m), having lost about €2.6 billion between 1999 and 2005. The misery has continued this year with a pre-tax loss of €147m in the first quarter. Alitalia's difficulties are such that Consob, Italy's stockmarket regulator, requires the airline to report on its financial position every month. At the end of May the group had net debt of €1.05 billion and €466m in net available funds. Without new capital Alitalia is close to stalling, as cash reserves run low and creditors start to worry more about getting paid.

Clearly a buyer will need deep pockets to keep Alitalia airborne. Air One had hoped that Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's second-largest bank, would provide them. But could such a tiny outfit really turn Alitalia around? Air One had a fleet of 40 aircraft at the end of last year, against Alitalia's 186. It made a profit of €7m, but its traffic revenues of €570m were one-eighth of Alitalia's, at €4.4 billion. At the end of 2006 its net assets amounted to just €59m.

Air One's owner, Carlo Toto, can claim success in launching a scheduled airline, but he did this before low-cost airlines landed in Italy, and in a market where travellers were glad of an alternative to the incumbent. Sorting out the problems at Alitalia, where more than ten trade unions defend long-established privileges—one of them flexed its muscles by striking on July 18th—is a different challenge altogether.

So what will happen next? After vast infusions of state aid, Alitalia should now be refused more public money under European Union rules. No doubt Italy's politicians would find ways to pump in more money if the airline were placed in administration. The best option would be liquidation, opening the way for low-cost airlines to acquire Alitalia's routes and boost competition. But the government, which owns 49.9% of Alitalia, may simply decide to open direct negotiations with Air One, or with Air France, which has held a 2% stake in Alitalia since November 2002 and was expected to express an interest, but did not. If the French airline were to buy Alitalia, it would at least put an end to the worries of all those MilleMiglia cardholders, since both airlines are members of the SkyTeam alliance.

Economist Article: Down to Earth with a bump (http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9517622)

[brassplate]

the big difference between gulfair and alitalia is that the italian government doesn't mind letting alitalia go down. what i heard was the government here will not let gf go by the wayside. they're too proud to let that happen. and as ib57 mentioned, gf's contribution to the economy works out the losses it makes. this leaves us employees with the short end of the stick as far as remuneration goes because successful airlines reward their workers, not successful national economies. which is why i'm still outa here.

[soggyblonde]

I am not shooting at you. I do realise what you said. I was just stating "NO Suuni, No Shia, Just Bahraini".

[SCATANA]

Left to first class said:
Does anyone have info on who Mahmood Al Kooheji is and whether he has experience of running a company. From what I can gather from my sources, he's a senior civil servant as is experience has been with the ministry of finance - please correct me though.

My sources tell me he's been personally told by the C.P. to do as he sees fit to fix the airline.

[airfort]

And he is fixing it alright ! !!!!!!!!

[Panama Jack]

My sources tell me he's been personally told by the C.P. to do as he sees fit to fix the airline.


God help us. :uhoh:

[airfort]

The situation in Gulf Air does not bode well. The Executive Management every day comes with excuses that the airline has mad a significant progress and positive achievements after the implementation of the new plan to achieve discipline in the departure of aircraft by 85% and beset achievement in the number of flights canceled 5 this month gainst 26 flights in the past month which is maybe true but not significant. What the management does not say is how many aircraft are being put on reserve to replace aircrafts that are either delayed or cancelled. It is interesting to note that the average number of flights reserve in British Airways for example is at the rate of 1 aircraft for every 100 aircraft. This means 1 to 100. In comparison, we find that the aircraft reserve in Gulf Air is 5 for 30 aircraft, which is 1 to 6. so what is the significant achievement posed by the administration? And what is the cost of such aircraft reserve ?

[scanscanscan]

So I say again....What was the golden pay out to the CE?
How many millions was he paid for a swift departure after only a few months service.....
I suspect he found the corruption money trail and has been paid to shut up and go away by the ones who stole it....SOP GF as it strongly rumoured to have happened in various incidents in the past.

[Desertia]

Various family members and their cronies have been dipping their hands in various tills throughout my 20+ years in residence.
It happens here at the petrol factory all the time, although less so since the National Audit Court have been given the werewithal to sniff around and ask questions.
Previously, as long as there was enough to go around, it was not a problem, but in GF's case the money simply isn't there any more.
The trouble is, the people right at the top of the GF food chain appear oblivious of this fact, plus no doubt a few people do not want questions asked about where the most recently purloined readies went.
While I agree that the powers that be would lose huge amounts of face losing their national carrier, that will only ensure that they keep one, not that it doesn't end up doing nothing but bus trips around the Gulf and human cargo flights to the subcontinent....
Just my 2 fils worth :)

[International]

Unfortunately, the future of GF is likely to be intra Gulf and sub continent, unless a huge backer is found. Hence the IPO. But no one will invest real money until the corruption/bad management is rooted out. Plus what is the chance of another big player surviving when surrounded by EK, EY, and QR?

I'd like to present a scenario that may cause a lot of abuse, but will be food for thought for those with open minds...

JH and the Kangaroo mafia did not steal money from the company (at least not the millions that are missing) They were forced to work with a bunch of crooks (the previous board and friends) and made the best of it. (Especially for themselves)
All that Kroll and the new management team managed to find has been paper trails that lead to fish that are too big to digest. (No questions are being asked about certain contracts owned by major Bahraini people, but other contracts are being pulled apart with a fine toothcomb)
JH has not been asked to justify his actions because everything he did was approved by the previous board, and no one wants to question the aircraft/engineering deals and the "discounts" made. (Which are the big money areas, not MK and catering)
AD had disagreements with the board because he refused to work with the crooks that GF is saddled with, and wanted to "change too fast". Too many gravy trains were going to be exposed or cut off, so he was asked to leave after mutual disagreement.

And Rome (GF) burns while Nero (GF board) plays his fiddle

[Ibn Kalb]

International is more or less right.

The roots for the crisis lie in past misdemeanors and present incompetence. Why should a civil servant be trying to run a complex company in a highly competitive market? But as usual, the villagers are united in trying to point fingers at the wolf outside the village walls....

[Panama Jack]

I am reminded of Albert Einstein's definition of "insanity."

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

What plagues Gulf Air more or less is the same malaise that affects most Government-owned airlines that are privatized forced to run without subsity. There are plenty of business examples of this.

The only solution? Shock treatment, or liquidation. Sad to say, but either one will have to occur sooner or later.

[Icarus]

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Thats just typical of the region. That is exactly the modus operandi of most of the indigens.

[ironbutt57]

Geez....that explains a lot.....now I know...wondered why the more things change...the more they remain the same..:}:confused:

[E Tops]

Just reading the various rag articles since A Doses resignation, and in one of them, our Guiding light used the word 'Transparency' on numerous occasions which I found very uplifting LOL. Are Kroll still investigating corruption on our behalf, or have things gone very quiet on that front. Also in these days of 'Transparency' will Joe Public get to see the outcome of their investigation!!! Or will that be conveniently brushed under the carpet. Also in one of the Articles, Mr Naff said that he saw his Role as CEO as being an intermediary between Senior Management and the Board. Sounds more like a Gofer to me. I have to agree whole heartedly with International's comments. There are too many people in Gulf Air who are afraid (for whatever reason) of the changes that ARE necessary to turn things around.

[ruserious]

He meant invisibility :}:}

[tubedriver2]

What do you expect after Swissair saga!!

[Dr. Jekyll-Hyde]

There you go. Congratulations tubedriver2 in Moscow! As a guy who has worked in all swiss labour camps, Crossair, Swissair and SWISS, I nearly had a heart attack when AD grinned at me out of the Gulf News one morning. :yuk:
You might think I am just a disgruntled ex-employee of AD? := Trust me: these guys are jerks.

In this sense I wish you all the best for the future and keep the blue side up!!
:ok:

[International]

Quote "Y'all will see in the very near future that MR. MK investigation will stop all of a sudden just for a simple reason: if you dig deep enough, you'd be force to take to the court a lot of very high ranked local guys and don't think this goverment is going to permit that (the **** could stain'em as well, isn't it?"

As you may or may not know, MK was released after not being charged or prosecuted or having any evidence found against MK...but a lot of dirt was found relating to a lot of other people...but they were locals so nothing happened :ugh: