What Do You Think of Mr. Naf

[Super Duper]

Now that we have a new PCE, though be it he is only acting. What do you think the direction will be with him in the seat. Have you met him, did you spent any reasonable amount of time talking to him to figure out how things could shapeup. Please try to be objective and practical in your response.


As I have said before, I have met the Gentleman a few times, and I find him to be genuine, honest, practical and hard working. I found him to be task oriented willing to work, and above all fair. If he is able to give us something and he thinks it is fair then I think he will do it.
I know some people didn’t get on with Naf during the road show, however, Please don’t just post for the sake of posting, please be considerate so we can all get some sensible assessment of this thread.

Thank you

[Trader]

He puts his money where his mouth is and works his butt off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is very approachable and, imo, if GF pulls off the turnaround it will be due do him. He's teh guy that puts the ideas into motion and gets things done.

[NO FD NO SRS]

I will work twice as hard as he does if company offers me too 20,000 BD per month. he is using his assisstants to run the show as he is totally lost.

[International]

much more experienced, professional and has a lot more integrity than the last management

[TZZ]

i think he is hot and good looking lol all the girls want him

[Panama Jack]

It's a good post Super Duper, and a nice change from the usual crap we read here posted by the usual suspects. BD 5 says it will get dragged into the deep-end of the sewer in less than 24 hours.

I make the same observations about Mr. Näf, and honestly have to respect him for his career accomplishments. I also have to respect his communications skills, which I observed during the Pilot Package road show. He faced a hard and hostile crowd, and although I think his delivery technique could have been better (I don't know if he mis-estimated the reception his package would receive), he maintained his cool and calm, and listened attentively to a number of concerns. I don't think most of us have those kind of talents, certainly for me, it would be something to strive to.

My only real complaint about Mr. Näf is his lack of charisma, for lack of a better word, in communicating with people openly compared to his predecessor. I deeply respect Mr. Dosé for being very approachable, and the few times that I wrote to share my thoughts, I got a very personalized response within a few hours, thanking me for my input and giving some thoughts on the topic. It was nice and made me feel that my efforts were appreciated.

In writing Mr. Näf, no response, not even a simple two-word "thank you" reply. I respect that managers are busy, and I am not looking for a BD 100 reward for helping the company, but if I am going to dedicate 20 or 30 minutes of my time on my day off, I would very much appreciate a simple thank you for my time, even if the suggestion gets discarded. Lacking that, I can't be bothered to write.

Nevertheless, I back Mr. Näf, as I will any PCE, in doing what is necessary to make this company a place worth spending a career.

[brassplate]

like him or not, i know he is cool under pressure. hate to admit it but quite possibly the fresh air that gf air needs.

[jackbauer]

You people are in serious denial! This Naf guy has NO experience of running any company like GF. He flew for a domestic airline before, has only 4000 hours in his logbook and came to GF from a third world freight company. If you think he can save GF from itself you are dreaming. If anything this has brought the airline closer to the brink. Just talk to the people who work with him everyday if you want to scare yourself. PCE my ass!

[Super Duper]

Hello Jackbauer,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the rest of us, the idea of thread was that people air their thoughts be it positive or negative. Your post has valid points, probably no need for the last three words, but never the less your thoughts count and quite valid, thank you.

[Trader]

He is acting CEO! As the COO he was doing a good job - certainly better than any previous VPO did. He brought in an excellent VP Tech, has a new VPO coming, will be replacing MK in Cabin Services and, to date, has been doing ALL OF THIS himself.

Given another few months as these positions are filled things should pick up steam. Maintenance is already improving, albeit VERY slowly. Give the new VP Tech a bit more time and we will see vast improvements.

Panama JAck - if he did not respond to your email it was an oversight because I know he responds to everyone.

The one wild card is the BOD.

[Atebis]

Come on Jackie, since when does the amount of flt time a guy has dictate his ability to run an airline? I prefer he had less, and spent more time in the office fighting those resistant to change and new ideas. This freight train is out of control and he MAY BE the wrench needed to stop this thing. AD came down here with a closet full of skeletons and we all new it. BN is now pushed into the deep end of the pool. Give the boy a chance to swim. I hate to say this, I'm gonna have to go with brassplate on this one.
Its not denial, its called running out of options. It's gonna get worse before it gets better-for sure. With your large amount of flt time, maybe you should throw in your CV. The positon is still open.

[jackbauer]

He brought in an excellent VP Tech, has a new VPO coming, will be replacing MK in Cabin Services and, to date, has been doing ALL OF THIS himself.
OK Lets get the facts right. The VP Tech was Dose's idea, previous VPO resigned so had to be replaced and MK is facing a criminal charge. To suggest that NAF is replacing these people out of choice is ridiculous. Run away guys as fast as you can if you value your future and that of your families. With Alitalia about to unleash a shed load of pilots on the market it won't be long before those Airbus jobs are few and far between. BTW Super Pooper, don't need you to validate my comments here, thats the mods job!

[sheryas777]

And he is a regular visitor to PPRUNE.ORG
But guys don’t rush, take it easy, and don’t act like the football destroyers; if one match is lost the coach is sacked.

[Dixons Cider]

The one wild card is the BOD.

I agree with you on that one trader. Its that bunch, or in particular the chairman, that have created the hysteria with his constant stream of bleating to the press - statements like not wanting to be seen as a hero over the arrest of MK, that there'll be mass crew redundancies etc etc.

The guy has single handely broadcast to the world, and our travelling customers, that GF is in the shiite. The company should have been talked up at this critical time, not sniped at from the highest levels within.

They also seem be interfering at various levels - surely the task of the board is to remain in the background and set mandates for the direction and what they want to see acheived?

A good general does not wade into the front line guns blazing - he sits miles away in his cushty office and dictates to his commanders what ground he wants to be taken, rallies the troops occasionally with encouragement, and then lets it happen.

[Capt Al Fakhem]

I fully understand how so many of you desperately want to see something positive happen in GF (I too feel the same) but believe me Mr Naf is not it. If GF did have any glimmer of hope it was with Dose who at least had some experience in running airlines, Naf on the other hand is still far from that.

The truth of the matter is that the government has to finally make a decision as to how they want to run this airline. If they want transparency, honesty and ethics then they have to clean shop and I mean really clean shop. By investigating MK they are achieving nothing, he is just the "tail of the donkey" there are much larger fish to fry. This option has it's "political" cost and associated ramifications but it's the only way to go if they are sincere.

On the other hand they can just continue sweeping things under the carpet, find a scapegoat like MK and pretend they solved the corruption issue. Dont get me wrong I'm not inferring MK is the "Virgin Mary" nor that he is guilty but I am suggesting that he is only the tip of a very large iceberg.

This airline lacks stategy, planning and a clear goal. What sort of airline do we want to be, which is our market, who do we compete with? These are all questions which need to be addressed and a longterm plan set down for us to build upon. These fancy names like "get GF well", "project falcon" and "we can do it" are fine and dandy but they are just gimmicks.

Do I think we have hope? Sadly no, we're just doing what we've always been doing - CRISIS MANAGEMENT

[Sal-e]

I'll be backing Naf on this. What option is there?
Good observation BP, he was cool under pressure during the road show.
I think he's not afraid to get his hands dirty.
In time, he'll appreciate how things run around here. His experience in Africa would most definitely be an asset. An African colleague of mine once said that if you can handle Africa, you can handle most places. So for those who ridiculed that part of his experience, it may well be his strength.
His experience at Crossair will also serve him well. Those who prefer to criticize him for the failure of Crossair, let me say that even that is good experience. Don't forget, SUCCESS is borne of GOOD DECISIONS, which in turn comes from EXPERIENCE. Real experience is borne of BAD DECISIONS. Hmmm, things to think about before premature judgements.
Forgive me for being the optimist but life is so much better that way:), whichever the outcome.

[NO FD NO SRS]

you are right JACK.... There is a serious state of shock and denial.

[Sal-e]

As I mentioned in a previous post, there's a lot of work out there for pilots right now. The failure of GF is not a real issue for pilots, at least not this one. But I remain the optimist. No denials, not shocks. I'd just hate to pack and move to another airline.......a lazy optimist!

[wapses]

Jachbauer is correct. Working for a tin-pot freight airline operating relief flights in Africa does not prepare anyone to be CEO (even acting) of a major network carrier.

So far I'm told he has made some pretty poor decisions on the people front appointing yes men such as the VP Ground Services who is completely unqualified for the job .... but ushered Mr Naf around the airport when he first arrived and told him exactly what he wanted to hear.

[Trader]

VpGS - if you mean AJ then PROVE he is useless!!! From what I have seen this gentleman is LOVED by his employees, has done most of the jobs and works his ass off. He is one of the Bahraini managers who, imo, is excellent at what he does.

[ddd]

Gulf Air appoints Björn Näf as Acting President and Chief Executive
Mr. Näf already oversees airlines operations as Chief Operating Officer
Manama, Bahrain – 24 July 2007: The Gulf Air Board of Directors has decided today to appoint Chief Operating Officer Björn Näf as the Acting President and Chief Executive for Bahrain’s national carrier in addition to his duties.
Mr. Näf’s appointment came after a meeting by the Board members at the Gulf Air Headquarters. The search for a permanent President and Chief Executive has begun and is open for Bahrainis and other nationalities; the selection of which will be based on their qualifications and experience.
Mr. Näf, who brings across the broad experience in aviation industry, has been instrumental in implementing the new revamped network launched on July 1. He is also spearheading an initiative to boost the carrier’s punctuality, which is improving everyday under his command.
The new network, based on a “wave” model, offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline.
Näf’s proven multi-tasking capabilities gained over the years in the air travel industry suits his new role perfectly. The 42-year-old executive had begun his aviation carrier in 1990 with airline pilot training in the US and Switzerland.
From the early 1990s to late 2000, he served in various departments at Crossair. Mr. Näf also served as the Executive Vice President Product and Services for Swiss International Air Lines overseeing cabin crew, ground services, operations control center, product management and development and also customer services. He has also served as captain for Crossair Ltd., Switzerland.
He then went on to graduate from Harvard Business School in Boston, United States after completing an advanced management programme.

[Sal-e]

Guys guys....the ground work and plan is already in place. It doesn't really matter who's holding the fort right now. Let's see first if the plan works rather than attack individuals. What options might you suggest at this point?

[Chuck Y]

Whether he is good or not is totally besides the point. This airline needs desperately to be re-equipped. WE NEED NEW PLANES. WE NEED NEW PLANES. WE NEED NEW PLANES. WE NEED NEW PLANES.
I think that is what these advisors also (after millions of euros) came up with. Mind you they could have just asked 1 of the baggage handlers.
They says that Naf reads this. Well if you do please please please convince our cheap board that we really ro need new s*** cos our fleet is 1 of the oldest & most run down in the world.:ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh:

[fractional]

If he's that good and liked:confused:, he won't last long. Usually, people like that are disliked by management (in this case Board of Directors). Trust me:ugh:...

[tmax]

he just about to start his ccq non type rated 330-340 as a captain!
so people think he is leaving! do not worry! his has to serve his bond like anybody else! i ve heard its the same likes IB57!

[fractional]

do not worry! his has to serve his bond like anybody else! That doesn't mean he won't be kicked out of his post. Pushed or on free will, and if he's too good for the PCE, CEO or COO job, he won' last long... This has been the trend here... I hope GF changes its attitude now that has just one owner:ok:.

[Ibn Kalb]

Most of the posts above comment on BN\s experience in running an airline.

Well, with Gulf Air you need 2 skills

(i) How to run a business

(ii) How to deal with the Board - this involves all the black arts and Machiavellian, relationship management that is required in this part of the world and when dealing with such directors. It has very little to do with business ability

You can probably stuff up (i) a bit and still do the job. If you cannot do (ii), then you will fail

[soggyblonde]

Chuck Y,
I really have to agree with you on your last comment that we have the most run down aircraft in the gulf.
THEY ARE CRAP!!!!!!!!! INCLUDING THE SKYBED ONES. THEY JUST DON'T WORK. TECH DELAYS ALL THE TIME, INTERIOR FEATURES DON'T WORK.
Two months ago on a MNL flight ( a night flight) all the reading lights would not switch off and the entertainment system did not work (except for the airshow....). By the way it was a full flight. :ugh::ugh::ugh::eek::eek::eek:.

IF WE CANT GET NEW AIRCRAFT,HOW ABOUT FIXING THE ONES WE GOT:E:E:E:E:E:E:E

[Chuck Y]

Well it seems that even our board/government have no faith in the recovery of GF. It is rumoured that they have stated(behind closed doors as it is of course the Bahraini way:)) that there is NO way GF will place any orders for at least the next 5 years. So enjoy flying these heaps of s*** our board & management call aeroplanes around. :ugh:

[vomit comet]

:Ethere wont be any planes on the market for the next ten years! ey just swapped their a380 slots for 12 kingfishy a320 slots,because they cant get any on the market! delivery starts jan 2008,so more guys will leave for ey i guess...ccq a320/330..:E

[Chuck Y]

VC, I mean that they will not even place an order for at least 5 years. So add that with the deliver backlog they will not see a new aircraft joining our shining fleet for at least 12 to 13 years. Now that is a hell of a long time & I really don't our planes will hold together for another 12 months let alone 12 years. It's got disaster written all over it.:yuk:

[Ijri Hana]

WY has flashed rials in every direction and can't seem to find any mid-sized wings on the secondary market either...good luck!

[ironbutt57]

Airplanes ain't to be had anywhere...except the mohave desert...:uhoh:

[International]

getting away from a/c purchasing and back on topic, he seems very young at 42...

thats not a critisism, just an observation.

[ironbutt57]

Look at the bloke who turned Continental around after that ****** Frank Lorenzo filled it full of scabs....age is a "non issue" ability, and most importantly good old fashioned balls is the key...with no fear of politics or otherwise....

[scanscanscan]

GF should be Ok then....

[Panama Jack]

and most importantly good old fashioned balls is the key...with no fear of politics or otherwise....

Wasn´t that what André Dosé was doing before he fell out of favor with the Board? Seems to take a little bit more than vision and leadership these days.
Thankfully, Björn´s communiques via ¨Hello Gulf Air¨ inspire some confidence that cool heads are stearing the ship, despite Al Kooheji´s self-contradictory comments in the days following Dosé´s departure.

GF should be Ok then....

Inshallah . . . habibi. . . Fingers crossed.

[airpilot_A3xx]

P.J :) Amen

[Spirit]

Anybody got any news about the supposedly "excellent" new package?

[obsidian]

hello boys:E the new package will be anounced on sunday from what i have heard from several pilots:E

[Propellor]

Which Sunday - in 4 days, I hope.

They should have made a decent package the last time - rather than just test the waters, and make a revised package in a month's time. I hope it's not another case of being too little and too late.

A query for someone who may know for sure - if the package does come by, will the revised emoluments apply for the indemnity calculations for those that have already resigned and are serving the notice period? I cannot find anything that prohibits it.

Wondering if I would make some money......

[vomit comet]

hello guys..heard about package should be announced this sunday i am not sure of its an email or roadshow but we ll find out soon i guess..pay rise from different sources 400 to 700 bd..i dont know if its true but this is what i heard..hopefully it will be good and stop the mass migration:E

[obsidian]

i dont think the pay rise will stop anybody from leaving..just did 5 daytrips in a row and it was hell! EI,ER,EP,EO,EN all have no apu plus some other rubbish in the atl..:ugh: no fleet transfers,no upgrade,no new aircrafts,no new destinations......should i stay or should i go:ugh:

[DesertHawk]

pay may increase people still leave. back to topic i think BN is not a bad guy just in over his head. to much work for one man and no experience around him. they need to hire someone with a wealth of experience to work with BN to make a good team. also trader u say he always replys to letters??? everyone i know that wrote him has had no response. which i understand why would u respond when all u can say is we are all messed up sorry!!!!