Gulf Air Developments

[Panama Jack]

Why would you want to be a "specialist" when the "manager" classification brings with it greater privledges?

[TZZ]

i dunno why they removed id 90 j class with other airlines.

[B727-200]

Albergineman

I read the e-mail sent with regards to the changes to the staff travel policy and it did not mention any curtailment of our agreements with QR, EY or LH. I do understand, however, that job titles have been "re-classified" and we could have been caught in this net.

Could you substantiate your statement that we no longer are entitled to J class with these airlines? Where did you get this information? I am not doubting you, just that I would like to know from where this is communicated.

PJ, you have a good grasp on things. Any idea? Also, if anybody else could shed light then I would be grateful.

I cannot check my work mail right now and will not be able to until after the weekend. Perhaps this has already been clarified by a subsequent e-mail.

All the best!

B727-200

[Panama Jack]

I have checked the same on the Staff Travel website, and Albergineman is correct in that we are unable to select these travel options, which I suspect is a technical oversight which they need to hammer out, just like the inability for us to select ID90 J class on GF which they straightened out before the early afternoon on March 1st.

The HR gentleman who replaced EE overseeing Staff Travel seems very commited to revamping and improving on Staff Travel's services for employees. Already they have added at least one new airline (the German airline "Condor" [DE]) and I know he as a wish list of other airlines to add. I am therefore optimistic about offerings from Staff Travel in the future.

[Albergineman]

Could you substantiate your statement that we no longer are entitled to J class with these airlines? Where did you get this information? I am not doubting you, just that I would like to know from where this is communicated.

Hi B722!

What I did was simple, I was just simulating a ticket request among the airlines I use to take ID90 J class tickets in the Staff Travel webpage.

:ok:

[buba]

yeah, i tried to simulate id90 tkts on qr, ek, and lh, only economy class available.
if you read the email sent by HR regading the new staff travel policy it states 'as the travel concessions we have been providing to other associated companies are stopped now'
come sunday, i'l be in staff travel. it would be a bummer if those 'concessions' are no longer available.

[Panama Jack]

I'll hazard a guess that these "associated" companies are ones like Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), perhaps also Gulf Hotel and other historic spin-offs. One guy who I how at BAS was complaining bitterly.

[buba]

could be, or mayb gf stopped issuing biz class tkts to other airlines and it ended up bein a mutual pullout.
let yous all know come sunday.

[Albergineman]

As I said buba: I got a Lufthansa J ticket on Thursday so it is definitely still possible...


I still can't request J class...

:(

[A300Man]

Malpensa, anyone? Or Geneva?

Photo Gulf Air Boeing 737-7CN(BBJ) HB-IIQ (http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=1018333)

[Dustwing]

wet lease, swiss reg, not bbj, but 700!!

[DutchBird-757]

Summer season lease routing bahrain-Geneva.

[SandShovel]

Inside :}
Photos: Boeing 737-7CN BBJ Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/PrivatAir-(Lufthansa)/Boeing-737-7CN-BBJ/1476200/L/&sid=2cba297dbb518d51cb17a8420f13177d)

[Panama Jack]

Sweet lookin' plane. :ok:

[SandShovel]

http://www.airport-data.com/images/aircraft/small/578/578828.jpg

Due 25-03-2011
ferried NWI-YMX 28-02-2011 for cabin outfitting

[buba]

Our biz class on ek,qr, lh still hold. Was told just to book Eco on the system and staff travel will issue biz and adjust the fare.

[buba]

Ek has always been Y

[buba]

Oops, Sorry got my ek and ey mixed up
etihad still gives us id90 biz
emirates always been id90 eco ( I beleive only I'd 50 biz class)

[BlueWhiteSky]

Just out of interest.
Is the recent hiring affected due to the political situation in BAH.

[Panama Jack]

Just out of interest.
Is the recent hiring affected due to the political situation in BAH.

No, it is not.

[samjetblaster]

Any news of pay rise???????:confused:

[Che Guevara]

Looks like he is still trying to worm the Embraers in.....:ugh:

[Albergineman]

Any news of pay rise???????

It is more likely to have a forced downsize due to political unrest in Bahrain than a pay rise! Unless you are one of the protesters demanding a payrise...

Look at the latest GF's load factor, around 30%...

:ugh:

[samjetblaster]

Albergineman

Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Bahrain
Posts: 160
Quote:
Any news of pay rise???????
It is more likely to have a forced downsize due to political unrest in Bahrain than a pay rise! Unless you are one of the protesters demanding a payrise...

Look at the latest GF's load factor, around 30%...

Yes smart................:mad:

[40&80]

Anyone buying real estate in Bahrain today?...I think now could be a good time to be a cash buyer.

[Tziganul]

MARSHALL LAW!!!!!!!! I think it's time to leave boys and girls!!!!! f........ this place!!!!! guess now it's time to take action with EK, EY!!! MASALAMA BAHRAIN!!!! GUESS THIS IS THE LAST NAIL IN THE COFFIN!!!!! GREAT WORK!!!!

[flyboy320]

7 demonstrations/riots which threaten lives of expats
(Bahrain is a peaceful country, it's the BEST country in the GCC)

Change of Mind or what, Tziganul?:E

Thats you one month ago: http://www.pprune.org/middle-east/347366-gulf-air-developments-154.html#post6241740

[Gordomac]

A bit off thread but greetings chaps ! A sort of 'can't beat them, join them'! Also, finally catching up with modern technology & all of you fabbo people I flew with, will know, how I HATE computers. Just wanted to thank you all for 17 pretty good years. Oh, now see that comments were made on my demise & mostly, quite nice. Thanks again. Apart from wanting to say hello, heartfelt thoughts with all of you in the current period of unrest. Take great care................Er, now, just got to figure out how to send this...............is it "Route 2"............nah, direct intercept...............howzabout, change destination ! Good grief !!!

[thegypsy]

40 &80

Cannot think why anybody would want to buy property in Bahrain just because it is cheaper now as the problem is not going to go away.

As an ex GF person it amazed me when i heard Bredboard has a condo there. Personally I found Bahrain too small and weather in Winter not as nice as further down the Gulf.

Hello Gordomac welcome to pprune. At least you got a few years when over 60!! And you mastered the A340! Well sort of:D

[Flight leveler]

Hallo Gordo....
Same computer trouble tonight as you... where is Gulf Tech when you need them?
Formerly scan scan scan then 40&80 now forced to re-register a new name.
I am glad you over 60 guys are off the island this week.
Looks like the law of unexpected consequences kicked in and company actually did you over age 60 pilots a favor....even if not nice to be terminated via email.
Who says Gf do not care for its pilots...Rad Gammage comes to mind.
I hope all you great over 60 guys are enjoying life in Cyprus...
Regarding buying real estate in Bahrain....just kidding....still bit of a split decision... a definite maybe.

[John21UK]

I've been invited for an interview in 2 weeks time. Do they still use the SHL numerical tests? And are you allowed to use calculator for all?

Anyone any updates on their assessment/simcheck? PM appreciated.

[ODMEA]

:sad::mad::ooh::confused::ouch::suspect::hmm::\:bored::*:=:y uk::oh::(

I cannot even beging to expalin my horror at GF's choice of this coffin in the sky. I do all my intra gulf sectors on GF(Gold for life FF) and was riding out the Embraer wave hoping it would just come to a natural end and Airbus A318 would be brought on board. Well GF has just lost me as an intra Gulf pax. I REFUSE to sit on that piece of crap even for a 5 min sector!

Another stupid choice GF. Honestly a horror from a premium pax perspective.

:yuk:

[Tziganul]

Hey flyboy320, if English is not ur first language, you may have missed the sarcasam that was in that whole post! But don't worry, that's ok, English is not my first language either, but I grew up in an English speaking country.

Anyhow, I don't care what happens in Bahrain, I am not a local and these issues are way above my head. I'm not choosing any sides here and if need be that ALL EXPATS must leave, well, I won't stay somewhere where I am not welcomed!

I hope for all of us here that things will cool down, but between the riots and a nuclear explosion, I'll pick riots every day of the week! And no I won't leave the country as yet, time will tell, and nope i'm not scared of what could happen to me, something COULD happen to me as I cross the street, as a matter of fact, you are more likely to get hit by a Saudi or Kuwaiti on the weekend in Bahrain than to die in a Riot!!!!

On that boys and girls, cheers, war zones are lucratif!!! not fun but lucratif!

[cosmodrift]

Hey ODMEA, you may end up enjoying the so called jungle jet. Depending on the pax cabin config it can, and often is, more spacious than the Bus.
Its really a cheap and reliable little fella.

[ODMEA]

I beg to differ. Each time Ive flown Ive had no place to put my carry on luggage in. And get your eyes checked if you think the J class cabin is bigger and roomier than an A318.

This is another pax horror story..we've had to tolerate the pre historic 767 and the original A340's for too long..now this!??

What a horrid choice of aircraft. :ugh:

[Fern271]

Hello John, yes still numerical test no calculators and no simride...youll be ok
Regards

[ironbutt57]

The economics of the 318 are dismal to say the least, which accounts for many airlines dumping them, actually scrapping them..AKA Frontier, they remind me of Detroit's efforts in the 70's to counter Japanese cars by making scaled down versions of big heavy cars, it doesnt work! As far as regional jets go, the EMB 190-195 are up there with the best of them, the new Canadair offing will be interesting as well...

[cosmodrift]

Each time Ive flown Ive had no place to put my carry on luggage in.
If this is true, whatever you are carrying is clearly oversized.

Mind there's no middle seat on the E-Jets, what is a plus for any passenger. Not mentioning it has the most efficient air conditioning system for the desert. :ok:

[John21UK]

I'll take the E-Jet any day over an Airbus/737 in terms of comfort. But I'm biased. But you are right. The biggest passenger headache is overhead bin space. Besides that it's a stellar machine, both as pax or as crew.

Now, following the situation in Bahrain closely. I am worried. Will GF still be here in, say, 6 months with all the violence going on????? Or wil they start laying people off?

[Panama Jack]

The economics of the 318 are dismal to say the least, which accounts for many airlines dumping them. . .

Only those foolish enough to have gotten the type in the first place! :E
(I mean the airlines who actually run like rational businesses)

[Che Guevara]

they remind me of Detroit's efforts in the 70's to counter Japanese cars by making scaled down versions of big heavy cars

Do you remember the AMC Gremlin?

[ironbutt57]

The AMC Gremlin...ohhhh dear!!! and the Chevette, the Pinto...a smaller machine is best done with a clean sheet of paper...

[Flight leveler]

So is the new after liquidation Gulf Air.

[Tziganul]

All right, so now because of the so called "civil war" (sarcastic comment for you flyboy320!!) they are screwing my roster and I guess they have an excuse for it! What the HELL is going on with this company!!!??? Yes I know, most of you will say: " Why are you surprised? Hit the road Jack ..." They have taken away 2 lucrative flights, without ANY explanation! Last time at the pilot meeting we were told that because of "commercial" aspects, they can change the roster as often as they'd like without any concern to our well being and that there's nothing we can do about that! That's a great way of getting everyone to stay put, great work rostering!!! You never cease to f......... up my schedule and for that, I am forever in debt to you! May God bless ur good hearts and your concern for my personal life!
ps. :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: :mad:

Ah..... i feel much better now! :)

[buba]

Bit off subject, heard the big cheif is leaving, nothing solid

[T O G A Boy]

Just heard that GF has stopped Beirut operation. Any truth in this. Can someone pls elaborate further. If thats true, then it raises the ceased operation to 9 destinations. Bet GF is losing a whallop.............:ugh:

[Landflap]

The Big Chief is a lot bigger than any of you could ever immagine.And, he is not the Big Chief that you immagine. Good night GF.

[Albergineman]

The airline also announced yesterday that it was launching four weekly flights between Bahrain and Kabul, Afghanistan, from June 15.
"The launching of our service to Kabul follows extensive safety and security audits, and further demonstrates our strategy to connect the Kingdom of Bahrain with niche and under-served markets within the region that have high growth potential," said Gulf Air chief executive officer Samer Majali.
"By connecting Kabul with Bahrain we are opening a huge commercial opportunity for Afghanistan's well known traditional industries such as carpets and gems, and the industrial sectors namely construction and engineering, IT/telecommunications, transportation, and of course mining, which are poised for take off.
"We also foresee a huge opportunity for Bahrain's private sector businesses in Afghanistan."
Gulf Air will initially operate an Airbus A320 aircraft offering 16 Falcon Gold seats and 120 Economy class seats between Bahrain and Kabul.
The outgoing flight, GF0742, will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11.15am and arrive at Kabul International Airport at 3.50pm.
The return flight GF0741 will depart at 4.50pm and reach Bahrain at 6.45pm..


Guess whom will be flying there?

:{

[Che Guevara]

Didn't know the war was over in Afganistan.....
What a relief, no need to worry about your life insurance not being valid since it's not a war zone anymore.

We also foresee a huge opportunity for Bahrain's private sector businesses in Afghanistan."

Yeah right :rolleyes:

[GrannySmith]

Kabul?
That's complete nonsense! It's gonna be Fukoshima , operated on our new Mitsubishi RJs. Initially 3 times a week (Safi codeshare). The Bahrain business community has signalled a high interest in this heavily underserved niche market, which is well known for its fresh spinache - and carpet-exports.
GF' s management assured that radiationlevels would not present any harm to its crews. However LMRA emphasized that it would provide previously laid-off over 60 pilots with work-permits if GF's presently ongoing recruitment efforts in Congo turned out to be unsuccessful.

[Salman Rushdie]

Absolute corcker Granny....:}

[mutt]

Bahrain has suspended flights to Lebanon, Iran and Iraq until further notice..... Are these the routes that the E170 flew?

Mutt

[boiler]

Only EBL and IFN were on E70 as far as I know.

[Panama Jack]

Bahrain and Dammam weather this evening, "slightly" worse than forecast:

TAF OEDF 252015Z 2600/2706 34020G30KT 3000 BLDU SKC
TEMPO 2600/2604 0500 DS=

METAR OEDF 252100Z 32027KT 0000 DS 20/09 Q1012 NOSIG


TAF OBBI 251700Z 2518/2624 12010KT CAVOK
BECMG 2520/2522 34020G30KT 5000 DU
TEMPO 2522/2612 2000
PROB30 TEMPO 2523/2606 0800=

METAR OBBI 252100Z 32030KT 0000 DS VV/// 22/15 Q1011 NOSIG


Earlier forecasts for this period were even more optimistic. Hope guys have enough fuel to find a safe place to land tonight.

[Tziganul]

By John Crawley

WASHINGTON, DC (Reuters) - An air traffic controller told U.S. investigators on Thursday he had fallen asleep on the job, leaving two jetliners to land in Washington without any airport guidance.

"As a former airline pilot, I am personally outraged that this controller did not meet his responsibility to help land these two airplanes," Randy Babbitt, the Federal Aviation Administration administrator, said in a statement.

Babbitt, who suspended the unidentified 20-year veteran, is reviewing the incident, which occurred early Wednesday, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The two flights -- one operated by United Airlines and the other by American Airlines -- landed without incident at Ronald Reagan National Airport early Wednesday.

Flight crews could not raise the airport tower on the radio for runway and landing instructions shortly after midnight but were in contact with another nearby FAA facility.

"Fortunately, at no point was either plane out of radar contact and our back-up system kicked in to ensure the safe landing of both airplanes," Babbitt said.

The controller, a supervisor, told NTSB investigators who interviewed him he fell asleep for a period of time on duty, the board said in a preliminary report on the incident.

The controller told the NTSB it was his fourth straight overnight shift and he was alone in the tower. Radio contact was lost for more than 20 minutes, the NTSB said.

The incident at the airport in the shadow of the Pentagon and across the Potomac River from the White House upset official Washington, which is sensitive to any lapse in aviation operations since the September 11, 2001, hijack attacks. A small plane crashed into the White House grounds in 1994.

Flights at National are heavily regulated and the airport closes earlier than other big centers because of noise restrictions. There are only a handful of scheduled flights after midnight on most nights, fewer on others.

The FAA is looking at overnight controller staffing issues nationwide. About 30 towers operate with just one controller after midnight. Most major centers, including Chicago O'Hare, LaGuardia and Kennedy in New York, Boston and Washington Dulles, operate with at least two controllers.

The safety board has in recent months stepped up its review of controller staffing, performance and fatigue issues. This includes the near miss of a passenger jet and two military aircraft in January over the Atlantic Ocean off New York.

Suspected controller errors in 2010 hit 1,887 from 1,233 the previous year, according to the FAA. More than half were considered relatively minor but reports in the most severe category rose from 37 to 43, FAA figures show.

And so folks, fortunately for the 2 aircrafts, they landed safely, but for sure, our rules and FTLs are written with the blood of our friends and families!!!! F....... this industry with it's small brain and cost savings at the expenses of peoples lives! WE ARE NOT ROBOTS!!!!!

ah venting always feels sooo good, now I can go back to watching my movie!

[samjetblaster]

SM to Put Afghanistan in the world map.Why not Bahrain???:confused:

[John21UK]

Does anyone know when the leases are going to expire on the E-Jets?
Just to check if they match the CSeries EIS dates in case they do go CSeries.

[Albergineman]

The leasing will finish at the begining of 2013 for the E170 and 2014 for the E190

:ok:

[John21UK]

Thank you.

[mutt]

Panama Jack, have a look at this.........

YouTube - Kuwait Sandstorm -- (Shot by A.Khalaf, on iPhone4 cam)

I was glad that our alternate was back to the red sea coastline :)

Mutt

[fractional]

Here they come... :}

[Panama Jack]

@ Mutt, thanks for the flick; saw another similar one and it sure is impressive, makes me recall the text-book diagrams of an advancing cold front.

re: Kabul

Not another exotic destination like Geneva or Milan, but as the old saying goes, "where there's muck, there's brass." As far as the safety aspects of it, I think I'd feel more comfortable going into Kabul than into Basra and some other places we already operate to based on current security situations. I see that there is quite a bit of air service already going into Kabul, including scheduled airlines such as Air India. I do recall Air Arabia used to fly there but pulled out. Curious on what that was based on.

[Landflap]

Er, what does this have to do with Gulfair Developments ? Anyway, I would have thought that landing without clearance is, in itself, a violation. Had a similar incidnt myself, no contact with Tower despite several calls, reached DH, went around & contacted Approach. They woke up the Tower Guy who was asleep. Be careful out there.

[Mike.Park]

Any truth to the rumours that Gulf Air & BAS staff were manhandled by security personnel for taking part in pro-democracy protests? :confused:

[Sultan85]

do you mean the terrorists?
of course,and thats what they desreve:ok: after all what they did to Bahrain:D
LONG LIFE THE KING:D

[Mephistopheles]

No one was man handled. Security forces came into GF HQ to get some suspected ring leaders of the supposedly peaceful protesters. There were also checking computers for evidence since there will be lots of criminal cases against people that were in cahoots with the Iranians, Good riddance to bad rubbish me thinks.
Heard quite a few were from HR & that the acting manager has jumped ship. Maybe HR will now stop trying to screw us over.
Unfortunately some people here don't realize how good they have it here. Maybe we should all chip in & buy them tickets to Tehran so they can see how tough life really can be.

[heavy.airbourne]

Hear, hear!

Sultan85: LONG LIFE THE KING

Here speaks the Intelligentsia. LOL LOL LOL

[Alcatraz69]

I loved the fart noise at exactly 1.09 minutes into th video !

[bus_aviator]

oh yeah i just noticed long laugh thx for making my morning hehe...well i would have shat myself as well with all that sand...:ugh:

[zedoscarro]

what tha f@#k??

I dont have access to page 161...

[baghdadkiwi]

when are you guys going back into baghdad, I need to book some tickets Dubai to Baghdad like about now, for after my trip home in a few weeks time????? Your outfit is the only one that had a connection later in the day that worked but all flights suspended.

[jackx123]

Apparently there was a meeting on Thursday ending after Midnight deliberating the future of GF, considering recent events in the region and their impact on the company. As everyone knows the company has lost money under some very competent leadership during the last decades and i.e. at 30% occupancy GF is not sustainable for another month.

So folks pack your bags as you can see in the terminal. There are more bags than pax.

[boiler]

30% occupancy GF is not sustainable for another month

It may be understandable that a few flights may have such a low SF especially in the Gulf region, but but there is no way I am going to believe this is a system wide SF (GF usually averaged in the 70s so I would assume they may have lost a few points but not downto 30%).

[MaffiFaloos]

Has the three weeks bonus been confirmed?

[Mephistopheles]

30% load factor sounds like complete rubbish. Regarding the 3 week bonus-I will believe it when I have spent it. The rumor goes onto to say that it will only be for those that attended work as usual durning the troubles.

[left_to_first_class]

Sadly the 30% LF is not far off the mark I am told. A few routes are doing ok with labour traffic but point-to-point is dead, and transfer traffic has dropped as well as many avoid transfering in BAH.

I heard that the CCO has resigned as well... the brit guy.

[jackx123]

Hotel occupancy in Bahrain hovers around the 5% mark, meaning that the whole economy is hurting including I guess some entertainers.

Obviously a big chunk of tourism comes from the causeway but not 95% considering that the hotel industry was booming a couple of years ago.

[ferris]

Shaikh Mohammed, who is also Caravan Group of Hotels managing director, said the flow of tourists had also been severely affected due to the restrictions on the King Fahad Causeway.

"There is no free access and so no customers for us. A very large percentage of our clients come from across the causeway and they are just not able to come," he said.
http://http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2011_2nd/Apr11_BahrainAssistance.html

[CadetPilot]

I have a couple of friends I will ask around for you.
If you're rated with hours on type Gulf Air will very likely hire you.

They're hiring 26 second officers this year (all Bahrainis).
They're going to Rate them, Line training, and Clear them as first officers.

After the recent issues in Bahrain, so many expats, including Omani's have left the airline.

Good Luck!

[Che Guevara]

After the recent issues in Bahrain, so many expats, including Omani's have left

No expats have left as a result of the current issues, if they leave in the future specifically because of the troubles, that is another issue.

[confusedcanuck]

Those 321s might have something to do with the restructuring of the 330 orders. Majali said they had reached a deal with the manufacturers but he never made the details public due to the fact that it came in the middle of all the troubles

[John21UK]

That would make sense. Split the 330's into 330/321 and spread your market development. All they need to do now is get some more E-Jets. (190/195's)

[REACH-69]

Any idea ,how many GF pilots and cabin crew were in the pearl roundabout performing speeches against the ruling family ,while showing their loyality to f****n Iran ;)..............to be continued

[stefan1138]

As per aerotransport.org the first new 321 out of six should arrive in February 2012.

Rgds Stefan

[boiler]

Those 321s might have something to do with the restructuring of the 330 orders. Majali said they had reached a deal with the manufacturers but he never made the details public due to the fact that it came in the middle of all the troubles

From what I have been told, this deal was done almost a year ago, way before the troubles began. From the number of the orders, it would seem that it was 2 narrow-bodies (A320 and A321) for every 1 A330 ordered.

I heard that the CCO has resigned as well... the brit guy.
From what I hear:

1) He was South African
2) In a way he was booted out (and he deserved it).

[finalcall]

That is a surprise,wasn't gh going to focus on the 100 seater regional jets ?
Chap from gf hinted that Saudi Arabia maybe purchasing a large portion of Gulf Air's shares.

If this were to be true,a lot of money would be injected into the airline :D

[Radar Contact]

I have no idea where the A321 came from, even Airbus website does not reflect these orders - do you think it's a long lease? (ILFC/GECAS etc..)


I heard that the CCO has resigned as well... the brit guy.

If we are talking about KH, I agree that he was very unprofessional.

[left_to_first_class]

Yes I was referring to KH ... unprofessional piece of work, way out of his depth and not surprised he was booted out of Air Arabia before landing at GF.

[Che Guevara]

Where oh where do they get them from? :ugh:

The same old story keeps getting reenacted again and again, chapter by chapter, scene by scene and indeed, almost word for word. The sad thing is that we are forced to endure this monotonous play over and over, as we quietly observe from the sidelines, pondering our future. Such is the pilot's burden.

I keep telling myself that we can't find worse, so things can only get better, let's hope so.

[slowjet]

It won't. And you should know better.

[Che Guevara]

I know, I know.....I really should know better, in fact I'm beginning to think that I should have taken up truck driving; Max. Duty period 9 hrs or else you are in trouble.

See the link below on Pilot Fatigue:

DasErste Mediathek [ARD] - Plusminus - Flugverkehr: Piloten im Sekundenschlaf (Engl. Version) (http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=42X487496&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmediathek.daserste.de%2Fsendungen_a-z%2F432744_plusminus%2F6877250_flugverkehr--piloten-im-sekundenschlaf--engl--versi&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pprune.org%2Frumours-news%2F448367-fatigue-has-killed-will-kill-again.html)

[Gordomac]

Me too. Just been drinkin in my retard's pub, I mean retired's pub. New buddy is an ex Coach driver. What a fabbo world they lived in.Much better than ours. I always felt that if I could not be a pilot for Gulfair, I would want to be a Coach Driver, Lorry Driver, Astronaut, Sea Captain for Shell Tankers or gay Cabin Attendant. Sadly, I got into Gulfair at my ninth attempt and.......................the rest, is history ! Cheers,

[Mephistopheles]

What's with the rumor about 7 local pilots being sacked?

[Icarus]

Heard that too two days ago, seven (locals).

Overall GF is apparently disposing of ~200 staff. At least one VP (Director) also, relieved of duty a couple of days ago.

[Tziganul]

I hear that the Bonus is not an April fool!!! It was apparently addressed at the Majilis! Apparently that's going to happen at the end of this month, let's just see, would be a nice gesture! And if it's a hoax, then well, it's just more of the same. But let's be positive here!!!!

[John21UK]

Could NBO potentially being flown by an E190? (I mean in terms of payload/range) It's about 400nm further than BAH-ATH.

[Landflap]

dream a long with me..............I'm on my way to the stars ! IN any other circumstances, I would just slap you guys in the face, WAKE UP Daddys.....its over !!

Oh, I have applied to rejoin GF as CEO, COO, B787 rated, HR rated, Car park hated . Me & my mate Bjorn are coming back to sort out the mess. OOOOps, just came face to face with a Saudi tank. Damn, its Curfew time.

Yeah, just heard on skype; they have accepted me. ZZZZZZZZZZ .....Dream a long with me................

[jackx123]

thought GF was right on the edge :}

[tayyareci]

Jackass123 I think you are right on the edge, get a life

[40&80]

Hey Gordo see what you missed?
A national pilots only B737 service importing the good looking babes from CPH with many hours of horizontal leg-over rest and recuperation in-between!
And your roster...Turn around Night flights to Kabul and Addis...plus a whole 4 tons of freight.
You could have put Cathay Cargo out of business all by yourself!
Enjoy your retirement:):)

[Gordomac]

Thanks very much. I am and I will continue to do so. Those who shamefully mishandled my unexpected exit, unwittingly served me the lifesaver I now enjoy. My heart goes out to those fantastic people who I enjoyed flying with and are now stuck in the dreadful events of recent months. I have made the same error of judgement, twice, in my 40 year career. Once with Air Europe and the second with Gulfair. I really thought that the people I worked for were my friends.The people I worked with, by and large, remain dear friends........................Oh heavens sake, blubbing up !! Time for a Jack & Coke at the Retards Bar where, tonight, I am getting a go on the drums. Look out Ginger Baker !!:D

[Che Guevara]

Cheers Gordo, glad it worked out for you! You are better off on that end of things, particularly now, trust me.

[surfer of desert]

Heard 7 captains plus 35 cabin crew sacked from GF, looks like they didint show to work on the "strike day" last month. any truth ?
Plus one captain A320 demoted as well:confused:

[Mephistopheles]

Milan to be increased to 6 flights a week.
The A320 Capt was demoted for something unrelated.
+20 cabin crew already sacked, the pilots involved still waiting for their marching orders.

[buba]

So I take it NBO would be night stop then?
Did it on the 767 back in the days, but it was kinder times back then, haa haa.
Would be a bummer to go all the way ther, turn the bird a come back!

[777-Aviator]

Heard 7 captains plus 35 cabin crew sacked from GF

Is it true the Na**r Al Sh***b is one of those captains??!!

[SandShovel]

From 1st of July Milan will be on A320, 6 times a week:):cool:

[WELCO]

Heard 7 captains plus 35 cabin crew sacked from GF

Is it true the Na**r Al Sh***b is one of those captains??!!



Heard the same!

[Albergineman]

Heard 7 captains plus 35 cabin crew sacked from GF

I've heard "The Beagle Boys" are listening their last rites as well...

:eek:

[Speedbrake Lever]

I must say if its true

that mr. sh....b is gone :ok:

it will be a good day for many

he has caused a lot of grief not just now but in the past

in EK as well

S.L.

A long time Gulfie

[surfer of desert]

I would say that be unemploed men is one of the worst thing that can happen to anyone, I would personally dont deserve this to anyone.:=

[Landflap]

:ok:Couldn't agree more. Someone might miss him ! But, he was very well connected (only reason he got where he did in the first place) and I would be surprised if he didn't use these connections again. I think they call it 'Karma' ; what goes around, comes around. Subsequent posts talk about suffering. Few of us would wish it on anyone. NS will not suffer for long. With his grubby little connections, he and types like hime surface somewhere else. What is good is that GF will now benefit greatly from his demise. Lets hope the Management Team replace him withsomeone more worthy & a lot more capable. (Shouldn't be too difficult !).

[CRUIZE]

THE BEST DAY FOR LOTS OF US ,Let them feel the real pain now or RIH rest in hell,

[Mephistopheles]

As far as I know no flight deck crews have been sacked yet but our Acting HR manager(M.T.) along with the Head IT(J.Q.) are or were supposed to be investigating the employees involved. Having said that Mr JQ has already resigned!

[repapips]

Oman Air Asessments
Dear Colleages,

Have Sim Asessment in Southampton at the end of this month.

Anyone with info on previous Profiles / what to expect.

Hand flying and handling skills or LPC type check?

Any info/contacts greatly appreciated.

Many thanks. Safe flights.

cmvidini, this thread is titled "Gulf Air Developments"... though Gulf Air has lots of Omani pilots wtih lots having left for Oman Air...it is still a Gulf Air thread... :cool:

[BlueWhiteSky]

@cmvidini

i was in GF. You posted in the GF tread therefore I wrote my sim experience at the GF assesment.
Answer removed because its not applicable to what you are loking for.

[Mephistopheles]

So now the acting HR manager (M.T.) has resigned also. Good riddance to her-she was 1 of Al Banna's gang.

[dacorana]

Happy Easter and God bless you

[Che Guevara]

Happy Easter to you as well.

Didn't see you at mass....;)

Cheers

[Mephistopheles]

Well, payslip is out & surprise surprise no bonus! Feel sorry for the guys that actually feel for it & spent it already.

[SCATANA]

People shouldn't make plans based on rumors.

[boiler]

I heard you guys lost all your leave tickets as well, which have been rendered useless after the fare class changed.

[Panama Jack]

I heard you guys lost all your leave tickets as well, which have been rendered useless after the fare class changed.

Huh?

[Sal-e]

The bonus will come on a separate cheque.

[AeroForce]

I heard you guys lost all your leave tickets as well, which have been rendered useless after the fare class changed.

Huh?


True, fare class is now Z.
This means the lowest class of economy ticket. It used to be H class, which was pretty high up in the pecking order.

So guess what, if a flight becomes overbooked, you are now the lowest class/priority and the first to be bumped off... Even though our priority remains B3/B7. :mad:

Forze

[Chuck Y]

Gonna be a good weekend , a little birdie whispered in my ear that the much talked about bonus will be out tomorrow.
Enjoy.

[T O G A Boy]

Hope so Chucky...Wishing your birdie is right :ok:

[Panama Jack]

Well darn, AeroForce, I missed that one! Not good. :suspect:

I heard that this will be a topic of discussion at tomorrow's Majlis. As touk pointed out people haven't been able to book leave tickets for the next few months. Sounds worse than the old Nominee-ticket fare class for ID50's.

[Che Guevara]

I just flew with someone who has booked 2 leave tickets in the last two weeks...indeed one of his family members has already escaped on one, so I'm not sure the rumour is correct, there again, GF bush telegraph has always been fairly reliable. ;)

Hope it is right re the 'bonus'.

Cheers

[ODMEA]

Hi all

Can anyone shed any light on when the new Falcon Gold Cabins will be fitted? and old F and J cabins removed?

Thanks
Oddy

[Landflap]

I appreciate that Staff Travel is not a God given right & may be removed at any time. However, if Leave Travel is written into your contract , it remains contractual. Even tinkering around (by, for example, changing class of travel) with that term & condition of employment would be considered a breach. Mind you, try taking Gf to court for breach of contract ! Now, more than ever, you pays your money & you takes your choice; or, is it, you takes your money & pay with no choice ! Something like that. Guys, my anger has now given away, simply to sadness.

[Mephistopheles]

The class of travel on your ticket has nothing to do with the order of being offloaded. It in fact is just used at the booking stage & it allows the company to limit the number of staff tickets available on a certain sector. The order of offloading,should it be required, is still dictated by the 'B' number & provided you manage to book yourself on the flight then on a leave ticket then then order of offloading is still as per the GOM. Don't let the wonderful GF ground staff tell you anything different.

[Mephistopheles]

So Majali is still going ahead with the planned 8 flights a week to Kabul even with the declining security situation there.
I guess that an Afgani airforce pilot killing 8 US troops is still considered safe as far as all the brown nosers in the office are concerned.
I wonder if Majali & his office pets will be on the first flight? Doubt it.

[HighOnProfile]

Hey Mephistopheles!

You might be technically correct in everything you say but whatever it is, it's not acceptable.

The other day two friends were in fact nearly bumped on leave tickets. They were simply being refused check-in until the last moment, a la "ID90-style". Ground staff claimed it had to do with the booking class, not boarding priority.

Personally I tried to book leave tickets yesterday. I can transit via multiple GF-destinations and the concerned flights are far from full. Yet the system is refusing the booking being made as; "there are no available seats on the selected dates". I've checked a 4-day period including "split-leave"-tickets with the same result.

Essentially Panama Jack is correct in saying we've lost our leave tickets. At least, they are to be considered a bonus if you manage to get one...

I sincerely hope this is brought up at the pilot meeting on the 4th.

[bus_aviator]

High on profile,

go to the meeting and bring it up, we talk so much sh*&t on here but behind that big table, we either don't show or nod and smile, time to get some cohones gents...and ladies

[MagsOffBatOffFockOff]

GF171 BAH-JED on A330 A9CKI on May 1st did an extremely hard landing according to my frequent flyer banker neighbour SLF onboard. Aircraft exited runway and stopped on taxiway and didnt move for 15min. Anybody with details on causes and damages?

[Che Guevara]

Any word on the 'bonus' or is Kabul it?

[Chuck Y]

Time to get back in contact with friends in Etihad since they are the only option for us to get some tickets that are actually useable now that HR have decided to 'improve' staff ticketing!
Leave tickets are now rendered useless & buying ID50 with other carriers seems inpossible through GF since when you go into staff travel they say that the flight is blocked. However I managed to get an ID50 ticket on the same flight through an Etihad friend.

[Tziganul]

Don't worry guys, this is all a misunderstanding, they will rectify the situation as soon as there will be nobody left to fly the cessnas !!!!!!!!

[jackx123]

I wonder why the ID's are blocked :uhoh: can it be that the credentials of GF as a payer is somewhat dubious :cool:

[HighOnProfile]

No, surprises but some confirmations, here's a quick sum up. Please fill in if I missed, or misunderstood something. PM me if you consider any of the below information inappropriate or "sensitive" and I will delete it.

Bonus
- A 3 week bonus for all employees has been officially confirmed. It will come on a separate pay check once...hmm...it's been finalized who and how many will be taken off the payroll.

Fleet "news"
- A320 (normal) A/C are coming as planned, starting from July.
- A320/A321 Long Range A/C are to be delivered from beginning of next year.
- Not 100% finalized, but "almost certain" that they will go for Bombardier C-series which includes 4 A318 (first to arrive in November) to cover the gap in deliveries and provide a "bridge" between regional jet and A320 operation.
- A330 delivery put on hold, but will in the future replace the existing ones.
- B787 still on order but far enough in the future to be considered speculation.
- Still battling to get rid of the A340 in order to facilitate an efficient A320/A330 mixed fleet operation.
- Direct entry EMB-guys will not be thrown out upon the end of EMB lease.
- The CM1/CM2 major SOP change not yet confirmed but being evaluated...(no change there then;))

Kabul
- Plans going ahead but security is still being evaluated.
- A security brief will be held before commencement of operation.

"Technical sickness"
- Is identified as a major problem and is being addressed.

Leave tickets
- Several complaints have been raised. The problem has been acknowledged and will be addressed.

Roster changes
- Is a factor and will keep being a factor due to things like commercial demand etc. Once mixed fleet is in operation a change may be seen.

Roster request
- The lack of approved roster request will be looked into.

Finance
- GF cut costs BD40-50 million 2010.

It should also be mentioned that the company acknowledges and appreciates all employees efforts and loyalty throughout the recent events.

Happy landings!

[Speedalt]

That's total lie, the landing was normal , but after vacating the runway on the turn to join the main taxi way the airplane stopped, and when the power was applied the aircraft didn't move forward but started going back , someone thought the reversers were still deployed but manage or the nosewheel steering is gone , but there was no indications , it toke about 5 mins from touch down to chock on so I don't know where is that 15 mins came from , as u said ur banker friend must be traveling a lot so that wasn't the smooth landing he was expecting , and one more thing , runway 34L was in used and if someone can remember that the main taxi way was under work and construction just got ready and the engineer said that this is not the first time aircraft have problems on vacating the runway due to soft patch , like kartoum. So people alwas make things big from nothing , so they should get a life

[Not Gulfair CEO]

And you must be the commander of that flight. Well come to pprune Sir!!!
Not a big fan of yours but do agree with your first post.

[DXman]

Hi!
I would like to touch base with people who recently applied for a Direct Entry FO position.

I am a 320 FO with experience.

How soon do you get any news from the recruitement team for a possible interview?

:ok:

[Tziganul]

HighOnProfile,

That pretty much sums it up. One more thing, the upgrades will be on the A320.

[Speedalt]

If this is your mentality , well done susing people out and judging there skills from your seat, I will leave you to enjoy your assumptions about others and always think that you are the best and most skiledl pilot if that what you believe :D

[Apache702]

English to go - English lessons, Learn English, Teach English, Lesson plans, ESL resources, ESL reading (http://www.english-to-go.com/index.cfm)

Paranoid Personality Disorder Symptoms - PsychCentral (http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx37.htm)

:8

[repapips]

Helpfull links..
English to go - English lessons, Learn English, Teach English, Lesson plans, ESL resources, ESL reading

Paranoid Personality Disorder Symptoms - PsychCentral



Nice one Apache...but I guess the problem lies with the people needing it not knowing they need it...

[John21UK]

Back to the GF topic again.

Seeing the 787 is now finally heading the right way and gaining momentum, when can we expect to see GF take delivery of their batch of 24 B787's?

Also, are their more A321's on their way?

And finally. Reading the rumor here about the A318's joining from NOV this year, will they operate side-by side with the E-Jets?
Cause those E-Jet leases aren't due to expire until early 2013 (E170) and early 2014 (E190) , right? So what's going to happen to them?

[SandShovel]

321 LR are joining next feb (4 or 5 of them).

318 will operate together with Embraers, as of what was told on the meeting.:rolleyes:

[CRJ Next Gen]

Any further information on when/if Gulf Air will announce an order for the Bombardier CSeries? Could an announcment be made for the Paris airshow, or might it be later in the year or early next year?

I read a while ago that Gulf Air was looking for around 10 frames, and I would assume that these would be for the CS100 model (if indeed Bombardier beat out Embraer for the order).

[Che Guevara]

Reading the rumor here about the A318's joining from NOV this year, will they operate side-by side with the E-Jets?

Well, someone has to carry the bags....:rolleyes:

[John21UK]

And with those A321's, does that mean fleet growth in terms of numbers or will they replace the other 2 and some 'older' A320's?

Any idea where those A318's are coming from? (Frontier?)

[SandShovel]

Old 320s are gone already, only EE and ET(321) waiting for the engine overhaul and off they go. 320s might replace 2 319s and 1 321 left, the others will be additional ones.

[DXman]

Gimme an interview date! :cool:

[727Man]

Me too In Bahrain waiting for them to take non TR!!

[CadetPilot]

@ 727man

They've got non TR'd guys for the 320 till October I believe, and there should be an upcoming assessment in the near future.
Not sure how many hours you've got under your belt but they're pretty short of pilots.
Second Officer Positions are only given to Bahraini nationals.

Good Luck!

[buba]

318s in June, 320s end of the year, bombardeirs 2014... So i'v heard.

[SandShovel]

Everything was announced during the pilot meeting, buba where u've got such b....:rolleyes:

[brassplate]

i bet the meeting was rubbish and uninformative. the people running the office have always been full of lies and broken promises.

[ironbutt57]

Brassplate, (is that you "Cyborg") you have a great way of putting things in a positive light, do you even work here?? And why would you care??:hmm:

[buba]

Sandshovel.. Wasn't in the meeting... Was downroute havin a beer.. Guess I was misinformed.. Cheers!

[Sal-e]

What of the bonus?...blink blink?:hmm:

[slowjet]

Continuing your "Bossy Boots" attitude of no-one having any right to comment on GF unless they actually work for GF ! What drivle you spout my dear chap. I notice the GF Develepments thread has attracted some half a million "Views" with some three and a half thousand posts. Looks like a lot of people "care", rightly or wrongly. Some are ex GF. Some, good grief, might even contemplate working for GF and some poor souls actually are stuck, working for GF. There is a lot of care out there old bean and , like me, enjoy the right to debate freely in an open forum. Chill, my bad tempered aviator and enjoy the debate.

[Tziganul]

Where the F is my bonus!!!!!

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

?????????????

[ironbutt57]

Slow jet...of course anyone has the right to comment, but knowing what one is talking about generally helps, his coments are just vitriol, nothing to do with any GF developments now are they?? Cheers!!

[WELCO]

Agree with ironbutt57!

[Heleheleyani]

Brassplate and jackbauer have some psychological problems ignore them

[brassplate]

Brassplate and jackbauer have some psychological problems ignore them


someone once said, "madness is doing the same thing over and over for ever and ever expecting a different result".

ignore me all you want. but maybe you are the one with the psychological problem. you are staying on in fantasy island expecting something wonderful to happen. well nothing wonderful has happened. in fact, quite the opposite. you can thank your oppressive rulers and your oppressed villagers for that.

[Heleheleyani]

Brassplate sorry I didn't notice before, you posted 565 posts, almost all of them about Gulfair and you don't even work for it.

I am sorry I took it back what I said. You are absolutely right about whatever you said in the past in your posts and you will always be right in the future,

please don't track me down and murder me.

[WELCO]

"madness is doing the same thing over and over for ever and ever expecting a different result"And..

Brassplate sorry I didn't notice before, you posted 565 posts, almost all of them about Gulfair
Hmmm... Can anybody spot the coincidence we've got here?!:E

The credit goes to Heleheleyani! (http://www.pprune.org/members/129040-heleheleyani)

[ironbutt57]

The wonderful things do happen Brassy, we enjoy our lifestyle, and the rest,, may not be wonderful for you, but for us here it's just fine, to each his own...now instead of being miserble and wasting your time slagging us off, why dont yoy go about the business of doing what makes you happy....

back to the topic now please...:ok:

[Tziganul]

Yes, back to the topic, WHERE THE FFFFFF IS MY BONUS!!!!!!

[Landflap]

You can't save these guys ! Back to the thread ? That IS the thread ! GF developments. Looks like Brassy IS GF or WAS GF. Management a bunch of thieves & liars is absolutely correct. I can prove it & will, given a fair judgement. You will never get that in Bahrain, specially now. Brassy is correct, again. It is , (always was) a supressed Society & the opposition will be horribly squeezed. But, IB likes it. He is happy with his "lifestyle". Good grief Man, no more Rock'n'zee Bar !! Navigate the Saudi Occupiers on your way home ( oh, you forgot what that meant), er, "home", I mean . I used to go OUT in Bahrain at 11pm & jump into some Popsy's GF flat at 4am (but that is, now, CURFEW times, Dad).But, Brassy, some guys seem to like the "lifestyle". You and I are clear of it. Poor devils, self deluding themselves & will even order us, in German...." Do not Come en here " !!!!
Beggars belief !

[Heleheleyani]

Brassplate can be right or wrong in his posts.

That's irrelevant.

The fact that he's making over 500 posts for a company that he's not working for is a sign of some kind of psychological problem.

Personally I never understand why some people are full of some much obsession with hatred.

Unfortunately it looks like our profession is a magnet for people who show all bad behaviours human kind develop throughout the history of human evolution.

[brassplate]

...he's making over 500 posts for a company...

so now you're stalking me! who is the psycho now?? a bit of investigative work? or just being nosy?
i never intended on slagging anyone. just the company and the place because....well, look yourself at the situation. you will not notice if you have your head in your @rse.

[Gordomac]

Gosh, as a new boy to the the web, it does seem to get a bit personal. Now retired, I really do enjoy all the Pprune stuff & when inclined, usually jump straight to the Mid East section & start with GF where I spent 17 years. I agree with all who fight hard for freedom of speech, on any forum page.Brassy has a total right to target any section or, like me, have a good read through all of it and comment wherever he likes. Ironbutts keeps it to the point, succint & informative, mostly, very polite. Not really worthy of personal attack. As he says, everyone to his own. My heart bleeds for a place that was terrific fun for me, mostly, great Company to work for, the most talented bunch of pilots I ever worked with & I do miss a lot of it. I wish the Country & the Company nothing but good things and safety to all I flew with & remain there. Oh, by the way Ironbutts, I still dine on your fabbo check-out of me into Katmandou. Great story and it buys me a few free JD's & coke ! Glad you are still happy. Now, I am going to press FL Change......................where the hell will it take me ?

[ironbutt57]

Yah Gordomac haha thats the right idea...some folks just choose to dwell on the negative, I'm too old for that...my utopia is on a beach in Thailand far away from any airports...

[40&80]

Better get going then Iron Butt...time and tide wait for no man...one unexpected health event and you could miss utopia.

[Radar Contact]

KC clipped with LI - KC lost a right winglet and LI APU Exhaust. Thankfully, LJ gave it's APU to LI and right winglet to KC. KC went on 003/006 and LI 752/751.

[40&80]

The grounding of two aircraft will not affect the airline operation...she said.
I love it and smile when GF wheels out their lady spokes person and also when the spokes man never seems available to comment.

[gsstar]

Hi , is GF hiring any expat 320 F/O's

[evilatp]

Have you checked the Gulf Air website?

Careers with Gulf Air |English|Gulf Air (http://www.gulfaircareers.com/English/Pages/default.aspx)

[buba]

Hey gordomac good to see you still on the jd 'n coke. If I think you are who you are ;-) we did a couple of fab trips to Jakarta with a few mad birds and a ferry flight back from Dublin with a mad English bird;)

[Chuck Y]

Bonus is out! Enjoy it guys.

[gsstar]

Yep , been thru the site same vacancies existing all year around ..is here any movement or hiring on the bus for f/o ?

[Tziganul]

Ah!!!! Now much happier with this BONUS!!!! Ok sure, not like Emi... but hey, it's a token of appreciation and kinda shows that they actually appreciate how hard we are working for them. For once ... WELL DONE CHAPS!!!!

Now, WHERE IS MY LEFT SEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Panama Jack]

Ah!!!! Now much happier with this BONUS!!!!

Let's see how long the euphoria lasts. Timer started.

[T O G A Boy]

Its nice to be appreciated for once...Well done folks. This bonus, in a way has lifted some spirits up...:ok:

[Gordomac]

Tis me.............who the hell was Doodoo ?? Glad you are Ok. PM me & I will give you all the details. Sticking to the thread, well done chaps. Enjoy the bonus. Thoroughly deserving. Stay safe. Fly safe.

[WELCO]

Hope there won't be any shocks on the way in return for the bonus!

For the mean time, cheer up guys!

Good luck.

[John21UK]

Capacity increase for GF's summer schedule and F1 'news';
Gulf Air bolsters capacity - but F1 decision delayed - Airline Business (http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/airline-business/2011/05/gulf-air-bolsters-capacity---b.html)

It further mentions added 5th weekly IST flight. Are all the IST flights now on the A320 or just the additional one? Seems like a big step up to go from an E170 to A320 in terms of capacity.

[Panama Jack]

Since we are all just guessing here (I am not privy to the data):

I suspect that demand does go up into and out of IST with the approach of the summer season probably above and beyond the capacity of an E170. When they say an A320 it could mean anything from a A319 to an A321, perhaps seeing all of those gauges depending on load, and I wouldn't be surprised to see an E190 substituted from time to time if the conditions are right.

Loads are typically pretty good on the E170 into and out of IST and I hope so are the yields. They can probably soak up any unused space on the larger aircraft through revenue management techniques by offering cheaper or even junk fares just to put bums on the seats, cover the marginal costs, and provide feed to the network. Of course, we are simply talking about the passenger cabin. The Airbuses will also offer additional cargo capacity which may be seeing more demand also.

But as I said, me just guessing.

[buba]

With typical summer destinations like cai, bey, dam plaqued with troubles therz definately a demannd on ist.
Got chatting to an engineer says therz a good chance EE comin back on line for a couple of months until it's lease is up.

[slowjet]

Tziganul, you remind me of that really old joke. Line Check, Trainer asks F/O, "What would you do if the Captain has a massive heart attack & crokes ?" , without a blink, F/O replies; " I would summon the R1c up to the Flight Deck & tell her.................Get that B,,,,,d outa MY seat !"

[Che Guevara]

Funny how rapidly the bravado disappears as soon as they actually do sit in the left seat. Strange phenomena that....

[40&80]

Yep...it dissipated pretty fast on Gf 072.:=:=

[andorra2004]

"Yep , been thru the site same vacancies existing all year around ..is here any movement or hiring on the bus for f/o ? "

Yes, they are calling people for the assessment. But they have changed the assessment terms without advertisement. You have to go to London at your expenses, pay hotels and meals there without reimbursement. No more free tickets to Bahrain, nor free hotel and that. And without previous information about T & C, hiring target,...

It is a bad hint about other possible changes.

[Landflap]

Andorra, You need to "re-wind" the tape , a bit, to see what has just happened in Bahrain. A bit odd that anyone would want to go there anyway ! Technically, though, my information is that you cannot get a "Visit" Visa. Only Residents & certain classes (like family members, visiting),other GCC residents (etc) can get in. Hardly surprising under Martial Law, eh ? Much better that the Selection Boys go to the UK or anywhere else where they might have interest in recruiting. Anyway, going to Bahrain yourself, if you could, would surely put you off completely. Just had a couple of friend's "transit" Bahrain on a GF flight. I asked them what it was like and they replied "Well, it all looked a bit millitary." That has got to be the understatement of the year !

[andorra2004]

No problem, I am in a different boat. It is only that I know somebody who was looking for job some months ago, and he received different offers of assesment and jobs. I have seen that offers, so I know that kind of things. And gsstar wanted to know.

[T O G A Boy]

LandFlap. I think you're over exaggerating things here a bit, dont you?. Bahrain is not under martial law as of yesterday. Things have definitely moved on and progressed to a much better state than they were a few months ago. I've noticed you being quite negative about GF. So here is my suggestion. If you are working for GF then in your terms, you are in a horrific place. If you arent with GF, then I strongly suggest you leave your negativity aside and let people come here and judge the place first hand. Not everybody is as lucky as you with a secure job. So please dont discourage people from getting to a stage when they can actually put some bread on their table....

[Landflap]

:ok:Easy up Toga boy. Martial Law lifted yesterday ? Wow. Congrats. Things are definitely moving on ! My comments were accurate up to, er, YESTERDAY ! And, old bean, thanks to the more mature contributors on Pprune, a lot of pilots (including me) have decided not to proceed to places where others have advised to think again. One thing to put bread on the table, we are all striving to do that, but at what risk ?? I nearly went to INDIA on a contract job, thanks to PPrune contributors,I didn't. I earn a lot less right now but, blimey mate, it sure is good to see full freedom wherever I look. Oh, haven't ended yet ; Olbie, good taste , bad taste, what the hell, so long as it opens up fair debate. Tzig, celebrating his bonus, now wants "his Command" ! I was always suspectful of people chasing "their" Commands like it was a God given right. After GF072, it became much more of what you know rather than who you know. Bad taste (?), I don't think so. Tzig, it is much harder now to get "your" Command, You might yet discover that it is not a God given right but a well earned promotion to one of the most demanding jobs in the world. But, that realisation takes a lot of maturity. The sort of maturity that allows an professional pilot to visit any forum page on PPrune and comment, within Moderater's reason, on any subject. We will not be silenced by the Bully Boys of aviation.

[Mephistopheles]

Congrats to Bahrain on getting the F1 back.We desreve it. But I have to ask where is our CEO & PR dept to make a formal announcement since it is called "The GULF AIR Bahrain F1"
Still no updates of mygulfair since the end of Jan. So what are all these people doing in PR except emailing us BS media clippings about GF.
Majali is still hoping to jump from here straight into the minister of transport's seat back in Jordan so I guess that's why we have heard zero from him for months. What an inspiring leader!
Rosters getting worse for most of us unless you are a friend of AA & the office.
More & more pilots talking of leaving(not just expats now-locals are now mulling over leaving).
I wish I could say that there is a small sliver of light pushing its way through the BS but I would be lying(maybe if i did i would be promoted to management) but its all doom & gloom here.
Time for the people that are paid to manage to start managing. God knows they have been cashing their checks long enough. Please start showing your worth guys this company is in dire need of a proper leader .

[ferris]

I wouldn't buy your tickets just yet. Teams are talking about a revolt. Could turn out to be a PR disaster for the govt. Bahrain GP back on, teams turn off (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/motorsport/bahrain-gp-back-on-teams-turn-off-20110604-1fmf8.html) Although a lot of GP politics involved in that, the wider media seem to have a better grip on events here and more discussion/better reporting is taking place.

[gsstar]

So any hiring on the Bus yet ? ...for F/O..?

[Chuck Y]

ferris,
the wider media seem to have a better grip on events here

Really? Which media are you talking about? So far 80% still think Pearl/GCC roundabout was a square & an even larger percentage have now been found to have not checked their sources reliability causing huge embarassment.
On another note the Aussies are still upset at losing the opening race slot to Bahrain for the foreseeable future & we all know that they are not amongst the most gracious losers.

[ferris]

Really? Which media are you talking about? Yes, really. UK Independant (front page), BBC (Doha Debates etc.), Al Jazeera. Even saw a piece on CNN relating to Clinton fielding questions about US policy discrepency on Tunisia/Libya/Egypt/Baharain. But don't let facts get in the way of media bashing.
On another note, aussies being upset about not being the opening race has very little to do with anything, as they have zero influence over the GP or it's owners (Ecclestone and a private equity firm). But lets not allow facts to intrude there, either. India, however, may have a lot more at stake, given their race may be moved and the team's lack of interest in extending the season is causing wrangling at the end, rather than start, of the season.

[Chuck Y]

ferris,
well as you call it the "UK" Independant has been show to be seriously lacking in investigative journalism & so to the other media outlets you mentioned-CNN even apologized 2 days ago during their "World sport" segment for a bogus story.
Mr Bernie has had a long standing agreement with a certain Aussie friend of his regarding the F1 opener being in Oz but due to Bahrain's contact as the ONLY middle east F1 & Abu Dhabi's entry into the F1 arena things had to change, hence Oz lost the opener & it still hurts those ex cons.

[Panama Jack]

gsstar,

Take a look at this:

GULF1663 - Direct Entry Rated First Officers for Airbus A320 - Gulf Air (http://careers.sniperhire.net/Gulfairframe/VacancyDetail.aspx?VacancyID=29460)

I don't know if they have actually hand-picked any yet but as I understand it, we are looking for quite a few pilots at the moment. If the cancelation of Summer Leaves is any indication, we are chronically short.

I am not getting into the little pissing matches that you see flare up here from time to time, however, talking to some of the FO's who joined a few years ago they are expecting an imminent Command Assessment; the only real limitation seemingly being the capacity of the training department to process people through the sausage machine. Despite the World News headlines, Bahrain remains to be a very livable place although it is fair to say everyone is concerned about what the future holds. Having said that, it still is preferable to me over places like Saudi Arabia, the UAE or Qatar, but of course everyone has their own tastes and speaks for them.

Good luck.

[gsstar]

Thanks for the info Panama J.
I have been working in ME in the past so yes you are right about it. about Bah i totally agree...U take it as it comes. About command i am some 1000 hrs behind the industry requirements so i have few years before i bitch about it :).
I have applied while back but no news....oh well i guess there is time for everything...

[John21UK]

What sort of the time to upgrade from f/o E-Jet to f/o Airbus?

[Panama Jack]

Upgrade or Transition? I assume you mean Transition (from the right seat of the ERJ to the right seat of the A320)? I am not certain and things are subject to change, however, as best as I understand it and seeing as they are bringing in very qualified guys (and gals) to staff the Embraer, expect two years of commitment on that type.

Makes no sense for a company to search all over for experienced and type-rated Embraer guys then transition them to another type a few months later. What they have made clear is that these pilots will have a future at Gulf Air after the Embraer goes (we are getting no more and decided to order C-Series instead).

[surfer of desert]

All leaves are cancel from july to september 2011.....
Uau is going to be a hot summer:oh:

[John21UK]

Thanks Panama Jack. I'm experienced on the E-Jet and about to start with GF. And yes, I meant transition but in my eyes I see it as an upgrade. Nothing against the Embraer though, love flying it.

Heard a rumor that the airbus fleet is now becoming a mixed fleet. Flying A320 series + a330/340? Just like swiss used to do it. Any truth in that?

[Mephistopheles]

Due to circumstances beyond our control and in order to maintain our summer schedule
it will be necessary to cancel upcoming leave.


Surprise, surprise. I knew we would be short, my wife knew we would be short, all my 4 kids knew we would be short, my maid knew we would be short, my gardner knew we would be short, even my kids' friends knew we would be short. So how comes nobody in the office managed to figure this out?

On top of that they have the audacity to claim that we the leave will be sold at FULL RATE! I am sorry but it has always been required by Bahrain Labor Law that it should be 150%. Throughout the years certain people have always been selling their leave according to the 150% law whilst the rest of us get offered the full rate(?). I suggest that if you find yourself in this position do not accept the full rate but demand to be compensated according to the labor law or insist on it being returned to your leave bank.

Get ready for the next memo back tracking on the pledge of no direct entry commanders of the 320. Believe me it's not a matter of if but when.

[John21UK]

Could this be Gulf Air?

CSeries gets order for 3 CS100's + 3 options. Too small IMHO for Qatar but could be the right size for GF. I would have thought GF would solely go for the CS300. But looking at expiry dates for the E-Jet leases and EIS of CS100 and CS300 then this could be the first of two orders from GF. The CS100 this time and the next one for the CD300. Your thoughts...
UPDATE 2-Bombardier gets second CSeries order in a week | Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/07/bombardier-idUSL3E7H728G20110607)

[WELCO]

It was only 1o days ago when I "guesstimated" that there will be some kind of "surprise" coming on the way after the bonus!

Yes, almost all of us knew that we would be running short of crew and I think that it's a situation they have planned for. Probably that's why they didn't do anything to stop it early on. However, based on political considerations both within and outside GF, what was supposed to be a controlled shortage appears to be going a bit out of control at the moment! So yes, It's a big pressure on the training department capacity.
Could we see DEC,s coming in shortly? I suppose the answer is yes!


Good luck.

[Landflap]

Mephistophelis, when did Gf ever respect the Bahrain Labour Laws ?

[Mephistopheles]

Landflap, the law only applies for their friends or if you refuse to sell. Keep your leave in the bank then f*** them on the way out. It always works.

[Not Gulfair CEO]

My 2 years baby's first words were, Dad you guys gonna be really really short.Fire this dum COO whose famous slogan have always been "I am fat on pilots"
Son I wish I was a real CEO...........................

[40&80]

Your baby really meant...
Wake up Dad... You are an expat pilot with GF and you are really really going to be short of money... in retirement... with no pension... like the local national pilots.

[Jezinho]

GF has signed letter of intent to sub-lease -LG & -LH to Hellenic Imperial - planes could be out of BAH by the end of this month.

[Panama Jack]

@ John21UK

Yes, it is true. Mixed-Fleet A320/A330 is in the works but you are not going to see the A340. We only have two left, and GF is trying to get rid of them as soon as possible-- great-flying airplanes but not economically feasable. So in the not too distant future, an Airbus pilot could very realistically be flying an A318, A319, A321, A321 and A330 . . . all in a month's roster.

[Che Guevara]

Any more comments on the leave cancellation; heard a few firery comments on the line yesterday.....indeed it looks like they might end up being even shorter than they think they are, by all accounts.

[Mephistopheles]

As far as I know quite a number of disgruntled pilots around now due to the leave fiasco(Although there are the standard bunch that will not loose 1 day of leave due to their contacts-keep an eye on the next rosters to find out). I wouldn't be surprised if it led to resignations since slowly but surely things seem to be unwinding upstairs. I can't believe that nobody sitting behind a desk upstairs has any idea was Majali's plan is! I know his plan-it's to wait until he signs a contract with Bombardier, take his commission, then head back to Jordan & sit in his chair as the new minister of transport.

[ribena]

Hi

I have a interview with gf pretty soon for the 320 fleet and I was wondering from anybody who is out there what BAH is currently like as a place to live? Have things returned to 'normal' yet?

Also, how long should I expect to be on the 320 before moving on to the 330?

And one last question, what do most pilots regarding transport - do they rent long term or buy? If rental is the best way forward could someone please give an appoxamate idea of cost for a 4x4 (I've lived in the ME before so I wouldn't want to risk my life again driving in a small car!)

Apologies for any spelling/text errors - i'm currently writing on my phone waiting for a slot.

Thanks in advance -

R

[jackx123]

the tanks are gone now and have been substituted with armored hummers with machine-guns on top - much more cosy these days.

[40&80]

Ribena....
Gulf Air pay a monthly Transport Allowance.
I would rent the Tank for your airport run... and park it with the big gun pointed at the staff travel office...it will remind them you expect your tickets ready on your return from block......or else!
Earn a few brownie points by throwing in the Hummer for the wife to drive the family around town.
Your kids will love the machine gun....should ease any traffic congestion on the school run.

[tankdrvr]

Ribena,
My guess is you may see the 330 sooner. (especially when they combine the fleet). They are short now, and looks like they will make themselves shorter from taking all the vacations away (from most anyway).

Your monthly transport allowance won't cover a taxi or the 190bd's to rent a yaris for a month. (it will give you a tank or two of gas though) Rent a car when you get there (you will need one) it can take over 3 weeks to actually buy a car. (getting established there to get a bank loan if needed will be a run around).......I have a 4x4 I may be selling :hmm:

Good luck!

[Che Guevara]

Cars are cheap, petrol is cheap, why not not drive what you want to drive instead of settling for a rental with no return.
M1 Abrams going cheap too I hear...
Wanna Merc? ;)

[captain.weird]

Hi guys, does somebody here know when the International Cadet Pilot Programme of Gulf Air will start again?

Thanks in advance.

[WELCO]

International Cadet Pilot Programme of Gulf Air? Haven't heard they had one at first place! Plus that with GAA cadets who will be coming to GF in the near future, I don't think there will be any slight possibility for an Int'l Cadet Programme here!


Good luck.

[SandShovel]

Tankdrvr,

190bd for a yaris:ugh:, somebody ripped you off:rolleyes: i was paying 150 for mazda3:hmm: 1 full tank on a small car is 4-5bd and on a 4x4 is ~8bd:rolleyes:

[bus_aviator]

see now we're using the prune to its full potential...dude with the mazda3 where did you get that offer from? looking to rent one.

thx

[SandShovel]

Bus aviator, check your PM for details.

[TALEC]

Hi everyone!
I don´t know if I am brainless or smart... but have an interview/assesment in LHR tomorrow... open for Type rated 320 FO for Gulf Air...
Any tip? anything, even personal opinions, salaries, living style.... exam questions will be highly appreciated!!!!
Thanks in advance...
PD: anyone who has practiced the Numerical Estimation test... did you score over 30% ¿?!!!!
Will be a pleasure to meet you guys there...

[dmacnz]

Any news on the latest at GF. Still hiring on the 320?

[John21UK]

@ TALEC. Regarding your assessment questions. Please go through this thread and you will find all you need. Don't worry about SHL.

Back on topic. Does anyone think there be a good change we'll see GF order the A320NEO series?

[perritopiloto]

Hi
Just wondering how are things at present there.
Is it a bit quietest now?
Thinking about applying for GF as I am rated on the bus (320) and willing for a change.

Thanks in advance

[Klosterman]

Do they hire Emb 170/190 captains.
I filled form on net but noboady called or answered me....

[Panama Jack]

@Klosterman

Yes, they have hired quite a few. I am sure you are not the only applicant so don't take it too personally.

[Albergineman]

Do they hire Emb 170/190 captains.
I filled form on net but noboady called or answered me....

Are you still current on Hawker Tempest?

:ok:

[Not Gulfair CEO]

Just got this email from DFO;


Excessive sickness not only affects your colleagues but will also affect contract renewal,Command upgrade and fleet transfer

I suppose I will not be going to fantasy brand new fleet of A380 and B787, I wonder if this will effect my bombardair transfer too:hmm:. Dear DFO please eloborate on this point in your next email.

[Che Guevara]

Interesting to see how the Kabul flights pan out with regards to the above.
Still have not figured out who the passengers are going to be, anybody know?

[Mephistopheles]

I wonder if the DFO knows that alot of us actually do not give a s*** about the contarct renewal anymore-it might in fact be a blessing in disguise by helping us get up off our lazy backsides & move on to greener pastures.
Fleet transfer? What you mean if I go sick alot I might not get my 320 rating? Oh no better call in fit real quick!
Command upgrade? All the expats with hours are leaving so no danger there of anyone loosing out. Anyway DE 320 captains will be here by the end of the year.

[AeroForce]

@ 40&80, HEAR HEAR :E
Spot on. Unfortunately, the demise of a once great airline...

Regarding sickness, not just poor scheduling. Also PISS POOR mentality of individuals (who go without punishment because of their ......) who would rather let other individuals do the dirty jobs regarding CAT C, Weather and other dangerous places. :ugh:

[millerscourt]

40 & 80

That post reminds me of a GF B767 F/O who was pissed and went up to the DGCA office in Bahrain when on Standby to complain about what he considered was an illegal standby for some reason and they sacked him because he was pissed on duty!

[Sal-e]

Russian central bank buys up Aussie dollars - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/20/3248606.htm)

In addition to our daily 'issues' with not only our company but all companies in the gulf that is pegged to the USD, is the gradual decline of our hard earned dinars/dirhams/riyals. It looks like an AUD will reach 1.15USD this year sometime. Don't think I'll be going back to oz any time soon.

[Radar Contact]

What the HELL?

Gulf Air Selects IAE power for A321 aircraft

Marks initial order for new V2500 SelectTwo

Paris, France (June 20, 2011) -- Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has selected

International Aero Engines AG to power six A321 aircraft, becoming the launch

customer for IAE’s new V2500 SelectTwo™ engine. These extended-range Airbus

platforms will be delivered in 2012, marking Gulf Air’s initial application of V2500

engines into its fleet.

“We are pleased to be selected to provide Gulf Air with not only their first V2500 power-

plants, but as the first customer to order our new SelectTwo offering,” said Ian Aitken,

president of IAE. “I am confident they made the right decision based on performance,

reliability and maintainability that the V2500 SelectTwo will provide for their fleet.”

The value of the contract is approximately $180M.


What's next? :P