Current Gulf Air issues (threads merged)
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Ironbutt
What was the word on this one butt? Haven't seen mention of it anywhere else
....and yes the staff travel issue which I would have thought to be secondary issue, was addressed to resounding applause...
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GF in European Media TODAY !
Gulf Air confirms plan for Bahrain to take control
David Kaminski-Morrow, London (18Apr07, 08:26 GMT, 276 words)
Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air’s investment programme will be driven by Bahrain’s Government, which is taking an 80% share of the airline’s ownership.
The carrier, previously owned equally by Bahrain and Oman, is planning to invest at least BD310 million ($822 million) in a programme to reverse heavy losses and return it to profitability.
There have been suggestions that Gulf Air’s ownership would change with any capital injection, and a spokeswoman for the carrier says the airline’s senior executives are now openly referring to Gulf Air as being an 80:20 company with Bahrain the larger partner.
Gulf Air has been turning in a poor financial performance for several years. It achieved a marginal profit in 2004 under a restructuring plan implemented by then-CEO James Hogan but subsequently turned in a BD85.5 million loss the following year.
In 2006 this deepened to nearly BD130 million, against a budgeted profit of BD26 million, and the airline recorded a 4% fall in passenger numbers.
New chief Andre Dose says that the situation at Gulf Air is “more dramatic” than he had expected, and that the airline’s financial situation is “critical”.
Gulf Air’s restructuring programme, which focuses on 12 main areas, aims to cut costs by BD66 million, through such measures as simplifying and reducing the fleet and axing jobs, and generate an extra BD90 million in revenues through improved sales and network refinements.
Dose says this will close a “profitability gap” of BD156 million.
Initial effects from the restructuring will become visible in the next three to nine months, he says, while other longer-term initiatives – such as the fleet revamp – will take up to three years to implement completely.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
========================================
Gulf Air overhaul to slash long-haul routes and axe jobs
David Kaminski-Morrow, London (17Apr07, 13:22 GMT, 287 words)
Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air has given further details of its new BD310 million ($822 million) two-part restructuring programme, warning that achieving profitability will mean slashing long-haul routes and sacrificing jobs.
Gulf Air admits that it is losing more than $1 million per day and that its “profitability gap” amounts to BD156 million.
It is to axe its loss-making long-haul operations to Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, Johannesburg, Jakarta and Dublin in order to concentrate instead on the Middle East region.
The airline’s newly-appointed chief, Andre Dose, says that the first part of the restructuring programme – costing BD120 million – will focus on creating a network which better serves the Bahraini and Omani business community.
Dose states: “The main goal of our restructuring and customer service programme is to increase flight frequencies to existing key destinations and to add new connections to major economic centres that are of growing importance for the economy of Bahrain and Oman.”
He says that Gulf Air will offer at least two flights per day to each main destination in the region, adding: “The introduction of a ‘wave structure’ of inbound and outbound flights will also allow us shorter connection times and ensure better connectivity with our Asian and European long-haul flights.”
The airline is cutting back its fleet to 28 aircraft and Gulf Air deputy chairman Mahmood Al Kooheji warns that this will mean a “painful” number of job losses. Gulf Air employs nearly 6,000 staff but has yet to indicate how many personnel will be cut.
Gulf Air’s restructuring will also feature a second parallel programme, costing BD190 million, aimed at improving the quality of its product. This will involve such measures as refurbishing its aircraft interiors and modernising its passenger facilities.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
David Kaminski-Morrow, London (18Apr07, 08:26 GMT, 276 words)
Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air’s investment programme will be driven by Bahrain’s Government, which is taking an 80% share of the airline’s ownership.
The carrier, previously owned equally by Bahrain and Oman, is planning to invest at least BD310 million ($822 million) in a programme to reverse heavy losses and return it to profitability.
There have been suggestions that Gulf Air’s ownership would change with any capital injection, and a spokeswoman for the carrier says the airline’s senior executives are now openly referring to Gulf Air as being an 80:20 company with Bahrain the larger partner.
Gulf Air has been turning in a poor financial performance for several years. It achieved a marginal profit in 2004 under a restructuring plan implemented by then-CEO James Hogan but subsequently turned in a BD85.5 million loss the following year.
In 2006 this deepened to nearly BD130 million, against a budgeted profit of BD26 million, and the airline recorded a 4% fall in passenger numbers.
New chief Andre Dose says that the situation at Gulf Air is “more dramatic” than he had expected, and that the airline’s financial situation is “critical”.
Gulf Air’s restructuring programme, which focuses on 12 main areas, aims to cut costs by BD66 million, through such measures as simplifying and reducing the fleet and axing jobs, and generate an extra BD90 million in revenues through improved sales and network refinements.
Dose says this will close a “profitability gap” of BD156 million.
Initial effects from the restructuring will become visible in the next three to nine months, he says, while other longer-term initiatives – such as the fleet revamp – will take up to three years to implement completely.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
========================================
Gulf Air overhaul to slash long-haul routes and axe jobs
David Kaminski-Morrow, London (17Apr07, 13:22 GMT, 287 words)
Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air has given further details of its new BD310 million ($822 million) two-part restructuring programme, warning that achieving profitability will mean slashing long-haul routes and sacrificing jobs.
Gulf Air admits that it is losing more than $1 million per day and that its “profitability gap” amounts to BD156 million.
It is to axe its loss-making long-haul operations to Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, Johannesburg, Jakarta and Dublin in order to concentrate instead on the Middle East region.
The airline’s newly-appointed chief, Andre Dose, says that the first part of the restructuring programme – costing BD120 million – will focus on creating a network which better serves the Bahraini and Omani business community.
Dose states: “The main goal of our restructuring and customer service programme is to increase flight frequencies to existing key destinations and to add new connections to major economic centres that are of growing importance for the economy of Bahrain and Oman.”
He says that Gulf Air will offer at least two flights per day to each main destination in the region, adding: “The introduction of a ‘wave structure’ of inbound and outbound flights will also allow us shorter connection times and ensure better connectivity with our Asian and European long-haul flights.”
The airline is cutting back its fleet to 28 aircraft and Gulf Air deputy chairman Mahmood Al Kooheji warns that this will mean a “painful” number of job losses. Gulf Air employs nearly 6,000 staff but has yet to indicate how many personnel will be cut.
Gulf Air’s restructuring will also feature a second parallel programme, costing BD190 million, aimed at improving the quality of its product. This will involve such measures as refurbishing its aircraft interiors and modernising its passenger facilities.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
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which carrier is actually making money in the gulf ?
none. They are all toys of small countries with huge egoes and lots of petrodollars. Bahrain's pockets are just smaller than its neighboors...
BD
none. They are all toys of small countries with huge egoes and lots of petrodollars. Bahrain's pockets are just smaller than its neighboors...
BD
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Dont forget that Mr A.Dose just follows what the board members suggest him! What is particuliarly noticeable is that the expats ( cf the expat cabin crew) are becoming persona non grata in Gulf Air....
Gulf Air suddenly has the ambition...to be a regional airliner!!!
Most of the new destinations will be in the gulf with A321 to come .
Dublin was one of the destination which was quite popular and the planes to Ireland were often full, the bkk to hong kong flight was definetely making money!!!!
Then was is the real strategy besides all this new decisions...?
Gulf Air suddenly has the ambition...to be a regional airliner!!!
Most of the new destinations will be in the gulf with A321 to come .
Dublin was one of the destination which was quite popular and the planes to Ireland were often full, the bkk to hong kong flight was definetely making money!!!!
Then was is the real strategy besides all this new decisions...?
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Attn Mr Andre Dose
Just got this by email lads
Quote
For the attn of Mr Andre Dose
Dear Sir,
May I first of all welcome you to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Gulf Air and wish you much success in the vast undertaking which you embark upon.
Having been fortunate enough to be part of the vast GF family for close to two decades now I have been a witness to much change. Change not always for the better but change none the less. I must admit that what we are witnessing now has never happened before in the long history of this Airline. Sadly it is a well known fact that when such dramatic restructuring takes place, although perhaps necessary, it sends shock waves throughout the Company.
I cannot comment on other employee groups within the Airline but I can assure you that our pilot community is very much disconcerted with what is currently taking place. I think most of us, and I speak always on behalf of the pilot community understand that the state of affairs of the Airline are such that leave you no other option other than these dramatic cut backs.
Please understand that we have had many a promise in the past by management, only to be dissapointed. PCE's come and go and each and everyone askes from the crew to pitch in and work hard to get the airline out of trouble with the promise of reward. Sadly housing costs increase each year, school fees increase each year and the reward we see now is the dismissal of 1500 of our co-workers.
I do understand that you come committed and enthusiastic to fulfil the task you undertook but please don't expect of us Sir the same enthusiasm because we have seen this all before. We have been given empty promises, we have worked extremely hard the past 3 years, sacrificed our personal life and family life to get the job done.
Perhaps it would be wise on your behalf to understand that this is not a good time to have your pilots in turmoil as most airlines around the world are seeking qualified pilots. I do not intend my previous statement to sound as a threat but more as a reality.
I understand that your top priority at present is to get the "shop" in order but I can assure you that once you do we all expect you to come up with a realistic package of salary, housing and schooling in order for us to stay commited to this Airline.
Qatar Airways recently increased their housing allowance from BD 600 p/m to BD 1200 p/m as well as their basic salary.
Emirates recently increased their whole package
Etihad recently increased housing and the overall benefits package.
Arabia (a small regional airline) offers a total package approximately 25% more than GF
It will not take long for individuals to loose faith in GF management and seek employment elsewhere. Till now no one from management has placed any importance in keeping good honest working qualified individuals in this airline. The cost which the airline has incurred due to the extreme turnover of crew is many times more than if it had offered an improved package to keep it's people. The previous VPO is a prime example of such a manager.
In closing I wish you every success and may wisdom prevail.
Sincerely
A Line Captain
Unquote
Quote
For the attn of Mr Andre Dose
Dear Sir,
May I first of all welcome you to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Gulf Air and wish you much success in the vast undertaking which you embark upon.
Having been fortunate enough to be part of the vast GF family for close to two decades now I have been a witness to much change. Change not always for the better but change none the less. I must admit that what we are witnessing now has never happened before in the long history of this Airline. Sadly it is a well known fact that when such dramatic restructuring takes place, although perhaps necessary, it sends shock waves throughout the Company.
I cannot comment on other employee groups within the Airline but I can assure you that our pilot community is very much disconcerted with what is currently taking place. I think most of us, and I speak always on behalf of the pilot community understand that the state of affairs of the Airline are such that leave you no other option other than these dramatic cut backs.
Please understand that we have had many a promise in the past by management, only to be dissapointed. PCE's come and go and each and everyone askes from the crew to pitch in and work hard to get the airline out of trouble with the promise of reward. Sadly housing costs increase each year, school fees increase each year and the reward we see now is the dismissal of 1500 of our co-workers.
I do understand that you come committed and enthusiastic to fulfil the task you undertook but please don't expect of us Sir the same enthusiasm because we have seen this all before. We have been given empty promises, we have worked extremely hard the past 3 years, sacrificed our personal life and family life to get the job done.
Perhaps it would be wise on your behalf to understand that this is not a good time to have your pilots in turmoil as most airlines around the world are seeking qualified pilots. I do not intend my previous statement to sound as a threat but more as a reality.
I understand that your top priority at present is to get the "shop" in order but I can assure you that once you do we all expect you to come up with a realistic package of salary, housing and schooling in order for us to stay commited to this Airline.
Qatar Airways recently increased their housing allowance from BD 600 p/m to BD 1200 p/m as well as their basic salary.
Emirates recently increased their whole package
Etihad recently increased housing and the overall benefits package.
Arabia (a small regional airline) offers a total package approximately 25% more than GF
It will not take long for individuals to loose faith in GF management and seek employment elsewhere. Till now no one from management has placed any importance in keeping good honest working qualified individuals in this airline. The cost which the airline has incurred due to the extreme turnover of crew is many times more than if it had offered an improved package to keep it's people. The previous VPO is a prime example of such a manager.
In closing I wish you every success and may wisdom prevail.
Sincerely
A Line Captain
Unquote
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well said
Very well said Hairy balls and Chris.
Its time Gf realises that pilots shouldnt contine paying for all the fat asses sitting in the offices doing nothing but moving their mouse.however seeing what Dose wrote it seems that they didnt learn.
1500 from Fleet operations mainly foreigners will be sacked.
The sacrifice crew will pay to feed the pegions.
Its time Gf realises that pilots shouldnt contine paying for all the fat asses sitting in the offices doing nothing but moving their mouse.however seeing what Dose wrote it seems that they didnt learn.
1500 from Fleet operations mainly foreigners will be sacked.
The sacrifice crew will pay to feed the pegions.
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However sincere and heartfelt the letter might be, the reality is that GF cannot turn around in the midst of a "cost saving/prevention" drive and increase the flight crew package.
They will lose people, and many good people due to this. When 25 yr capts are defecting to QR - its indicative of the myopia that affected the management for so many years. The long term cost of this little gem is still to manifest itself. Brace yourselves boys the vaseline has dried up.
They will lose people, and many good people due to this. When 25 yr capts are defecting to QR - its indicative of the myopia that affected the management for so many years. The long term cost of this little gem is still to manifest itself. Brace yourselves boys the vaseline has dried up.
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frequent flier
with all the parle that is ongoing , try and remember that the person keeping you in a job is a customer
of gf who experiences all those moments of delay with you .
of gf who experiences all those moments of delay with you .
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We don't all sit on our 'fat arses' doing nothing other than 'moving our mouse'!
There is more to an airline than just its pilots - this maybe a pilot web-site but your statement is unacceptable to those of us who are non-flying staff and work just as hard as you do with the same intent of being loyal, committed, resourceful, and productive contributors.
I for one am sick to my stomach after hearing the talk at yesterdays briefing; discovering that JH only really provided a brand and product improvement at the cost of unbelievable losses and 'bent' profit. I feel cheated by the Oz contingent and wonder if I will ever trust anyone at the very top of this company again to deliver on commitments. I am seriously considering whether I should stay!
Just the same as you however, I don't live in a palace, I have kids going to school - I have the same monetary issues as you. I will (I hope) be judged and rewarded on my performance - perhaps that needs to apply accross the board and include you guys too. Perhaps an extra gold-bar to balance the chip on the other shoulder!
Hopefully the deadwood, the politically connected and brown-nosers will be weeded out this time for good and the stage set for a modicum of success. Inevitably good people will go too, just for the reasons you stated above - that's life. AD I am sure will have more important things to worry about - accept the situation and take a step forward or move on.
There is more to an airline than just its pilots - this maybe a pilot web-site but your statement is unacceptable to those of us who are non-flying staff and work just as hard as you do with the same intent of being loyal, committed, resourceful, and productive contributors.
I for one am sick to my stomach after hearing the talk at yesterdays briefing; discovering that JH only really provided a brand and product improvement at the cost of unbelievable losses and 'bent' profit. I feel cheated by the Oz contingent and wonder if I will ever trust anyone at the very top of this company again to deliver on commitments. I am seriously considering whether I should stay!
Just the same as you however, I don't live in a palace, I have kids going to school - I have the same monetary issues as you. I will (I hope) be judged and rewarded on my performance - perhaps that needs to apply accross the board and include you guys too. Perhaps an extra gold-bar to balance the chip on the other shoulder!
Hopefully the deadwood, the politically connected and brown-nosers will be weeded out this time for good and the stage set for a modicum of success. Inevitably good people will go too, just for the reasons you stated above - that's life. AD I am sure will have more important things to worry about - accept the situation and take a step forward or move on.
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The previous admin rebuilt the GF brand, now the foundations of the airline are being secured for the future, many of us will be forced to move on, others will have the privilege to stay on and see it through...eventually all the carriers here will go through this same process of evolution..GF is the leader in this aspect...the fat lady is singing here in the gulf loud and long...wake up the rest of you...do you hear her??? "Good night and good luck" to all IB57 signing out
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Gf Union Backs plan
Where in the world does a Trade Union say yes to job losses without trying to gain anyting??
But as well said by the Union Vp.the job cuts are expat cabincrew so in other words the Union doesnt give a .....
This was a great opprtunity missed by the GF union to secure something for the future.NEGOTIATE !!!
New Swiss for Ops..is he the new VPO?? I was told call for application for staff for VPO was issued on 19th.Same day he was appointed or this is anyoter post??
But as well said by the Union Vp.the job cuts are expat cabincrew so in other words the Union doesnt give a .....
This was a great opprtunity missed by the GF union to secure something for the future.NEGOTIATE !!!
New Swiss for Ops..is he the new VPO?? I was told call for application for staff for VPO was issued on 19th.Same day he was appointed or this is anyoter post??
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HaHaHa look when I joined GF I signed up for the GATU thought it was the "right thing to do"..contribute to the cause....I subsequently found my webmails clogged for the next 3 years over infighting about who was running the union....it took a nasty email from me...re "jackasses" to get deleted from the e-mail crap circulating...I still pay my dues...I still get my BD 1...yes ONE monthly representation...remember ALPA in its infancy....someday long after I have gone to my dmise, the GATU will finally have something to do with T&C's at GF...(inshalla) right now they are too busy deciding who will run the "union"
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Ok a trade union like we know it in the western world doesn't exist in the Middle East. so dont bother, they won't do anyting !
I was disgusted reading the front page of GDN yesterday. They wrote: most of the people leaving GF would be (...) Cabin Crew who are 'Non Bahrainis' ... First of all you won't save that much money by axing the Cabin Crew, second this is a category of staff who most of the time is hard-working and underpaid (again see the average salary for CC in Emirates, Ethihad etc.).
If you really want to save money axe all this Medium-Level managers (see W.Walsh in BA), they cost a lot of money and make GF organisation complicated. Plus get rid of these guys who swipe their IDs at 7am and go back home in their cars, just to come again at 5pm and swipe again after a long day of work!
some figures for a thought (2004 figures):
EK: 5000 employees and 52 airplanes (please this are 2004 figures, I know they have more now) so this is an average of 100 people / airplane
QR: 1350 people for 30 aircrafts so this is an average of approx 50 people / airplane
AND IN GF we have approx 6000 people and 30 aircrafts so this is an average of 200 people per aircraft!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No comment.
Cheers
BD
I was disgusted reading the front page of GDN yesterday. They wrote: most of the people leaving GF would be (...) Cabin Crew who are 'Non Bahrainis' ... First of all you won't save that much money by axing the Cabin Crew, second this is a category of staff who most of the time is hard-working and underpaid (again see the average salary for CC in Emirates, Ethihad etc.).
If you really want to save money axe all this Medium-Level managers (see W.Walsh in BA), they cost a lot of money and make GF organisation complicated. Plus get rid of these guys who swipe their IDs at 7am and go back home in their cars, just to come again at 5pm and swipe again after a long day of work!
some figures for a thought (2004 figures):
EK: 5000 employees and 52 airplanes (please this are 2004 figures, I know they have more now) so this is an average of 100 people / airplane
QR: 1350 people for 30 aircrafts so this is an average of approx 50 people / airplane
AND IN GF we have approx 6000 people and 30 aircrafts so this is an average of 200 people per aircraft!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No comment.
Cheers
BD
End of GF 767 Fleet
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Indeed. The communications seem to have dried up after the inital oupouring. People are in limbo here and the atmosphere stinks - a lot of fretting cabin crew especially. Everyone is worried about the job losses, but no one knows when the axe will fall.
I just wish they would give some sort timeline for the cuts.
I suppose I should have called the 'hotline' and asked, maybe next time if we're still all in the dark...
oveurout
I just wish they would give some sort timeline for the cuts.
I suppose I should have called the 'hotline' and asked, maybe next time if we're still all in the dark...
oveurout
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Sure the union is behind the layoffs because the "official" line is that it will mostly be expats. They have no idea of the "true" number of the local layoffs that will occur in that company. Just wait and see.