CEO resigns from GF
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Those two were in way over their heads to begin with. They allowed consultants to make their decisions. They did not know the culture...you know Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was Gulf Air. GF has had the kids in the black suits running around (15-25) of them-for April, May, June and 3 weeks into July. Millions wasted on finding out answers that many of the staff could have provided.
They are finished in the airline industry. BN was too young inexperienced and full of buzz words with no accomplishments. AD made a mistake by assigning him to mismanage the most costly part of the operation. It was a quick cash grap by them and their EU black suits. Hats off to them. They got the boot....They kept the cash....They ride off into the sunset.
Hi ole Silver
They are finished in the airline industry. BN was too young inexperienced and full of buzz words with no accomplishments. AD made a mistake by assigning him to mismanage the most costly part of the operation. It was a quick cash grap by them and their EU black suits. Hats off to them. They got the boot....They kept the cash....They ride off into the sunset.
Hi ole Silver
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My last comment was based on whether AD had actually resigned or not.
At the end of the day, GF must run like a business, not as a government department as it has done since it's inception.
It MUST be profitable. It MUST be safe and reliable. It must be a competitive and attractive product for our customer base. And eventually, pilots MUST reap the benefits of being a part of a successful business.
Those benefits do not materialise from day one. Nevertheless, we've had a small taste of good faith by this leading group.
So far, GF is heading in the RIGHT direction. The much taunted 'wave' schedule had already reaped early rewards after a few teething problems. On-going issues such as maintenance are being addressed. These are a direct result of an aging fleet and engineering that are pushed to the hilt.
When GF becomes self sustaining and I dare say profitable, (possibly the only airline in the region to be) I'd imagine pilots to benefit from this.
For those of you who would rather bag management for TRYING to run a lean operation, there is no grounds whatsoever for you to criticize the methods and systems being used. They are painful, timely and necessary.
If the changes has hurt you because you had vested financial interest in the airline that had been axed, a single tear drop rolls down my cheek for you. I will risk indignation by accusing quite a few of the board members of that.
I will stay if the board keeps it's paws off the everyday running of the airline. So far, this has not been the case. I hope lessons will be learnt and AD stays. And no, I'm not pro management, I am pro pilot.
At the end of the day, GF must run like a business, not as a government department as it has done since it's inception.
It MUST be profitable. It MUST be safe and reliable. It must be a competitive and attractive product for our customer base. And eventually, pilots MUST reap the benefits of being a part of a successful business.
Those benefits do not materialise from day one. Nevertheless, we've had a small taste of good faith by this leading group.
So far, GF is heading in the RIGHT direction. The much taunted 'wave' schedule had already reaped early rewards after a few teething problems. On-going issues such as maintenance are being addressed. These are a direct result of an aging fleet and engineering that are pushed to the hilt.
When GF becomes self sustaining and I dare say profitable, (possibly the only airline in the region to be) I'd imagine pilots to benefit from this.
For those of you who would rather bag management for TRYING to run a lean operation, there is no grounds whatsoever for you to criticize the methods and systems being used. They are painful, timely and necessary.
If the changes has hurt you because you had vested financial interest in the airline that had been axed, a single tear drop rolls down my cheek for you. I will risk indignation by accusing quite a few of the board members of that.
I will stay if the board keeps it's paws off the everyday running of the airline. So far, this has not been the case. I hope lessons will be learnt and AD stays. And no, I'm not pro management, I am pro pilot.
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Crisis
GF Back in Crisis.
The Prob the usual bored.
Good move Andre let them run the show.They only know how to sink the boat.
The best a gentleman could do.
Now you have earnd respect.
Guys rumour that the corruption enquiry going very high up in the local regime.Too much toes being pressed.Things are held quite to safe guard local thiefs.
THE START OF THE END.
The Prob the usual bored.
Good move Andre let them run the show.They only know how to sink the boat.
The best a gentleman could do.
Now you have earnd respect.
Guys rumour that the corruption enquiry going very high up in the local regime.Too much toes being pressed.Things are held quite to safe guard local thiefs.
THE START OF THE END.
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I'd have to agree with you Sal-e.
If true, am starting to come to the conclusion that Gulf Air's greatest challenge is that it routinely charges CEO's with lofty goals while failing to give them the support to make it happen. ie. Make Gulf Air profitable and a pride of Bahrain, but don't make any cutbacks. It is like asking an athlete to perform gymnastics wearing a straight jacket.
If it is true, Gulf Air is again a ship without a rudder. It is very sad, and cause for great concern.
If true, am starting to come to the conclusion that Gulf Air's greatest challenge is that it routinely charges CEO's with lofty goals while failing to give them the support to make it happen. ie. Make Gulf Air profitable and a pride of Bahrain, but don't make any cutbacks. It is like asking an athlete to perform gymnastics wearing a straight jacket.
If it is true, Gulf Air is again a ship without a rudder. It is very sad, and cause for great concern.
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So then, a very sad day for our airline:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story...&IssueID=30125
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story...&IssueID=30125
GULF AIR CHIEF QUITS
By MARK SUMMERS
MANAMA
MANAMA: Gulf Air president and chief executive Andre Dose resigned yesterday, plunging the airline into crisis.
Chairman Mahmood Kooheji, Mr Dose, board members and management officials were locked in talks until around 11pm last night, without conclusion.
They are due to meet again today, but as of last night, Mr Dose's resignation was still on the table. Sources said the resignation followed allegations made against the management team, but would not elaborate.
"With what happened this morning, the management had no choice but to resign, because they don't think it is a healthy situation to go forward with such allegations being made against them," they said.
"Mr Dose has submitted his resignation and the board does not have a clue what to do about it.
"The board of directors have not made a decision to accept the resignation or not.
"They do not have a clue when they wake up tomorrow morning who is going to manage the company, if Andre Dose does not.
"Nobody knows whether Gulf Air still has a chief executive. It is in limbo."
A Gulf Air official said directors and management had been in talks throughout the day.
"Gulf Air board of directors and Gulf Air management have been in constant meetings throughout the day, discussing various issues," said head of corporate affairs and of the president and chief executive's office, Hisham Abu Alfateh.
"Until 11pm, no decision has been made regarding most of what has been discussed and how to move forward.
"Therefore they both have decided to continue their discussions tomorrow."
The crisis comes days after Gulf Air confirmed that it was helping police with inquiries into a criminal investigation into suspected financial irregularities, spanning several years.
UK-based forensic auditors Kroll are also understood to be going through the airline's books with a fine toothcomb.
It is understood that Mr Dose had clashed with the board over his authority to run the airline.
Neither Mr Kooheji nor Mr Dose were available for comment last night.
By MARK SUMMERS
MANAMA
MANAMA: Gulf Air president and chief executive Andre Dose resigned yesterday, plunging the airline into crisis.
Chairman Mahmood Kooheji, Mr Dose, board members and management officials were locked in talks until around 11pm last night, without conclusion.
They are due to meet again today, but as of last night, Mr Dose's resignation was still on the table. Sources said the resignation followed allegations made against the management team, but would not elaborate.
"With what happened this morning, the management had no choice but to resign, because they don't think it is a healthy situation to go forward with such allegations being made against them," they said.
"Mr Dose has submitted his resignation and the board does not have a clue what to do about it.
"The board of directors have not made a decision to accept the resignation or not.
"They do not have a clue when they wake up tomorrow morning who is going to manage the company, if Andre Dose does not.
"Nobody knows whether Gulf Air still has a chief executive. It is in limbo."
A Gulf Air official said directors and management had been in talks throughout the day.
"Gulf Air board of directors and Gulf Air management have been in constant meetings throughout the day, discussing various issues," said head of corporate affairs and of the president and chief executive's office, Hisham Abu Alfateh.
"Until 11pm, no decision has been made regarding most of what has been discussed and how to move forward.
"Therefore they both have decided to continue their discussions tomorrow."
The crisis comes days after Gulf Air confirmed that it was helping police with inquiries into a criminal investigation into suspected financial irregularities, spanning several years.
UK-based forensic auditors Kroll are also understood to be going through the airline's books with a fine toothcomb.
It is understood that Mr Dose had clashed with the board over his authority to run the airline.
Neither Mr Kooheji nor Mr Dose were available for comment last night.
Airline 'too weak to face competition'
GULF Air is so seriously weakened it is out of its depth in a highly competitive market, says an international aviation industry expert.
In its current state it could make sense for it to be "swallowed up" by a larger airline, said UK-based Jane's Transport Finance Jim Smith.
He said Bahrain's national carrier now lacked the "muscle" to take-on the larger airline's of neighbouring countries. Mr Smith described Dose's resignation as a "big blow" and said previous efforts to boost the carrier's fortunes had come to nothing.
"Gulf Air is sort of a minor player amongst people like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, so regardless of who is at the helm, Gulf Air is at a competitive disadvantage in competing with these larger guys," he said.
But Mr Smith said he was unsure whether Gulf Air's perilous finances made it likely that a larger regional carrier would attempt a take-over.
"I don't know whether it is likely or not - it depends on the willingness of the government to fund the airline," he said.
"As a strategic move, Gulf Air just doesn't have the muscle of an Emirates or an Etihad, or a Qatar. It would make sense from a strategic standpoint for it to be swallowed up."
Mr Smith also cast doubts as to the success of the high-profile 'Project Falcon' implemented by previous president and chief executive James Hogan - which saw the re-branding of the airline and the introduction of Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies.
"I don't think project Falcon has worked - it's more like Project Seagull," said the expert, adding that he believed doubts about Gulf Air's strategy had played a part in Mr Hogan's decision to leave the carrier.
"I think one of the reasons that James left was that he saw the idea of trying to turn Bahrain into a tourist haven and realised the chances are fairly slim that is going to happen.
"Particularly with what is happening in Dubai now. Qatar is trying to turn Doha into a Dubai. The third player in this is Bahrain - Doha might happen, it certainly won't be as big as Dubai, but Bahrain is not going to happen."
GULF Air is so seriously weakened it is out of its depth in a highly competitive market, says an international aviation industry expert.
In its current state it could make sense for it to be "swallowed up" by a larger airline, said UK-based Jane's Transport Finance Jim Smith.
He said Bahrain's national carrier now lacked the "muscle" to take-on the larger airline's of neighbouring countries. Mr Smith described Dose's resignation as a "big blow" and said previous efforts to boost the carrier's fortunes had come to nothing.
"Gulf Air is sort of a minor player amongst people like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, so regardless of who is at the helm, Gulf Air is at a competitive disadvantage in competing with these larger guys," he said.
But Mr Smith said he was unsure whether Gulf Air's perilous finances made it likely that a larger regional carrier would attempt a take-over.
"I don't know whether it is likely or not - it depends on the willingness of the government to fund the airline," he said.
"As a strategic move, Gulf Air just doesn't have the muscle of an Emirates or an Etihad, or a Qatar. It would make sense from a strategic standpoint for it to be swallowed up."
Mr Smith also cast doubts as to the success of the high-profile 'Project Falcon' implemented by previous president and chief executive James Hogan - which saw the re-branding of the airline and the introduction of Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies.
"I don't think project Falcon has worked - it's more like Project Seagull," said the expert, adding that he believed doubts about Gulf Air's strategy had played a part in Mr Hogan's decision to leave the carrier.
"I think one of the reasons that James left was that he saw the idea of trying to turn Bahrain into a tourist haven and realised the chances are fairly slim that is going to happen.
"Particularly with what is happening in Dubai now. Qatar is trying to turn Doha into a Dubai. The third player in this is Bahrain - Doha might happen, it certainly won't be as big as Dubai, but Bahrain is not going to happen."
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Sorry Bjorn's Dog but the consultants do NOT make decision - the managers do. The problem at GF is that almost NO one can do their job with any degree of competatancy!!!!
What answers could the staff have provided?????? The staff that had any ability did provide answers but just LOOK at our HR dept!! How 'bout our finance dept?????? How 'bout admin!!???? This company is quite literally THIRTY YEARS behind when it comes to management, systems and employee ability. That is NOT an exageration.
What answers could the staff have provided?????? The staff that had any ability did provide answers but just LOOK at our HR dept!! How 'bout our finance dept?????? How 'bout admin!!???? This company is quite literally THIRTY YEARS behind when it comes to management, systems and employee ability. That is NOT an exageration.
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Now why is it that this decision does not surprise me?
Auditors out of control.
No managers left to manage the airline and where some are left, known to be leaving for the competition but still making decisions.
Bahrainis demonstrating and forcing their will on others with their incompetence.
A near absent PCE, albeit for the Thursday media session.
A surge in homos and philanderers running the show to suit their own purpose and agends.
Good luck.
Auditors out of control.
No managers left to manage the airline and where some are left, known to be leaving for the competition but still making decisions.
Bahrainis demonstrating and forcing their will on others with their incompetence.
A near absent PCE, albeit for the Thursday media session.
A surge in homos and philanderers running the show to suit their own purpose and agends.
Good luck.
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Gulf Air back in the guano
The funniest item in here? The MP saying "It appears to me that the days of expatriates running Gulf Air are possibly over.". And that, my friend, is why the days of Gulf Air will shortly be over, unless the owners are going to continue to keep feeding the circling Gulf Air sharks that have been feeding off it for years.....or actually do something about them. Who in their right minds would appoint the complete numpty who is in the CE chair right now?
Gulf Air in crisis
By MARK SUMMERS
GULF Air president and chief executive Andre Dose's resignation and the crisis talks which followed, stunned airline staff and industry observers last night.
It came within hours of the Swiss aviation veteran issuing a statement dismissing reports that he was embroiled in clashes with the board - and declaring that he would be staying on to steer the airline to success.
"Over the weekend, there have been newspaper articles about me and the Gulf Air management in the Arabic Press. I want you to know that I am aware of what has been written and that I am intentionally not responding to the various stories," he said in the statement, which also went out via email to staff.
"We have made great progress over the past three months, including a substantial improvement in punctuality and the successful introduction of a customer friendly schedule.
"Going forward, I will continue working for what is best for Gulf Air."
But Mr Dose also said he would be meeting Gulf Air chairman Mahmood Kooheji later in the day to "discuss the issues" and it is at that meeting that he is understood to have submitted his resignation.
Talks
Mr Kooheji, Mr Dose and other board members and management officials were locked in talks until 11pm last night but were unable to reach agreement.
Sources said Mr Dose's resignation stood, pending further talks today.
The crunch came days after Gulf Air confirmed that it was helping with police inquiries following the arrest and questioning of a senior airline official.
Mr Kooheji told the GDN last week the airline was co-operating with a criminal investigation, apparently into suspected financial irregularities.
In-flight services head Michael Kent was arrested on July 12 and released 24 hours later, after being questioned by the Public Prosecution.
He has still not been charged but has been banned from leaving the country, while inquiries continue, said sources.
Investigators from UK-based forensic auditing specialists Kroll are also understood to be going through Gulf Air's books with a "fine toothcomb".
Mr Kooheji confirmed that a police inquiry was underway, but would not give details, saying that all staff had been ordered to say nothing.
Mr Kent was arrested at his office as he prepared to attend a leaving party in his honour ahead of his pending departure for his native Australia, having already resigned.
He had been at Gulf Air since 2002.
Mr Kent told the GDN earlier that he and his team were innocent of any wrong-doing.
"I know without question that I and my team are completely innocent of these accusations," he said.
It is understood that police raided Mr Kent's flat and took away property including a computer, as part of investigation centring on investigations into in-flight supply contracts, such as catering.
Two months ago Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa told MPs that officials were going through the airline's books with a fine toothcomb.
"National company Mumtalakat officials are currently studying every paper and if any violation is found, then those involved will be summoned to the Public Prosecution," he said at the time.
Mr Dose's resignation came just four months after he joined the airline.
Plans
In April shortly after his arrival, he unveiled a BD310 million 'Making Gulf Air Well' plan designed to stem losses of over $1m (BD378,000) a day.
"We can do it," Mr Dose declared then, as the airline embarked on a major restructuring programme including significant staff cuts and the axing of several long-haul routes.
If he stands by his resignation today Gulf Air - which he described as being in a 'drastic' state upon his arrival - will have lost two chief executives in less than a year.
Australian predecessor James Hogan left the airline after four years, in October last year.
Mr Dose had reportedly clashed with the Gulf Air board over the formation of two committees he felt would interfere with his decision-making as chief executive.
It is understood he objected to an executive committee and an audit and accounting committee on the basis they infringed on his authority.
Sources also said he was unhappy with the handling of the Kroll investigation.
Well-placed senior staff said the crisis came at a critical time for the airline, but that even if Mr Dose did go, it still had people in place capable of reviving its fortunes.
"The staff can run the show - we have experienced people," they said.
"The Bahraini locals are capable of running the show - the chief executive of Air Arabia is an ex-Gulf Air employee.
"Mr Kooheji and his group, I am sure, know Bahrainis can run the show. I don't think Gulf Air will be lost. It will survive as long as there is government support."
Al Wefaq MP Dr Jasim Husain, a member of the parliament's finance and economics committee, which cross-examined the Gulf Air board at a meeting earlier this month, said he was stunned by the crisis.
"It is a major adverse development and I am shocked by it," he said.
"This is the last thing the company was in need of really. It is certainly bad news for the company, especially in the summer time, which is the bulk of the business.
"It appears to me that the days of expatriates running Gulf Air are possibly over.
"We knew Mr Dose wanted some sort of freedom to do his job, but apparently the board was not prepared to allow this. That is a very major development.
"It just shows the divisions have been between the board and Mr Dose. I always had the belief that he would continue for some time.
"What matters now is not individual people - it is the company. It's about where the company will go from now.
"We hope the company will be able to overcome this development."
The crisis is another hammer-blow for a carrier already crippled by heavy losses - a crisis Mr Dose had pledged to correct.
"Gulf Air generated losses in 2006 of BD130m - the company is bleeding," he said at a Press conference held at the Muharraq headquarters in April, to herald his arrival.
"We have to stop the losses, our shareholders will not tolerate it if the company bleeds for another 12 months the way it is bleeding now.
"Immediate measures are needed to turn it around, the measures will be profound and in places they will be unfortunately painful.
"The management is fully committed to do whatever is needed to stop the bleeding and make it profitable again."
Those "profound" measures included the transition to an all-Airbus fleet, a reduction in the airline's aircraft numbers from 34 to 28 and job cuts designed to shed roughly a quarter of Gulf Air's then 6,000-strong staff.
On July 1 the airline implemented a new 'wave' schedule designed to group departures and arrivals from Bahrain International Airport together, in order to cut transit times.
Optimism
When Mr Dose arrived at Gulf Air, he declared his intent to take a "very aggressive" approach to arresting its losses "in a very short period of time".
He told the media he was confident the rescue operation would succeed where others had failed.
"I am here to stop losses, together with my team and we have very good experience," he said.
"We are not just Sunday afternoon airline managers - people on my team have been in very critical situations.
"They have experience in solving problems and making companies work again when things were critical. I am not new to this, I have done this several times.
"Such a clear programme and such speed have never been seen in the company.
"We shall not accept failure - there is only one way forward, we have to succeed."
Neither Mr Kooheji nor Mr Dose were available for comment last night.
Mr Dose's No.2, chief operating officer Bjorn Naf, was in his native Switzerland last night and told the GDN he had heard nothing about the crisis.
Gulf Air in crisis
By MARK SUMMERS
GULF Air president and chief executive Andre Dose's resignation and the crisis talks which followed, stunned airline staff and industry observers last night.
It came within hours of the Swiss aviation veteran issuing a statement dismissing reports that he was embroiled in clashes with the board - and declaring that he would be staying on to steer the airline to success.
"Over the weekend, there have been newspaper articles about me and the Gulf Air management in the Arabic Press. I want you to know that I am aware of what has been written and that I am intentionally not responding to the various stories," he said in the statement, which also went out via email to staff.
"We have made great progress over the past three months, including a substantial improvement in punctuality and the successful introduction of a customer friendly schedule.
"Going forward, I will continue working for what is best for Gulf Air."
But Mr Dose also said he would be meeting Gulf Air chairman Mahmood Kooheji later in the day to "discuss the issues" and it is at that meeting that he is understood to have submitted his resignation.
Talks
Mr Kooheji, Mr Dose and other board members and management officials were locked in talks until 11pm last night but were unable to reach agreement.
Sources said Mr Dose's resignation stood, pending further talks today.
The crunch came days after Gulf Air confirmed that it was helping with police inquiries following the arrest and questioning of a senior airline official.
Mr Kooheji told the GDN last week the airline was co-operating with a criminal investigation, apparently into suspected financial irregularities.
In-flight services head Michael Kent was arrested on July 12 and released 24 hours later, after being questioned by the Public Prosecution.
He has still not been charged but has been banned from leaving the country, while inquiries continue, said sources.
Investigators from UK-based forensic auditing specialists Kroll are also understood to be going through Gulf Air's books with a "fine toothcomb".
Mr Kooheji confirmed that a police inquiry was underway, but would not give details, saying that all staff had been ordered to say nothing.
Mr Kent was arrested at his office as he prepared to attend a leaving party in his honour ahead of his pending departure for his native Australia, having already resigned.
He had been at Gulf Air since 2002.
Mr Kent told the GDN earlier that he and his team were innocent of any wrong-doing.
"I know without question that I and my team are completely innocent of these accusations," he said.
It is understood that police raided Mr Kent's flat and took away property including a computer, as part of investigation centring on investigations into in-flight supply contracts, such as catering.
Two months ago Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa told MPs that officials were going through the airline's books with a fine toothcomb.
"National company Mumtalakat officials are currently studying every paper and if any violation is found, then those involved will be summoned to the Public Prosecution," he said at the time.
Mr Dose's resignation came just four months after he joined the airline.
Plans
In April shortly after his arrival, he unveiled a BD310 million 'Making Gulf Air Well' plan designed to stem losses of over $1m (BD378,000) a day.
"We can do it," Mr Dose declared then, as the airline embarked on a major restructuring programme including significant staff cuts and the axing of several long-haul routes.
If he stands by his resignation today Gulf Air - which he described as being in a 'drastic' state upon his arrival - will have lost two chief executives in less than a year.
Australian predecessor James Hogan left the airline after four years, in October last year.
Mr Dose had reportedly clashed with the Gulf Air board over the formation of two committees he felt would interfere with his decision-making as chief executive.
It is understood he objected to an executive committee and an audit and accounting committee on the basis they infringed on his authority.
Sources also said he was unhappy with the handling of the Kroll investigation.
Well-placed senior staff said the crisis came at a critical time for the airline, but that even if Mr Dose did go, it still had people in place capable of reviving its fortunes.
"The staff can run the show - we have experienced people," they said.
"The Bahraini locals are capable of running the show - the chief executive of Air Arabia is an ex-Gulf Air employee.
"Mr Kooheji and his group, I am sure, know Bahrainis can run the show. I don't think Gulf Air will be lost. It will survive as long as there is government support."
Al Wefaq MP Dr Jasim Husain, a member of the parliament's finance and economics committee, which cross-examined the Gulf Air board at a meeting earlier this month, said he was stunned by the crisis.
"It is a major adverse development and I am shocked by it," he said.
"This is the last thing the company was in need of really. It is certainly bad news for the company, especially in the summer time, which is the bulk of the business.
"It appears to me that the days of expatriates running Gulf Air are possibly over.
"We knew Mr Dose wanted some sort of freedom to do his job, but apparently the board was not prepared to allow this. That is a very major development.
"It just shows the divisions have been between the board and Mr Dose. I always had the belief that he would continue for some time.
"What matters now is not individual people - it is the company. It's about where the company will go from now.
"We hope the company will be able to overcome this development."
The crisis is another hammer-blow for a carrier already crippled by heavy losses - a crisis Mr Dose had pledged to correct.
"Gulf Air generated losses in 2006 of BD130m - the company is bleeding," he said at a Press conference held at the Muharraq headquarters in April, to herald his arrival.
"We have to stop the losses, our shareholders will not tolerate it if the company bleeds for another 12 months the way it is bleeding now.
"Immediate measures are needed to turn it around, the measures will be profound and in places they will be unfortunately painful.
"The management is fully committed to do whatever is needed to stop the bleeding and make it profitable again."
Those "profound" measures included the transition to an all-Airbus fleet, a reduction in the airline's aircraft numbers from 34 to 28 and job cuts designed to shed roughly a quarter of Gulf Air's then 6,000-strong staff.
On July 1 the airline implemented a new 'wave' schedule designed to group departures and arrivals from Bahrain International Airport together, in order to cut transit times.
Optimism
When Mr Dose arrived at Gulf Air, he declared his intent to take a "very aggressive" approach to arresting its losses "in a very short period of time".
He told the media he was confident the rescue operation would succeed where others had failed.
"I am here to stop losses, together with my team and we have very good experience," he said.
"We are not just Sunday afternoon airline managers - people on my team have been in very critical situations.
"They have experience in solving problems and making companies work again when things were critical. I am not new to this, I have done this several times.
"Such a clear programme and such speed have never been seen in the company.
"We shall not accept failure - there is only one way forward, we have to succeed."
Neither Mr Kooheji nor Mr Dose were available for comment last night.
Mr Dose's No.2, chief operating officer Bjorn Naf, was in his native Switzerland last night and told the GDN he had heard nothing about the crisis.
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What in heaven’s name is going on? When is Bahrain going to learn that the only reason Dubai is so successful is that they have employed, in the most part, expats to run their businesses unfettered by strife ridden tribal locals with diverse agendas bearing no heed to the requirements of the business or country. GF was the premier airline in the region, between the warring political owners they have managed to destroy what was a gem with unlimited potential to become a world player. The withdrawal of Oman from the company was a god send and Bahrain has the opportunity to really get this old lady back on track. And what does Bahrain do, it once again shoots itself in the head and continues to destroy the company from within. Whether Dose is the right man is debatable, clearly the Board is not. The powers that be and in particular the Crown Prince need a reality check and a wakeup call. The current problems in Gulf Air are deep seated and rooted in the culture, a root and branch re-organisation is required starting with the Board. Redundancies are required and one way or the other Bahrain will have to bite the bullet either by folding the company (total redundancy) or re-organising it into a lean machine capable of making its own way in an ever increasingly competitive world. Gulf Air can no longer be a social service employing clearly inadequate personnel in a highly technical and demanding business. This re-organisation equally applies to BAS who along with the board are a rock around the neck of Gulf Air and will help sink any attempt to get the airline back on track. If indeed Dose is to leave then the worst thing the Government of Bahrain can do is once again bury its head in the sand and run away from this calamity by employing more and more locals who between them are destroying the Falcon that could still yet be the pride of Bahrain. GF is still capable of being an engine of growth for the country employing well trained locals with a can do attitude, this will take time and will involve a seed change in the way the country manages its assets and infrastructure which is currently a shambles ambling along from one disaster to another. On the bright side the country is growing rapidly on the back of $70 per barrel, regrettably the administration and culture are not. To continue in this vein will only lead to a catastrophe of national proportions involving civil strife. Gulf Air is merely a symptom of a far deeper malaise destroying from within.
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Trader, what is "competatancy" ? Do you mean, 'competent Nancy' ? Oh no, HE is being investigated by the CID, I am informed !
Joking apart, I am greatly depressed to read all this having left Gf some time ago & joined these forums in response to the Massalama list (many joining my consultancy Recruitment efforts) and the sad news of Rad Gammage. I have been hooked on the pages ever since.
You guys have to realise that Gf was NEVER a proper airline. A pimping service for very high ups & easy prey for the thugs who syphon off huge profits for personal reward. AD has immediately identified just that (amongst other irregularities) and, of course, comes to a full stop. That is where the million a day is going. Cosmetics like Skyfannies, skybeds, rebranding (never succeeded) will not address the real problem. AD came in with cosmetics but was binding them together with other good strategies, But he fell at the really important fence, corruption.
I saw all of this in 2004 but, in the back of the crew bus, was told by my Skipper to be careful what I said. It was all true, he said, but I could go to jail for publicly making my views heard !
Ok. GF is the Alitalia of the Middle East. For many of the same reasons. It is the only commercially focused airline in the Region and that is why it will fail. You cannot compete on a non-level playing field. Other regionals ARE NOT making money but are having money thrown at them by wealthy owners. The Bahrain Government needs to do the same, for a while.
You know, as a young First Officer at Luton in the 70's, GF was THE airline to go to. You could not get in unless you had the type rating or were a Freemason. I was 737 but STILL could not get in. It was fiercely competitive. (gees, I hope that is the right spelling), and now, waching the ship go down & witnessing the Captain jumping off too, is unbearable.
Get a really abrasive, go-ahead, unafraid CEO (not unlike AD, actually,), & you night come out of this. Keep AD but give him full authority. Prosecute the real leeches (but how far up do you go?) & rid the company of the wretched nepotism that STILL cripples the lot of you (HR,Managers, Some Chief Pilots and all the interconnection)............you NIGHT get somewhere. I sadly say, I doubt it.
All very depressing but good luck to the many professional pilots I still know out there who really want to make this work (even IB).
Oh, we just signed up two more off the 767. that for the Massalam list.
All the best, Gentlemen.
Joking apart, I am greatly depressed to read all this having left Gf some time ago & joined these forums in response to the Massalama list (many joining my consultancy Recruitment efforts) and the sad news of Rad Gammage. I have been hooked on the pages ever since.
You guys have to realise that Gf was NEVER a proper airline. A pimping service for very high ups & easy prey for the thugs who syphon off huge profits for personal reward. AD has immediately identified just that (amongst other irregularities) and, of course, comes to a full stop. That is where the million a day is going. Cosmetics like Skyfannies, skybeds, rebranding (never succeeded) will not address the real problem. AD came in with cosmetics but was binding them together with other good strategies, But he fell at the really important fence, corruption.
I saw all of this in 2004 but, in the back of the crew bus, was told by my Skipper to be careful what I said. It was all true, he said, but I could go to jail for publicly making my views heard !
Ok. GF is the Alitalia of the Middle East. For many of the same reasons. It is the only commercially focused airline in the Region and that is why it will fail. You cannot compete on a non-level playing field. Other regionals ARE NOT making money but are having money thrown at them by wealthy owners. The Bahrain Government needs to do the same, for a while.
You know, as a young First Officer at Luton in the 70's, GF was THE airline to go to. You could not get in unless you had the type rating or were a Freemason. I was 737 but STILL could not get in. It was fiercely competitive. (gees, I hope that is the right spelling), and now, waching the ship go down & witnessing the Captain jumping off too, is unbearable.
Get a really abrasive, go-ahead, unafraid CEO (not unlike AD, actually,), & you night come out of this. Keep AD but give him full authority. Prosecute the real leeches (but how far up do you go?) & rid the company of the wretched nepotism that STILL cripples the lot of you (HR,Managers, Some Chief Pilots and all the interconnection)............you NIGHT get somewhere. I sadly say, I doubt it.
All very depressing but good luck to the many professional pilots I still know out there who really want to make this work (even IB).
Oh, we just signed up two more off the 767. that for the Massalam list.
All the best, Gentlemen.
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Dose has appeared weak, by allowing his VPM&S to act on his behalf, a flaming homo with a reputation to match.
The same guy who is probably leaving to Etihad after destroying GF.
I have a feeling that Dose has been asked to go, because he was not in control or was using the current mess to set hiw own agenda for personal gain. His lack of intrest can only point in that direction.
Good luck!
The same guy who is probably leaving to Etihad after destroying GF.
I have a feeling that Dose has been asked to go, because he was not in control or was using the current mess to set hiw own agenda for personal gain. His lack of intrest can only point in that direction.
Good luck!
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MaffiFaloos
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When is Bahrain going to learn that the only reason Dubai is so successful is that they have employed, in the most part, expats to run their businesses.
Reply
Was it not the previous PCE who Put GF in this situation in the first place, and I believe he was Expat…. Just in case you didn’t know.
Quote
Whether Dose is the right man is debatable, clearly the Board is not.
Reply
And you came to this conclusion after which intensive research?
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Redundancies are required and one way or the other Bahrain will have to bite the bullet.
Reply
GF is 75% Expats and 25%Locals, if there are any Redundancies it should be the expats that go, thank you very much.
Quote
And more locals who between them are destroying the Falcon that could still yet be the pride of Bahrain.
Reply
British Airways announced 750mills losses, according to your theory above the British are useless at running an airline.
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GF is still capable of being an engine of growth for the country employing well trained locals with a can do attitude, this will take time and will involve a seed change in the way the country manages its assets and infrastructure
Reply
Not true, Very capable Bahrainis are running Air Arabia and making huge profit, this negates your theory, however, let me tell you that it is the corrupt Expats who suck up to the influential figures who are really failing the airline or any other business they touch.
Quote
When is Bahrain going to learn that the only reason Dubai is so successful is that they have employed, in the most part, expats to run their businesses.
Reply
Was it not the previous PCE who Put GF in this situation in the first place, and I believe he was Expat…. Just in case you didn’t know.
Quote
Whether Dose is the right man is debatable, clearly the Board is not.
Reply
And you came to this conclusion after which intensive research?
Quote
Redundancies are required and one way or the other Bahrain will have to bite the bullet.
Reply
GF is 75% Expats and 25%Locals, if there are any Redundancies it should be the expats that go, thank you very much.
Quote
And more locals who between them are destroying the Falcon that could still yet be the pride of Bahrain.
Reply
British Airways announced 750mills losses, according to your theory above the British are useless at running an airline.
Quote
GF is still capable of being an engine of growth for the country employing well trained locals with a can do attitude, this will take time and will involve a seed change in the way the country manages its assets and infrastructure
Reply
Not true, Very capable Bahrainis are running Air Arabia and making huge profit, this negates your theory, however, let me tell you that it is the corrupt Expats who suck up to the influential figures who are really failing the airline or any other business they touch.
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VPM&S
That same tosser did not last six months at QR, if my memory serves me right he left under a cloud of suspicious wrong doing and corruption when a few big honchos were arrested and jailed....
noughsaid!
noughsaid!