Gulf Air sets sights on major Bahrain maintenance facility
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Gulf Air sets sights on major Bahrain maintenance facility
Source: Flight International
The question on my mind is how and when (or is it if?) this development will result in marked improvement of maintenance. Almost a year-and-a-half ago, pledges were made to drastically improve the maintenance situation of the aircraft, especially the conditions of aircraft cabins. Yet, engineers still complain about a shortage of spare parts, the economy class cabins on some aircraft are outright disgusting, especially the lavatories, and half of the A340 fleet continues to fly with the outdated pre-Hogan era First Class section. Even the "new" First and Business class is starting to show its age and should be examined for an updating and revamp. It isn't new or cutting edge anymore and I believe our premium passengers are noticing this!
Yet a disproportionate amount of energy and attention seems to be going into getting new uniforms for Cabin Crew. In my opinion, the Cabin Crew uniforms still look great and modern, and the textiles, dinars and emphasis should be going into revamping the cabins which are the real eyesore.
Gulf Air has signed a deal with the Bahrain Real Estate Company (Edamah) to build a new hangar at its Bahrain international airport base as it considers establishing a major maintenance facility for the region.
Construction will begin next year and, once completed, the facility will have capacity to accommodate three widebody aircraft. The facility is slated for completion in 2011.
Gulf Air chief executive Bjorn Naf says the development will make Bahrain a key aircraft maintenance hub in the region. "This world-class maintenance facility will enable Gulf Air to continue maintaining the highest safety standards as well as keep our existing and future fleet in the best condition possible," he says.
Gulf Air until last year held a 40% stake in Abu Dhabi-based maintenance firm Gamco, which was renamed Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies after investment firm Mubadala acquired full control of the company.
Construction will begin next year and, once completed, the facility will have capacity to accommodate three widebody aircraft. The facility is slated for completion in 2011.
Gulf Air chief executive Bjorn Naf says the development will make Bahrain a key aircraft maintenance hub in the region. "This world-class maintenance facility will enable Gulf Air to continue maintaining the highest safety standards as well as keep our existing and future fleet in the best condition possible," he says.
Gulf Air until last year held a 40% stake in Abu Dhabi-based maintenance firm Gamco, which was renamed Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies after investment firm Mubadala acquired full control of the company.
The question on my mind is how and when (or is it if?) this development will result in marked improvement of maintenance. Almost a year-and-a-half ago, pledges were made to drastically improve the maintenance situation of the aircraft, especially the conditions of aircraft cabins. Yet, engineers still complain about a shortage of spare parts, the economy class cabins on some aircraft are outright disgusting, especially the lavatories, and half of the A340 fleet continues to fly with the outdated pre-Hogan era First Class section. Even the "new" First and Business class is starting to show its age and should be examined for an updating and revamp. It isn't new or cutting edge anymore and I believe our premium passengers are noticing this!
Yet a disproportionate amount of energy and attention seems to be going into getting new uniforms for Cabin Crew. In my opinion, the Cabin Crew uniforms still look great and modern, and the textiles, dinars and emphasis should be going into revamping the cabins which are the real eyesore.
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Reason...In the past a lot of backhanders were available if you changed uniforms...that is why Gf have had about 4 cabin and three flightdeck changes since 1976...and got sued for having the Paris designed flightdeck uniforms made in Bombay after the initial samples were delivered...quality of flightdeck shoes also declined to the point of unwearable.
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Well at the current moment, i think that Gf is focusing tooo much on things that will be completed in the future , not the present.
WHY THE
arnt they spending money on the cabin etc like you suggested.
Its all games, I was happy with the progress till now, and i am slowly starting to hate Gf.
It not good enough to announce stuff and never do it!
The hangar is just another way to distract us about the older headlines "New design etc New livery" No change there yet. Does it really take that long to change? Maybe a new cabin crew revamp could be done, till the get the better one sorted.
The reviews on the internet suggest that they need things done ASAP.
They seem to be a bit behind, aircraft wise too.
Why not order a A380 if possible and load that to bahrain and then from there use smaller planes to other destinations, but that has not crossed there mind that much.
Its all the Same every where, all airlines are starting to do stupid things, It must be the credit crunch crushing there heads.
I would trully be a much better person in nafs shoes, If i had that job well lol Gulf air would be an award winning airline in 5 months or less.
I mean come on, They could lease more aircraft (Better newer and maybe direct from boeing) and just put them in service.
The airlines is truly troubled now, I dont think they will make it. They will just spend there money on till there bankrupt and the government backs up bahrain air.
It seems like there trying to get rid of GF to me.
Well who cares now, If they would just revamp there aircraft, IFE and also Lounges they would be on there way to success. They simply have to have better services then emirates otherwise they look like a "cheap trampyer" airline.
Well thats my say to all this crap. Cant wait till the new headlines come out "Gulf air buy another 6000000 boeing dreamliners for delivery in 2015" oh the horror!
Its common sense, Buy quality aircraft that will be able to replace your aging fleet NOW!
Well i shouldnt be getting worked up becuase monkeys are running Gf, at least with André Dosé there was a plan and it was GETTING done!
well lol you can see i am upset cant you
Give me his job! I would do 10000000 trillion billion times better
lol
Oh and anyone know how to change my username?
WHY THE
arnt they spending money on the cabin etc like you suggested.Its all games, I was happy with the progress till now, and i am slowly starting to hate Gf.
It not good enough to announce stuff and never do it!
The hangar is just another way to distract us about the older headlines "New design etc New livery" No change there yet. Does it really take that long to change? Maybe a new cabin crew revamp could be done, till the get the better one sorted.
The reviews on the internet suggest that they need things done ASAP.
They seem to be a bit behind, aircraft wise too.
Why not order a A380 if possible and load that to bahrain and then from there use smaller planes to other destinations, but that has not crossed there mind that much.
Its all the Same every where, all airlines are starting to do stupid things, It must be the credit crunch crushing there heads.
I would trully be a much better person in nafs shoes, If i had that job well lol Gulf air would be an award winning airline in 5 months or less.
I mean come on, They could lease more aircraft (Better newer and maybe direct from boeing) and just put them in service.
The airlines is truly troubled now, I dont think they will make it. They will just spend there money on
till there bankrupt and the government backs up bahrain air. It seems like there trying to get rid of GF to me.
Well who cares now, If they would just revamp there aircraft, IFE and also Lounges they would be on there way to success. They simply have to have better services then emirates otherwise they look like a "cheap trampyer" airline.
Well thats my say to all this crap. Cant wait till the new headlines come out "Gulf air buy another 6000000 boeing dreamliners for delivery in 2015" oh the horror!
Its common sense, Buy quality aircraft that will be able to replace your aging fleet NOW!
Well i shouldnt be getting worked up becuase monkeys are running Gf, at least with André Dosé there was a plan and it was GETTING done!
well lol you can see i am upset cant you
Give me his job! I would do 10000000 trillion billion times better
lolOh and anyone know how to change my username?
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Old Lady In Mini Skirt
FLYGULFAIR are you changing to fly BAHRAINAIR??
i think it is very senssible for gulf air not to spend money on refurbishing the interior of their aircraft.
They are old ladies!!!would it make a difference if they where mini skirts??
They still need to be treated for leaks everywhere..!!!
i think it is very senssible for gulf air not to spend money on refurbishing the interior of their aircraft.
They are old ladies!!!would it make a difference if they where mini skirts??
They still need to be treated for leaks everywhere..!!!
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The hangar has to come, there is not enough hangar space in Bahrain. Having said that, I think it will be a joint venture / lease or whatever.
That one is simple, money or the lack off.
WHY THE 
arnt they spending money on the cabin etc like you suggested.
arnt they spending money on the cabin etc like you suggested.
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Everyone knows you have to spend money to make money.
GF's problem is they are spending the money on the wrong things. The things that will not entice the passenger to come back and increase GF's income.
Turn off's are delays, crappy interior's (entertainment), lack of commuication, lack of customer service and poor schedule. (in my opinion as a passenger)
Don't fix it, if it ain't broke. Paint and crew uniform. very good.
They spend money on BAS (rip off), excess managers, dead wood from days gone by, 'catch up' maintenance and back handers to who knows who.
Did I mention shares in the speed tape and soft hammer factories. This is my point to keep comments in line with the thread title.
They will have to do much better with maintenance on their own aircraft if the idea is to attact other airlines business to their facility.
If not, then it will be a speed tape and soft hammer storage warehouse.
GF's problem is they are spending the money on the wrong things. The things that will not entice the passenger to come back and increase GF's income.
Turn off's are delays, crappy interior's (entertainment), lack of commuication, lack of customer service and poor schedule. (in my opinion as a passenger)
Don't fix it, if it ain't broke. Paint and crew uniform. very good.
They spend money on BAS (rip off), excess managers, dead wood from days gone by, 'catch up' maintenance and back handers to who knows who.
Did I mention shares in the speed tape and soft hammer factories. This is my point to keep comments in line with the thread title.
They will have to do much better with maintenance on their own aircraft if the idea is to attact other airlines business to their facility.
If not, then it will be a speed tape and soft hammer storage warehouse.
Last edited by Cam32; 12th Oct 2008 at 11:53. Reason: Poor spelling..
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Aging Fleet
Hello to All,
To all of you genius and extra smart people it is very easy to criticise and play the blame game if all you guys are really working for GF Air then you should not say all those bad things about the company you working for there should be some amount of loyalty.
Now let me tell you something about the aircrfat interior & its condition i 200% agree with all of you but on the other hand i sort of disagree with you upto some extent, we are working hard to bring up the cabin to an acceptable and appreciable standard there are some hickups but i am positive that all you guys will very soon atart noticing the change please keep this discussion going as it will serve us as a mean of feed back (Positive or Negative)
To all of you genius and extra smart people it is very easy to criticise and play the blame game if all you guys are really working for GF Air then you should not say all those bad things about the company you working for there should be some amount of loyalty.
Now let me tell you something about the aircrfat interior & its condition i 200% agree with all of you but on the other hand i sort of disagree with you upto some extent, we are working hard to bring up the cabin to an acceptable and appreciable standard there are some hickups but i am positive that all you guys will very soon atart noticing the change please keep this discussion going as it will serve us as a mean of feed back (Positive or Negative)
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EK2EYengineer
I am looking forward to seeing the changes you mention in the near future.
I take exception to your comments regarding employee loyalty. My history of comments on this forum reflect those of an extremely loyal GF employee. The question is how you define loyalty. I don't feel that I show loyalty by kissing ass or fawning any status quo, although I will go out of my way to give credit where credit is due. Besides flying the airplane, and trying to do so in the most economic manner and with an eye towards customer service when interacting with passengers or supporting my cabin crew, I do my part in other areas to try to make GF a better company wherever and whenever I feel I can be of assistance. Why? Because I want this Company to do well and in turn, offer me a long-term fulfilling career.
In my internet surfing, I sometimes check out sites like GULF AIR Reviews and Gulf Air Passenger Opinions about Gulf Air product and Gulf Air service standards. I have noticed an overall downward trend in the comments, and as someone with the above-stated objectives, I am concerned.
In fact, I sometimes wonder whether the Company depends entirely too much on employee loyalty. I feel sorry for my cabin crew who confront passenger's complaints on a daily basis: "seat is broken, headset doesn't work, entertainment system doesn't work, reading light doesn't work, lavatory does not work, no white wine, out of stock on hot or cold towels in Business or First Class, no amenity packs available . . ." the list of complaints goes on ad nauseum and for an extended period of time for the same aircraft to which the only response our cabin crew can give is "so sorry about that sir." ANYBODY who takes pride in their company or their job would find this disheartening.
The Company's strategy to try attract customers is to keep underbidding the competition on airfares, simply because we cannot compete on service and product (those are not my words, those are the words of our customers). I find this disheartening. We are becoming a low-fare airline, while maintaining a high-cost structure. I don't think that this is the best strategy that will bring an economic turn-around for the Company.
So please don't question my loyalty. Besides, it will take considerably more for this Company to prosper than just employee loyalty, and in this area, the Company is quite wealthy.
I am looking forward to seeing the changes you mention in the near future.
I take exception to your comments regarding employee loyalty. My history of comments on this forum reflect those of an extremely loyal GF employee. The question is how you define loyalty. I don't feel that I show loyalty by kissing ass or fawning any status quo, although I will go out of my way to give credit where credit is due. Besides flying the airplane, and trying to do so in the most economic manner and with an eye towards customer service when interacting with passengers or supporting my cabin crew, I do my part in other areas to try to make GF a better company wherever and whenever I feel I can be of assistance. Why? Because I want this Company to do well and in turn, offer me a long-term fulfilling career.
In my internet surfing, I sometimes check out sites like GULF AIR Reviews and Gulf Air Passenger Opinions about Gulf Air product and Gulf Air service standards. I have noticed an overall downward trend in the comments, and as someone with the above-stated objectives, I am concerned.
In fact, I sometimes wonder whether the Company depends entirely too much on employee loyalty. I feel sorry for my cabin crew who confront passenger's complaints on a daily basis: "seat is broken, headset doesn't work, entertainment system doesn't work, reading light doesn't work, lavatory does not work, no white wine, out of stock on hot or cold towels in Business or First Class, no amenity packs available . . ." the list of complaints goes on ad nauseum and for an extended period of time for the same aircraft to which the only response our cabin crew can give is "so sorry about that sir." ANYBODY who takes pride in their company or their job would find this disheartening.
The Company's strategy to try attract customers is to keep underbidding the competition on airfares, simply because we cannot compete on service and product (those are not my words, those are the words of our customers). I find this disheartening. We are becoming a low-fare airline, while maintaining a high-cost structure. I don't think that this is the best strategy that will bring an economic turn-around for the Company.
So please don't question my loyalty. Besides, it will take considerably more for this Company to prosper than just employee loyalty, and in this area, the Company is quite wealthy.
Last edited by Panama Jack; 14th Oct 2008 at 17:35.
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In fact, I sometimes wonder whether the Company depends entirely too much on employee loyalty.
Chao
EK2EY
Loyalty is a two way street.
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Nothing can be done about our well aged fleet. It's far too late & I don't believe we have the expertise or commitment in the engineering dept or the money to do any better. I think we should just get used to the fact that we are a sub-standard airline with sub-standard everything & we will never improve. Once we all get that into our heads we will all feel alot less pain as we see our airline slowly disappearing down the toilet.
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Poor seats on GF
I flew to BKK last week in one of GF's old A340's. The 1st J-class seats behind First Class..... I could not straighten my legs!
Which other airline in the world can one not straighten one's legs in business class?
What happened to all the money that was allocated for the upgrade of GF's cabins last year?
Which other airline in the world can one not straighten one's legs in business class?
What happened to all the money that was allocated for the upgrade of GF's cabins last year?
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All the money went into making new management positions and promoting any German speaking Swiss in the region!!! Forget about pax comfort, whats more important is that the ever lengthening list of managers are sitting fat, dumb & happy. For heaven's sake we have more managers here than they do in Emirates! I apologize before hand, to any pax that are unfortunate enough to fly with us, for the over powering stench of urine in the aircraft, the lack of entertainment-unless you consider that overflowing toilets entertaining!!!, no Arabic coffee pre-dept & other service cuts, no overnight kits, exhausted cabin crews,.. (the list is far too long but feel free to add guys)
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In a number of cities Gulf are losing key staff to Etihad when they launch new routes. People who have detailed knowledge of Gulf's customers, markets and pricing policy. They will find these people difficult to replace. Meanwhile Etihad starts off with people who bring considerable experience with them. Why are these people leaving Gulf? Usually out of sheer frustration at the way the airline is being managed.
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Come on people!!!! GF management must be joking. Considering the fact that GF can't even fix their own planes, who is going to send aircraft to GF for maintenance. Most likely the new hangar would be use to store more highspeed tape and that magic DIY spray they have used to fix their planes.
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I am probably in the wrong forum, but could anyone share the info of the compensation package at GF. What kind of housing is available for 650BHD and many hours do you normally fly on the A320? I'm thinking about joining you guys, since GF posted add for pilot on willflyforfood.com this morning. Can you also say how long and where the training takes place? Any info would be appreciated.
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Hate to raise my head again but buddy ur cabin mangers used to kneel beside my F seat and tell me about the grand plans GF had. Only Hogan did anything to keep me loyal and spend over 100K with GF over a few yrs of premium travel. NOTHING changed it got worse..so now im HAPPILY with EY- they are not an SQ but they have what I want and what IM PAYING for...GF HAS LOST THE PLOT and did so long ago. The FF programe is flawed the lounges too crowded, IFE crap, seats falling apart, on time abmismal and treatment of Y pax let alone premium pax is apathetic to say the least. I write to GF and get a 3 line abrupt email saying like it or lump it (all as a Gold for Life FF too) from a local 'manager'.
With all due respect this airline went to the dogs after Hogan left. Im not saying the man was Christ but he sure as hell changed things and gave the pax what they wanted. Zero has changed since he left- explain that. What have the Bahranis done - where is their pride in their national carrier...all their energies go into blamming someone else - just as they do when you have a car accident and its clearly their fault!
Things change at GF?- Enshalla habibi!
:ugh :
With all due respect this airline went to the dogs after Hogan left. Im not saying the man was Christ but he sure as hell changed things and gave the pax what they wanted. Zero has changed since he left- explain that. What have the Bahranis done - where is their pride in their national carrier...all their energies go into blamming someone else - just as they do when you have a car accident and its clearly their fault!
Things change at GF?- Enshalla habibi!
:ugh :
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Sorry ODMEA... I don't agree with you.
Lots a things changed in GF: since JH left, they increase the package like any other airline in the gulf, we received some acft as well 2 (319) 2 (321) 3 (330) and 4 (777 this one wet lease) phase out of 767 and order more Airbus 320 and 330. The only thing they didn't change is the 52 days on leave, we still have it.... and I enjoy it so much...
cheers
Lots a things changed in GF: since JH left, they increase the package like any other airline in the gulf, we received some acft as well 2 (319) 2 (321) 3 (330) and 4 (777 this one wet lease) phase out of 767 and order more Airbus 320 and 330. The only thing they didn't change is the 52 days on leave, we still have it.... and I enjoy it so much...
cheers