Gulf Air Developments

[John21UK]

Don't know anything about the relationship between GF and Bahrain Air, but why doesn't GF buy them? Doesn't seem to be too much room for the two side by side these days, although Bahrain Air is small.

[Panama Jack]

I think Gulf Air has enough challenges on its hands without needing to complicate matters further and aquire another questionable, loss-making airline. Add to the challenges Gulf Air already faces an added one of integrating a distinct corporate culture and the usual seniority-list merging fiasco which plagues any other airline merger.

So where is the value?

[millerscourt]

Better to let Air Bahrain fade away gently in due course. Just a question as to whether they do so before GF who have been on a downhill slope ever since I left in '95

[boiler]

From Flightglobal
Gulf Air appears to cancel eight 787s

Gulf Air appears to cancel eight 787s
By David Kaminski-Morrow


Gulf Air appears to be the customer which cancelled an order for eight Boeing 787 aircraft last month.

The airline ordered 16 of the twinjets in January 2008 and supplemented them with a further eight in April 2009.

But Boeing's latest backlog figures show that the 2008 order has been halved to eight of the type, slashing the Bahraini flag-carrier's 787 total from 24 to 16.

Boeing disclosed in June that eight 787s had been removed from its order books, taking total 787 cancellations this year to 20.

Gulf Air could not immediately be reached to confirm the cancellation or to comment.

But the Middle Eastern carrier has been restructuring its fleet in favour of smaller-capacity aircraft, and during the Paris air show selected International Aero Engines powerplants for a batch of six Airbus A320-family twinjets, to be delivered next year

[AeroForce]

Not all 24 787 orders were firm orders. It seems they've cancelled the options that they had.

[A300Man]

What is the J class product like on the 330 aircraft that serves Manila? I am told that the aircraft is former MEA and does not have the former first class lie flat seating, now called Falcon Gold. The cabin appears to be configured 2 2 2. Are the seats shell seats, or old fashioned armchair recliners?

Thanks in advance.

[tankdrvr]

it is a joke, they took all the broken econo seats and made 'J' class since it is never used...Lie flat seats= the floor ..Ok, for real: the seats are old and recline but not flat. It is config 2-2-2. They are not the Falcon Gold. You end up with econo traffic constantly coming up to use your bathroom.

[jordana320]

Hey guys.. can anyone shed any light on the New A320 FO course at Gulf Air.. when are they most likely to recruit again... did any of the A320 guys who interviewed in London got invited...?

Regards

[AeroForce]

firm order in April 2009???

Remember that in March '09 all alarm bells went off!
Because Gulf Air posted a $500m. loss. All spending and recruitment were immediately stopped on 23rd of March '09.

Bit weird to see a transition from options to an 'appearantly' firm order after this date! Explain please

[Che Guevara]

Interesting what occupies some people's minds over here....787 cancellation, is this a surprise? What about the 20 330s that have gone South?
No gents, I'd be more concerned with Kabul and Kandahar if I were you.

Good luck.

[ribena]

Hi all,

I have been offered a place at GF as a direct entry FO on the 320 but before I sign anything I was hoping if somebody could answer some questions:

1) I was told at my interview that by the end of this year the 320 crew will also be flying the 330 as well. Is this true/is the timescale realistic?

2) I gather there is only 8 days off a month but how many days do the 320 crews typically fly per month?

3)How secure are the 330's within the company?

Thanks

R

[Albergineman]

1) I was told at my interview that by the end of this year the 320 crew will also be flying the 330 as well. Is this true/is the timescale realistic?

No, it isn't realistic. As a new joiner the candidate can expect a minimum of 18 month from now to be dual rated.

2) I gather there is only 8 days off a month but how many days do the 320 crews typically fly per month?

30-8=22. Pilots usually fly for 22 days in average. But a roster period is consisted of 28 consecutive days so in some instances in a calendar month you can expect to have either 7 days off or 10 days off.
Your roster will vary according to some "principles" described below:
-If you know somebody from planning;
-If you know somebody from crew control (for last minute change-after the roster has been published);
-You will be flying at night most of time (3 consecutive night flights because it is legal) and most of them to monsoon's destinations;
-Basically, three quarters of the year, with the monsoon in between, you will be going to the east (aka MAA, COK, BOM, DEL, CMB, KTM, DAC) to say the least;
- Your requested block will be after a SBY duty;
- the tactical sickness survey doesn't reach some individuals;
- and last, but not the least, everything above is legal

3)How secure are the 330's within the company?

The whole fleet (ERJ/A320/A330) shares the same satisfactory level of reliability.

[AeroForce]

1) I was told at my interview that by the end of this year the 320 crew will also be flying the 330 as well. Is this true/is the timescale realistic?

2) I gather there is only 8 days off a month but how many days do the 320 crews typically fly per month?

3)How secure are the 330's within the company?

1) 320 crews are already being CCQ'd onto 330 in order of seniority to fly both. Expect at least one year from date of joining until you see the 330.
2) 8 days off any 28 days, whis works out at 8 or 9 days off a month. The rest you are working, standby or on a useless standby (just because the company will not give you that as a day off to make sure you don't get too many... )
3) current planning includes a fleet of 8 to 10 330's for the future.

[John21UK]

What about a loss of license insurance, is that provided by GF? Or anyone any info on it, where otherwise to go?

Is there a possibility to bid for another fleet? (ie Embraer onto Airbus?)
And what flight time limitations are being used at GF?

Does the Embraer fly across the network (within range obviously) on a supply-and demand schedule?

I remember reading somewhere a while ago that a new airport is planned for BAH, any truth to that? (ie re-developing and upgrading the excisting one)

[767]

Look its snowing outside

[Sleek]

GF Interview

Does any one know about the interview?
what do they conduct in the interview and where is it held?
If any one can provide information.

Thank in advance.

[slowjet]

Albergineman, which is the "hole fleet"?

[Che Guevara]

The one that shares the same reliability, obviously Slowjet...

And it's snowing....must be the heat I guess.

[Tziganul]

Late roster!!! Nah!!!

Well, our GREAT rostering department, once again, loyal to their incomparable quest for perfection have delayed the publishing of our beloved monthly roster. This time, it will only take them 1 more day to "perfect" the roster. Mostly due to commercial, a glitch in the system, or some friendly requests! At least this month the roster comes out before the paycheck!!!

[Sleek]

Interview Details

Hi Ribena,

Can you share the interview details please?
What were you asked and how long was it how many different tasks did you have to do in the interview?
Thanks in advance