Gulf Air Developments
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dans ma bulle
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wouldn't even call them demonstrations. Just mostly some useless youngsters deliberately trying to wreck the country. They propably don't even have a clue why they are doing what they are doing. Anyway, enough said. 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back on topic. No real 'new' news just interesting reading material. First A321 delivery in March 2012?
Gulf Air cancels eight 787s, continues fleet negotiations
21-11-2011, Bahrain
Gulf Air cancels eight 787s, continues fleet negotiations
21-11-2011, Bahrain
Gulf Air (GF) is in discussions with Airbus and Boeing to change its widebody aircraft order to narrowbodies and reschedule deliveries.
CEO Samer Majali confirmed the carrier reduced its 787 order by eight aircraft earlier this year, which “lessened the company’s liabilities enormously. We expect to achieve further deferrals and changes to the widebody orders,” Majali told ATW during the Arab Air Carriers Organization’s AGM in Abu Dhabi last week.
Majali was appointed CEO in August 2009 to address the carrier’s weak financial condition. His three-year restructuring plan includes finalizing widebody order changes and shifting GF’s network strategy from long-haul routes to a more regionally focused network.
The loss-making carrier embarked on a major fleet acquisition campaign in 2008 and signed contracts for 24 787s, 15 Airbus A320 family aircraft and 20 A330-300s (ATW Daily News, Aug. 25, 2009). Four A330s have been exchanged for 10 A320s/A321s, but negotiations on further changes to the A330 order are taking longer than expected, Majali said. The carrier hopes to have a more concrete announcement at the Bahrain International Airshow next month.
Majali did not go into detail on GF’s plans to order 10 regional jets with either Bombardier or Embraer. “We are looking for regional jets as part of new network strategy,” he said, without confirming or denying reports that the carrier’s shareholder had awarded $328 million regional jet tender to Bombardier. GF added two new Embraer 170s and two E-190s last year.
Majali said the carrier will not reach its financial targets for 2011 because of the impact of political and social unrest in the region, and specifically in Bahrain. He said passenger numbers dropped by 30% in the second quarter because foreigners avoided Bahrain, and operations to Iran and Iraq were suspended by the government.
“We lost two of our three main markets. We were planning to expand with a further four destinations in 2012, but flights to both countries are still frozen,” he said. To compensate for the lost routes, GF launched several new destinations, including Copenhagen, Rome, Geneva and Nairobi. “Load factors are good but these new routes are not as lucrative as the frozen ones,” Majali said.
GF expects to carry about 5 million passengers this year, on par with 2010 but “yield was down significantly,” he said.
For 2012, Majali expects increases in passengers and yield without sharp fuel price hikes.
“We have to be and are optimistic for next year. We will continue realigning Gulf Air with the strategic interest of Bahrain and providing access to the country and the region,” he said.
CEO Samer Majali confirmed the carrier reduced its 787 order by eight aircraft earlier this year, which “lessened the company’s liabilities enormously. We expect to achieve further deferrals and changes to the widebody orders,” Majali told ATW during the Arab Air Carriers Organization’s AGM in Abu Dhabi last week.
Majali was appointed CEO in August 2009 to address the carrier’s weak financial condition. His three-year restructuring plan includes finalizing widebody order changes and shifting GF’s network strategy from long-haul routes to a more regionally focused network.
The loss-making carrier embarked on a major fleet acquisition campaign in 2008 and signed contracts for 24 787s, 15 Airbus A320 family aircraft and 20 A330-300s (ATW Daily News, Aug. 25, 2009). Four A330s have been exchanged for 10 A320s/A321s, but negotiations on further changes to the A330 order are taking longer than expected, Majali said. The carrier hopes to have a more concrete announcement at the Bahrain International Airshow next month.
Majali did not go into detail on GF’s plans to order 10 regional jets with either Bombardier or Embraer. “We are looking for regional jets as part of new network strategy,” he said, without confirming or denying reports that the carrier’s shareholder had awarded $328 million regional jet tender to Bombardier. GF added two new Embraer 170s and two E-190s last year.
Majali said the carrier will not reach its financial targets for 2011 because of the impact of political and social unrest in the region, and specifically in Bahrain. He said passenger numbers dropped by 30% in the second quarter because foreigners avoided Bahrain, and operations to Iran and Iraq were suspended by the government.
“We lost two of our three main markets. We were planning to expand with a further four destinations in 2012, but flights to both countries are still frozen,” he said. To compensate for the lost routes, GF launched several new destinations, including Copenhagen, Rome, Geneva and Nairobi. “Load factors are good but these new routes are not as lucrative as the frozen ones,” Majali said.
GF expects to carry about 5 million passengers this year, on par with 2010 but “yield was down significantly,” he said.
For 2012, Majali expects increases in passengers and yield without sharp fuel price hikes.
“We have to be and are optimistic for next year. We will continue realigning Gulf Air with the strategic interest of Bahrain and providing access to the country and the region,” he said.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shame to hear about the 787 reduction. They will probably be money-makers once they arrive and are put into the system (replace older Airbus A330s). Anyone know if this pushes back first delivery of the 787 at GF? When is/was the first 787 supposed to arrive?
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ rid3r. The grace period you mentioned is for 2 years max from getting your degree. If you fail to secure a flying job it's tough luck and you have to come u with a re-payment plan that suits your current income.
That 50000BD is low compared to what some of us paid to get into the right seat....
Going rate nowadays in Holland is 85000BD with no job security and a 7-8% interest rate. Like job security ever existed!
That 50000BD is low compared to what some of us paid to get into the right seat....
Going rate nowadays in Holland is 85000BD with no job security and a 7-8% interest rate. Like job security ever existed!
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: "como todo buen piloto... mujeriego y borracho"
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks like there may be some good news coming for former GF Employees, according to an e-mail distributed today:
Dear colleagues,
In our continuous efforts to providing enhanced level of internal customer service, in Quarter One 2011 we introduced the new staff travel benefits and entitlements for employees, dependants and their extended families.
Today we are pleased to announce that we have revised the staff travel benefits for former employees as well, who have served the company for years. Besides, our former colleagues will now be able to access their staff travel benefits online through our new website portal https://formerst.gulfair.com
Former colleagues, whether living in Bahrain or any part of the world can access the portal and make use their benefits.
This will be effective from 01st of January 2012. The website contains details of the revised staff travel policy and the guide.
Please communicate this message to our former colleagues when you come across them. A separate communication is being sent to outstations.
Best Regards
Hassan Rasheed
Senior Manager Employee Services
Gulf Air - Human Resources
In our continuous efforts to providing enhanced level of internal customer service, in Quarter One 2011 we introduced the new staff travel benefits and entitlements for employees, dependants and their extended families.
Today we are pleased to announce that we have revised the staff travel benefits for former employees as well, who have served the company for years. Besides, our former colleagues will now be able to access their staff travel benefits online through our new website portal https://formerst.gulfair.com
Former colleagues, whether living in Bahrain or any part of the world can access the portal and make use their benefits.
This will be effective from 01st of January 2012. The website contains details of the revised staff travel policy and the guide.
Please communicate this message to our former colleagues when you come across them. A separate communication is being sent to outstations.
Best Regards
Hassan Rasheed
Senior Manager Employee Services
Gulf Air - Human Resources
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ rid3R. I was talking about Holland. The 2 years grace period starts from the day you graduate.
Anyone heard more about these EFB's and new destination to be announced shortly? I pressume during the airshow in JAN...?
Anyone heard more about these EFB's and new destination to be announced shortly? I pressume during the airshow in JAN...?
Panamajack, thanks very much for passing this on. I was booted out of GF in July 2009. Came here to Cyprus & the system works quite well. You Register with a local Office & deal with them, thereafter. There is, however, no comminication. You would think that Staff Travel would tell all local Offices who would then inform all who are registered. Oooops, forgot, this is the GF we know & love. I will be accessing the new site & will pass on the info to any ex GF chaps in the pub. (well, on this, the rock'n roll side of Larnaca there are none. Pahos side (slippers & Come Dancing) there are quite a few ! ).Really appreciate the info & happy New Year to all ex buddies.
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anyone read the article in the GDN about Majali leaving according to MP's and GF having to be run by a local Bahraini? Majali's denying he's leaving but change is supposed to be coming next year.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Intentionally Left Blank
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gulf Daily News » Local News » Resignation report denied by Gulf Air
This is far from true - for a very long period the CEO position was taken by a GCC national from the (then) owner states; the last Expats were of course J Hogan, [interim Bahrani], Andre Dose (very short tenure), Bjorn Naff and now Majali. Prior to Hogan a Bahraini was the CEO. Hence there have been significantly more 'locals' in the leadership role than expats, certainly over the last 25-30 years. And I am not so sure that all the majors consistently have their own nationals at the front either - BA certainly hasn't/had't for quite some time. Maybe the MP's need a little education on this matter before making such erroneous statements.
"In other developed countries nationals tend to get those posts, but in Bahrain it is always expatriates.
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting article today in the Gulf Daily News:
Gulf Daily News » News Details » Comment
The airline has become essentially a regional carrier with a few add-ons.
Last edited by John21UK; 30th Dec 2011 at 05:16.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Havana
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe the time has come to close shop, merge with someone, and develop the low cost medium to long haul model, a la Singapore Airline's 'Scoot' or Air Asia? Or, simply roll over and fade away....
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Benefits to former employees efft 1/1/2012
Dear All,
In Gulf Air continuous efforts to improve the benefits to our former employees, as a core component of our new strategy; we are pleased to announce that effective 01st of January 2012 the new FORMER Gulf Air employee entitlements will be implemented online through our website Former staff travel (https
\formerst.gulfair.com) to serve our employees remotely. You still need to follow the guide to access and validate the information (check with Gulf Air offices at outstations, Staff Travel at head quarter or visit Gulf Air Former Web site).
A new revised policy of both entitlements and eligible members will replace the current policy benefits.
All staff travel concessions at End of Service (Former) and with Effective (01st of January 2011) will be replaced with the new entitlements based on years of service:
a) Minimum qualified period is 20+ years, disregards to the grades.
b) Eligible members are (Employee, Spouse and Children under 24 years of age and a maximum of 4 Children)
c) The benefit continues for a period of time equivalent to 50% of the number of completed years of continues service at the time the employee leaves the company.
d) Total of One EST (End of Service Ticket), Two ID50 and Two ID90 only in Economy cabin in Z sub-class per annum.
The new End of Service Policy has been designed in a simplified matrix according to the years of service and removes any discrimination and inconsistency in which will provide the employees an advance/enhanced tool to access their staff travel benefits and entitlements.
For Former Employees with more than 20 years of continues service at time of leaving Gulf Air, please revisit Gulf Air Outlets (HDQ-Staff Travel & Outstations) to review the new policy and guide. The same will be published through the website and will provide you with all require information.
For ticketing and entitlements on Other Airlines, the entitlements will be based to the individual agreements with each airline and in accordance to the industry standard. (Please approach GF outstations and/or staff travel department-HDQ for more information)
If however the benefits will be discontinued for not meeting the new policy terms, the Former Staff Benefits Application will restrict the employee from the facility. However the tickets that were issued prior to the implementation of the new policy will be still honored by Gulf Air until the validity date of three months from date of ticket issuance and/or can be refunded.
The new policy has been made after thorough revision of all legal aspects and factors that endorsed the granting of travel facilities to retire and former employees.
We are sure you have enjoyed the previous benefits, and hope that you understand the company’s present decision. For those who will continue with the privileges we wish them and their families an enjoyable travel facility.
Thank You,
Hassan Alrasheed
Manager Employee Services
In Gulf Air continuous efforts to improve the benefits to our former employees, as a core component of our new strategy; we are pleased to announce that effective 01st of January 2012 the new FORMER Gulf Air employee entitlements will be implemented online through our website Former staff travel (https
\formerst.gulfair.com) to serve our employees remotely. You still need to follow the guide to access and validate the information (check with Gulf Air offices at outstations, Staff Travel at head quarter or visit Gulf Air Former Web site). A new revised policy of both entitlements and eligible members will replace the current policy benefits.
All staff travel concessions at End of Service (Former) and with Effective (01st of January 2011) will be replaced with the new entitlements based on years of service:
a) Minimum qualified period is 20+ years, disregards to the grades.
b) Eligible members are (Employee, Spouse and Children under 24 years of age and a maximum of 4 Children)
c) The benefit continues for a period of time equivalent to 50% of the number of completed years of continues service at the time the employee leaves the company.
d) Total of One EST (End of Service Ticket), Two ID50 and Two ID90 only in Economy cabin in Z sub-class per annum.
The new End of Service Policy has been designed in a simplified matrix according to the years of service and removes any discrimination and inconsistency in which will provide the employees an advance/enhanced tool to access their staff travel benefits and entitlements.
For Former Employees with more than 20 years of continues service at time of leaving Gulf Air, please revisit Gulf Air Outlets (HDQ-Staff Travel & Outstations) to review the new policy and guide. The same will be published through the website and will provide you with all require information.
For ticketing and entitlements on Other Airlines, the entitlements will be based to the individual agreements with each airline and in accordance to the industry standard. (Please approach GF outstations and/or staff travel department-HDQ for more information)
If however the benefits will be discontinued for not meeting the new policy terms, the Former Staff Benefits Application will restrict the employee from the facility. However the tickets that were issued prior to the implementation of the new policy will be still honored by Gulf Air until the validity date of three months from date of ticket issuance and/or can be refunded.
The new policy has been made after thorough revision of all legal aspects and factors that endorsed the granting of travel facilities to retire and former employees.
We are sure you have enjoyed the previous benefits, and hope that you understand the company’s present decision. For those who will continue with the privileges we wish them and their families an enjoyable travel facility.
Thank You,
Hassan Alrasheed
Manager Employee Services
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Intentionally Left Blank
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I believe tomorrow (02 January 2012) is a pivotal day - leadership changes/restructuring at the top of the 'news'. Perhaps the rumors of a short flight south may be true after all.
Skycamel, thanks for posting.Got nowhere trying to access website, Three attempts to email Hassan & Johkula in HR got knocked back by the Cyber postmaster. I can see why. After 17 years service, I lose the lot ! And, Hassan states that he is "pleased" to announce the new benefits. Yuck, awful taste in this mouth on New Years Day. Shame on you Gulfair.