Gulf Air and Bahrain Development Bank join hands to train pilots

Agreement signed to finance 40 nationals at the cost of BD1.2 million

Manama, Bahrain 8 July 2007: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), have come together to launch a 'pilots training finance programme'.

Chairman of BDB, HE Shaikh Ibrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Gulf Air Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Mahmood Al Kooheji, in the presence of Gulf Air President and Chief Executive Mr. Andre Dose and BDB Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nedhal Saleh Al Awjan, signed an agreement to this effect today at the Gulf Air Headquarters.

"Bahrain Development Bank is pleased to join hands with Gulf Air in this finance programme, which I feel, is an important step forward in building the future of the country," says HE Shaikh Ibrahim.

"We always endeavor to support the youth by offering opportunities to get the right qualifications so that they can find jobs in different fields that suit their interest and ambitions. Signing of such agreements represents our long range vision of serving the citizens in the right way and at the right time," he adds.

"Education and training costs, particularly high-end technical disciplines such as pilots training and aircraft engineering, are quite expensive. We don't want cost to be a hindrance for deserving candidates, who can't afford. We appreciate the Bank's initiative by providing opportunities for the citizens to develop their technical skills," says Mr. Al Kooheji

Under this finance programme, all expenses related to the training of selected candidates will be financed by BDB, while Gulf Air will select suitable candidates to undergo training in a reputed school through a comprehensive screening and selection process. Successful candidates will join Gulf Air at the end of the training. An amount of BD1.2 million has been earmarked by BDB for the programme.

"It is important for Gulf Air, as the national carrier of the Kingdom, to develop and maintain a pool of well-qualified and trained pilots for its current and future needs," says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive Mr. Andre Dose.

"We will continuously evaluate the candidates during the training to ensure quality standards and consistency in candidates' performance, so that we produce top quality pilots and engineers," he concluded.

"This finance programme is an extension of Bahrain Development Bank's educational financing scheme the bank started in 2002 to help Bahrainis earn higher university degrees in professional fields from local and international institutions," says Mr. Nedhal Saleh Al Awjan

"By providing necessary finance, we would like to reduce the financial burden of parents and guardians. The students can concentrate on their studies without any financial worries and, they only need to start paying back to BDB when they join Gulf Air as full time employees after completing the training."

-Ends-

About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.

The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.

Today the airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 40 cities in 26 countries. The fleet comprises 28 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.

A new strategy to create a platform for sustained commercial operation has been put in place as part of a two-phased turnaround programme announced in April 2007 by the airline's new President and Chief Executive André Dosé.

Gulf Air's onboard service caters high quality products and services, including the innovative, unique and award winning Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies.

Some of the notable recognition include:

Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2006 (Sky Trax Awards)

Best Onboard Catering in Business Class 2006 (Sky Trax Awards)

Best Business Airline 2006 (British Travel Awards)

Best Onboard Service 2006 (Gold) (Mercury Awards)

Best Onboard Catering in First Class 2005 (Sky Trax Awards)

Best Onboard Catering in Business Class 2005(Sky Trax Awards)

Best designed in-flight magazine 2005 (American Creativity Awards)

Middle East Leading First Class Airline 2005 (World Travel Awards)

World's Leading Airport Lounge 2005 (World Travel Awards)

Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge 2005 (PAX International Readership Awards)