Gulf Air announces new General Manager for Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain 25 March 2007: Gulf Air has announced the appointment of Abdulmalik Al-Saei as General Manager for Bahrain.

Mr. Al-Saei is currently the General Manager, World Wide Travel Management Sales, , in his new position he will be responsible for the commercial operation of Gulf Air's home station Bahrain.

"Bahrain is a strategically important market for Gulf Air as it supports the kingdom's dynamic growth as a financial hub and a tourist destination, as well as being its home market and the base of its Head Office operations," says Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave.

"Abdulmalik's past experience in varied markets such as India, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, the Levant and the UAE makes him the ideal choice for the position.

Besides, as a Bahraini, he is a very good example of the airline's commitment to developing nationals from our owner States to assume leadership roles."

Mr. Al Saei has earlier worked as General Manager for Gulf Air Bahrain from 2002 to 2004.

"Bahrain's travel market has changed quite substantially in the recent years what with its recognition as the home of motorsport in the Middle East and a major financial centre, attracting thousands of travellers to the island kingdom," says Gulf Air Head of Sales Danny Barranger.

A marketing graduate from the UK, Al Saei joined the company as a Management Trainee in 1990, and has gained several years of experience in all aspects of Gulf Air's commercial operations over the years.

"I am delighted with this opportunity to manage and lead the team here in Bahrain. There are numerous challenges ahead, but improving customer loyalty by delivering much improved services and delivering tough targets will be my key priorities," says Abdulmalik Al Saie.

"I consider myself as being part and parcel of the community and therefore understand the contribution Gulf Air makes to the Bahrain economy. The travel market has seen many changes over the years and this is going to increase rapidly, which will present huge business opportunities and challenges. I am fully geared up to take these on."

Al Saei has been an Area Manager in India, Cyprus, the Levant, UAE and Saudi Arabia, where he was responsible for all station activities, many of which gained a number of awards during his tenure.

-Ends-

About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, 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 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.

A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air's 'smart airline, successful business' vision.

International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline's innovative and high quality products and services: These include:

Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
World's Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)