Gulf Air commissions online integrity platform to promote workplace ethics

Airline engages independent agency for confidential reporting

Manama, Bahrain 3 June 2007: In an effort to foster work ethics, professionalism, and transparency in its systems and practices, Gulf Air has commissioned an independent, integrity website.

The comprehensive and confidential reporting website tool, Ethicspoint, will assist Gulf Air management and employees to work together to address fraud, abuse and misconduct in the workplace, while at the same time cultivate a positive work environment.

"We believe that our employees are our most important asset and by creating open channels of communication a positive work environment can be created; resulting in increased productivity, improved corporate culture and performance," Gulf Air President and Chief Executive André Dosé said.

The integrity website is Gulf Air's commitment to provide a safe, secure and independent platform for its staff members to report their concerns fairly, freely and confidentially with regard to questionable behaviours of individuals, suspected financial misconduct, theft or fraud, which are detrimental to the safety and security of Gulf Air.

"Corporate misconduct can threaten the livelihood of an entire company. Therefore, an effective reporting system can be the most useful tool to identify and minimise the potential negative impact in terms of financial or other losses to the company and its people," Dose added. "This, however, can only be achieved with the cooperation and support of our staff and other stakeholders of the company.

The website, totally independent of Gulf Air and monitored by Ethicspoint only, is fully secure. Gulf Air has no access to the information posted on it and it is not linked to the company's website.

Staff members and stakeholders will also be able to include documentary evidences, witnesses, references and incidents, in support of their findings.

EthicsPoint is Safe Harbor Certified through the United States Department of Commerce as a hotline provider having security measures in place to address EU privacy initiatives and other global privacy directives.

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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 47 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 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)

Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline 2004 (MENA Travel Awards)

Most Improved Airline 2004 (Skytrax Awards)