Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain - 03 February 2015

Mrs. Hala Azzam, Gulf Air Manager Emergency Response Planning, recently became the first Bahraini woman to graduate from The Aviation Security Professional Management Course - a programme developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in collaboration with the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.

Mrs. Azzam, representing the Kingdom of Bahrain's national carrier, successfully completed the most advanced aviation security training programme globally, acquiring the official title of AVSEC PM and becoming not only the first Bahraini woman to do so but also one of less than 200 Middle East participants and 631 global participants to have successfully graduated from this course.

Gulf Air A/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam congratulated Mrs. Azzam, saying: "I am delighted, on behalf of our national carrier, to witness such examples of the growth and development of our talented workforce that now includes an aviation security professional who has taken the time and effort to acquire the unique skills and understanding required to navigate today's aviation environment as an aviation security management professional. On behalf of the entire Gulf Air family I congratulate Hala on her achievement and wish her continued success."

With 65% of the airline's total workforce being Bahraini, Gulf Air leads the way amongst its regional competitors in terms of nationalization, while still maintaining a multinational workforce that reflects the airline's position as a global carrier. The airline embraces a culture of leadership, training and development and strives to build a workforce of Bahraini aviation professionals.

-Ends-

About Gulf Air
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 43 cities in 24 countries spanning three continents. The airline operates one of the largest networks in the Middle East, with double daily flights to over 10 regional cities, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet totaling 28 modern aircraft. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline's signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.

Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom's on-going economic growth.

Gulf Air was the Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2014 and the Bahrain International Airshow 2014.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Azza Mubarak Matar
Senior Manager Communications
Gulf Air Tel: +973 17338765 / +973 39652012
Email: Azza.Matar@gulfair.com

© Press Release 2015