Gulf Air operations manager says Goodbye to Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain 24 May 2007: Gulf Air Manager Integrated Operations Centre Tom Powell left Gulf Air today after serving the company for eight years.

Joining Gulf Air as Manager Operations Control, Tom immediately set about bringing together all operations support functions in one location to set up an Integrated Operations Centre (IOC).

Under his leadership and understanding of IT he produced an IOC model that soon became known internationally, and in fact many airlines sent representatives to study the model he developed.

"Tom was an incredibly professional manager, who not only effectively managed the day-to-day flight operations but also made a mark by seamlessly integrating several elements of the complex flight operations management with his innovative solutions," says Gulf Air Chief Operating Officer Björn Naëf.

Tom joined Gulf Air from British Midland International, where he held several positions, working his way up through various departments to become an Operations Control Superintendent

"My eight-year stay with Gulf Air and in Bahrain has been wonderful," says Tom. My colleagues have been a great support to me in whatever I achieved during my period with Gulf Air. I have only very good memories to carry home," said Tom Powell in his farewell remarks.

Tom, with his wife Michelle and three children, is moving to Brisbane, Australia, to join Virgin Blue airline as Manager Network Operations.

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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)