Gulf Air's Bahrain World Wide Contact Centre gets stronger

Another batch of Bahrainis joins the team

Manama, Bahrain, 30 October 2007: Gulf Air's World Wide Contact Centre (WWCC) in Bahrain, which began its operations in August this year, is growing stronger with another set of 21 young Bahrainis joining the Centre's team after training.

In a brief graduation ceremony held at its Muharraq headquarters, Gulf Air Acting President and Chief Executive Björn Näf handed over the training completion certificates to the candidates.

As the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air aligns itself with the dynamic growth plans of the country," says Mr. Näf. "It is imperative therefore, that we encourage more competitive local talents to contribute to the progress of the nation through Gulf Air."

"With the induction of this team and another batch under training, our Bahrain Contact Centre's growth plans are on the right track. We are now able to provide our customers better service and make their travel experience smooth and pleasant right from their planning stage."

Before taking up their jobs, the candidates are given an intensive training programme on SABRE reservation system and procedures, telephone and booking techniques, efficient handling of customers and other travel-related enquiries. Another batch of 16 candidates will be joining the centre in three weeks time after completing their current training.

"Gulf Air call centre is not just about providing flight information or assisting with bookings; it plays a major role in driving our company's revenue generation through proactive customer interaction and helping customers to make appropriate travel plans," says Gulf Air Acting Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales Mr. Danny Barranger.

The Centre is open from 8 am to Midnight Sunday to Thursday and from 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and Bahrain customers can get their travel-related service over the phone by dialling 17335777. Calls to this number, made before and after this duration will continue to be served by the Contact Centre in Muscat.

The Gulf Air WWCC has earned a name for itself in the customer service and travel industry for its service standards and delivery," says Gulf Air Manager of WWCC, Ruth Birkin.

"Our training procedures have been specifically formulated to ensure customer service employees are equipped to handle most situations in a courteous and efficient manner."

"Through fun and effective techniques such as role play, quizzes and shadowing of experienced staff, our new team members quickly learn the ropes while embracing the values, vision and culture of Gulf Air and its business."

-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 management.

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 2007 (Sky Trax Awards)

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)