Gulf Air’s unions, board pledge to enhance growth

Manama : Strong collaboration between all parties is critical to supporting Bahrain’s national carrier, said Zayed Bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of Gulf Air’s Board of Directors. 

Speaking during a meeting alongside Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Krešimir Kučko and Gulf Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi, Alzayani said, “We always welcome feedback from Gulf Air’s unions and the discussions we had further underline the important role they play in making the workplace more productive and inclusive.”

The meeting at the airline’s Muharraq headquarters saw representatives and members of the national carrier’s three unions engage in an active two-way dialogue with the airline’s executive management. Gulf Air’s three existing unions consist of the Gulf Air Trade Union, National Labour Union of Gulf Air and Flight Attendants General Trade Union represented by Sawsan AlAradi, Mahmood Yousif and AbdulQader Hussain respectively.

Alzayani told the participants that for Gulf Air’s development strategy to be successful, its internal stakeholders need to be mobilised, actively involved and committed to a shared vision for the airline. 

“We are committed to moving ahead together as key partners in Gulf Air’s development and strategic growth. As such we always welcome feedback from the three Gulf Air unions,” he said. 

During the meeting, all parties pledged their enduring commitment to open, productive communications aimed at enhancing and promoting the airline’s workforce. 

Gulf Air’s highly anticipated incoming fleet of 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft will see by end-2018 the arrival of 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 2 Airbus A320Neo aircraft. 

The airline is also expected to soon announce its development strategy for the coming years. The strategy will include expansion plans and will be geared towards elevating the passenger experience, promoting Bahrain’s tourism economy and bolstering the Kingdom’s aviation, transport, tourism and business infrastructures and the aviation industry as a whole.