Gulf Air’s Board of Directors today announced the instatement of Mr. Maher Salman Jabber Al Musallam in the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr Al Musallam joined Gulf Air as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and has been at the helm of the airline, as Acting Chief Executive Officer, since December 2012. A seasoned aviation professional Mr. Al Musallam has, with Gulf Air’s executive management team, spearheaded the national carrier’s 2013 restructuring strategy to deliver groundbreaking results – most significantly the record reduction in the airline’s annual losses.
The announcement is a direct result of Mr Al Musallam and Gulf Air’s executive management team efforts leading to three consecutive years of landmark achievements – a true turnaround for Bahrain’s national carrier that now opens up the airline to new growth and development opportunities. The support of Gulf Air’s executive management team lays the groundwork of Gulf Air’s strategic vision for controlled growth, while further promoting the Kingdom of Bahrain at home and abroad.
Speaking on his appointment and vision for Gulf Air Mr. Al Musallam said, “This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly – I am honoured to continue serving the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier and, with the airline’s executive management team’s ongoing support and efforts, realising its ongoing positive transformation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the airline’s Board of Directors and the Bahraini government for entrusting us with this responsibility that we highly appreciate”
Gulf Air’s Board of Directors additionally instated Mrs. Sahar Ataei as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Ahmed Janahi as Chief Commercial Officer and Mr. Jamal Hashim as Chief Technical Officer in recognition of their efforts and contributions towards the national carrier’s turnaround over the past three years.
This announcement follows news of Gulf Air’s restructured aircraft orders, comprising 45 aircraft with Boeing and Airbus in deals worth a combined total of USD7.6 billion and geared towards providing Gulf Air with the requisite expansion capabilities for the airline’s extensively studied future network requirements. The airline is currently preparing to release its highly anticipated 2015 financial and operational results.