Bill Smith started his professional life in business, but left to pursue his passion for aviation working as a flight dispatcher before flying as a flight engineer. He became a pilot in 1986.
He joined Gulf Air in 1992 as a Captain on the Boeing B737.
In 1992 he became a training captain and in 1994 converted to the Airbus A320. Later he flew the long-haul A340 and A330 Airbus until retiring on July 4 at the age of 60.
In his relatively short time as a pilot he flew a remarkable number of hours in excess of 16,000.
Capt Smith, who will be returning to his native country of the US, with his wife, Marcia and two children, intends to continue flying outside the airline world.
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.
The airline is in the last year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive, James Hogan. The airline, which is making rapid strides towards regaining profitability in 2005, aims to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.
The dramatic turnaround in Gulf Air’s fortunes has won international recognition. In January 2004, The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, recognising the airline’s commitment to service excellence.
Winner - Middle East and North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005
