As part of the two-hub strategy, Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain and Oman, has inducted more Bahrainis and Omanis as security staff at its key hubs.
This year, 40 Bahrainis, including a female, have been recruited as Gulf Air security staff in Bahrain, while 16 Omanis, including three women, were inducted in Oman. The new recruits have boosted the strength of the Gulf Air security force throughout its network to 164.
The new recruits have been deployed at various locations, including the airports in both countries, Gulf Air’s newly-opened multi-million dollar Flight Training Simulator Centre at the headquarters, technical stores and baggage handling facilities.
“An effective security system is a key ingredient as we deal with a change in our operations at the two hubs,” says Gulf Air Head of Security Rinus Moerdijk.
Gulf Air has reported a strong increase in passenger traffic through its hubs in Bahrain and Muscat during 2005 and in the months behind of 2006.
Premium traffic rose across the Gulf Air network by 26 per cent and Revenue per Available Seat Kilometre (RASK), a key indicator for airline performance, rose by 10 per cent.
Growth was focused at Bahrain airport, which saw passenger numbers rise 7.9 per cent to 3.6 million (2004: 3.3m) and Muscat, which saw numbers rise 15.1% to 1.8m (2004: 1.5m).
“Gulf Air is the national carrier of both Oman and Bahrain and our target was to have more Bahrainis and Omanis in the security team and we are happy to have found eligible candidates,” says Moerdijk.
Working in shifts, responsibilities will include keeping vigilance in the excess baggage and other sensitive areas, checking aircrafts upon departure and arrival in order to comply with international standards and recommendations.
“We selected the new recruits based on a very rigid selection process,” says Gulf Air Bahrain Security Manager Ahmed Ali Abdulkarim. He cites as an example that 40 of the Bahrainis were selected from around 400 applicants.
"We recruited the new candidates based on their previous work experience, physical fitness and general alertness.”
The successful candidates were familiarised with the standard security duties and the need to comply with the international law as applicable to the aviation industry.
The security department is also equipping its security team with additional gadgets such as walkie-talkies, as well as installing state-of-the art surveillance cameras to enhance security of its operations at Gulf Air’s Muharraq headquarters and outstations.
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 50 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 and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
