Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has announced the appointment of John Anderson as General Manager South Africa.
Mr Anderson, a British national, moves from Mumbai, India, where he was Gulf Air General Manager-India, for almost 11 years. In what is one of Gulf Air’s busiest and most important stations, Anderson was responsible for 78 weekly services from seven Indian cities to Gulf Air’s three hubs.
Launching a new destination, Gulf Air is to launch its services into Johannesburg on December 3, is not new to Anderson as he introduced three new Indian destinations in 2003 – Cochin, Bangalore and Calcutta, adding to existing routes of Bombay, Delhi, Trivandrum and Madras. He led a team of 200 own staff and 200 GSA staff.
“Gulf Air is, in fact, returning to South Africa after an absence of more than eight years,” says Gulf Air Vice President Sales and Marketing Danny Barranger.
“Our decision to return was based on the fact that there is a rapidly growing contact between South Africa and the Gulf for business and tourism and John’s extensive airline experience, coupled with his familiarity of launch programmes will ensure that Gulf Air’s re-introduction in the South African market gets off to the best possible start.”
Anderson’s career in the aviation industry spans more than 30 years, of which over 11 have been with Gulf Air.
A graduate of the Institute of Transport, he did an apprenticeship with British Overseas Air Corporation (BOAC). He then joined Swissair, with whom he was to work for more than 20 years in a variety of positions including sales and telemarketing. His last position was that of Manager - Midlands.
In Gulf Air he was General Manager Offline Europe in London from 1999 – 2002, General Manager UK, Ireland AND Scandinavia also based in London from 1997 – 1999 and Market Development manager for Europe and America from 1994 – 1996.
“I am delighted to be in Johannesburg. The market here has enormous potential and I am particularly delighted to be carrying the flag for Gulf Air at this exciting time in our route expansion programme,” he said.
“At the same time the current market is extremely challenging, but Gulf Air is well equipped to meet those challenges with an array of products and services that are second to none, especially the First and business class offering which is unmatched globally.”
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is presently owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the region.
More than half a century later, the regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central in defining the brand and service ethos within the contemporary and global environment.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft.
Under President and Chief Executive James Hogan, the successful implementation of the first phase of a restructuring programme, which commenced in 2003, has resulted in the establishment of a platform for sustained commercial operation.
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 ‘boutique airline’ vision.
The dramatic turnaround in fortunes has won international recognition. 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, which recognised the airline’s commitment to service excellence. Other awards include:
Winner - Middle East & 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
