Two new managers have joined Gulf Air's Distribution and e-Commerce Department.
John Matthews assumes the position of Manager Global Distribution System (GDS) Strategies. An Indian national, John brings with him more than 10 years experience from Galileo International – a leading electronic global distribution services provider for the travel industry – where he worked in different positions.
In his new position, he will manage the relationships Gulf Air has with the GDS providers. He will also be working on the improved processes to streamline the GDS usage by travel agents.
Nicola Simionato, an Italian national, joins Gulf Air as e-Commerce Manager to manage the online sales through Gulf Air's web site Gulfairco.com. His responsibilities include usability of the booking process, managing products sold online and ensuring that all back-end processes are fully aligned to support the online strategy.
Nicola, an engineering graduate from the University of Padova, comes from Alitalia, where he was a Commercial Web Development Manager. He has more than five years experience in Alitalia's web sales department. Previously, he has held positions as Web Project Manager, Web Master and Web designer in several companies.
"The travel marketplace is a global arena, where travel agents and the public on one hand and airlines, etc. on the other, work together to transact various travel services," says Gulf Air Vice President Sales and Marketing Lee Shave.
"Global distribution systems have become electronic supermarkets seamlessly linking them so that reservations can be made quickly and easily. Our focus will be towards cost saving, streamlining processes and manage the distribution utilisation towards better cost per booking.
Gulf Air Head of Distribution and e-Commerce Lars Denlew says John and Nicola join the company with a wealth of experience and expertise in the distribution and e-Commerce domain, which will be an added strength to Gulf Air's already well-established ecommerce set up.
“Our e-Commerce focus is to further develop this very important direct distribution to our customers, e.g. easier and more accessible booking online to both save costs and give better products and services to our customers,” he adds.
“e-Commerce plays a vital role in the entire gamut of today's business, not just limited to airline. I am sure our new managers will be able to use their expertise and experience in achieving these goals.”
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
