Gulf Air to downsize

By PRAVEEN MENON | REUTERS

Published: Jan 25, 2012 23:25 Updated: Jan 28, 2012 22:10

DUBAI: Bahrain’s struggling national carrier Gulf Air, hit by falling passenger numbers as anti-government protests continue in the tiny island kingdom, will shrink operations and seek cash from government funds, its chief executive said on Wednesday. 

The move is in contrast to Middle East competitors such as Etihad, Qatar Airways and Dubai-based Emirates which have been expanding their networks.

“The downsizing will affect the network and affect the fleet,” CEO Samer Majali said. He said staff numbers would not be affected. 

The airline could tap Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, which has a stake in the carrier.  

Bahraini newspaper Gulf Daily News reported on Wednesday that the government is considering options including dissolving or shrinking the airline, or selling it and creating a new  carrier at a cost of 460 million dinars ($1.22 billion). 

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HARI DAMMAM

Jan 30, 2012 13:56

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Gulfair's poor service is the main cause of loss of revenue. I am a victim of Gulf air service. They collect passangers daily from Dammem KIng Fahad International Airport and drop at Manama. When ask about connection flghts for asian countries, the staff at Transit desk said, the FLIGHT IS FULL and you can go only tomorrow. If you question them, they will answer, check with Gulf Air Mangement. This not possible, because no responsible staff availble at that time. So suffer and wait for the next day flight. We don't know this is a trick to get revenue for Baharain Hotels

I advised all my friends and relatives to avoid Gulf Air

Hari, Dammam
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