Gulf Air has begun its restructuring process to reduce losses and better serve its customers and Bahrain, following the appointment of a new Board of Directors in November last year, led by Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain. The plan includes strengthening of Gulf Air's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations to ensure that its core customer base is served more effectively and efficiently while taking appropriate measures to reduce losses. Consequently, the airline has already closed eight commercially unviable routes. Gulf Air's realigned network, will continue to operate to destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Far East and India offering flexible and multiple flight options while maintaining strategic links with selected European, Far East and Indian subcontinent markets. The realignment of the network will allow the airline to use its fleet and resources in the most efficient way in MENA markets by moving away from low-yield transit traffic and concentrating on high-demand and high-yield point-to-point routes to connect Bahraini businesses with regional markets. The restructuring process will ensure that Gulf Air continues to hold a leadership position in the Middle East by operating the largest regional network. The airline, known for achieving the highest on-time performance in the region, will continue to maintain and improve its operational efficiency and reliability. Gulf Air will simplify its fleet to meet its revised network and flight schedule, operating a mix of wide and narrow body aircraft with one of the youngest fleets in the region (4.3 years). It will continue to offer its hallmark Arabian hospitality accompanied by its award winning customer service and leading on-time-performance reinforcing its position as the region's most family and business friendly airline. All cost elements of the business will be rationalized. Gulf Air's workforce requirement will be aligned to meet the operational, maintenance and administrative needs of the revised fleet and network. The introduction of a simplified structure will drive organizational efficiency, increase productivity and align accountabilities to the success of the organization. – SG
