Gulf nationals are being given the opportunity to embark on a career as a pilot with Gulf Air.
The first group of 11 applicants, aged between 19 and 35 years, have successfully completed the cadet pilot selection procedure at Gulf Air’s Manama-based training headquarters.
Gulf Air is now sponsoring their training through an approved Flying Training Organisation providing them with a basic Commercial Pilot’s License.
“If they successfully complete the initial 18 month flying programme, they will be employed as Second Officers thus commencing careers as commercial airline Pilots,” said Gulf Air vice President Human Resources Tariq Sultan.
He said more than 600 applications from Abu Dhabi, Oman and Bahrain were received for the much sought after positions. To be selected for the Cadet Pilot programme, applicants had to satisfy a number of criteria, including being a National of Gulf Air’s Owner States, a high school graduate with a science stream or a university graduate and participate in Gulf Air’s rigorous assessment process for this very responsible role.
“This programme is part of Gulf Air’s Gulf National Training programme,” said Sultan. “Through this campaign we are committed to giving greater employment choices to qualified Gulf Nationals who wish to join an airline that reflects the regional heritage and hospitality, and one of which they can be proud.
“In addition to the cadet training and pilot training programmes, we have initiated a number of other projects including the Graduate Entry Management Programme, Summer Trainee and Apprentice Engineer which take a major step towards us ensuring the most talented individuals enter the growing ranks of Gulf Air, and thereby help contribute to the airline’s continued success and reputation.”
Gulf Air employs more than 418 pilots, 47 per cent of whom are Gulf nationals.
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is 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. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.
The airline, in the last year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive James Hogan, is making rapid strides towards regaining profitability in 2005 and aims to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.
The dramatic turnaround in Gulf Air’s fortunes has won international recognition. In January 2004, 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, recognising the airline’s commitment to service excellence.
Winner - Middle East and 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
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005
