Gulf Air Vice President for Information Technology Jalal Al Qassab has been selected as the top IT Manager for year 2005, by ACN and ITP Consulting Group - the largest magazine publisher and the leading recruitment and executive search company in the region.
Mr Al Qassab also happens to be the only Bahraini on the list of top 10 IT Managers compiled by the magazine.
He was chosen for this coveted award ahead of a number of high profile CIOs from leading industries, including airlines, from the region.
"Year 2005 witnessed several IT initiatives aligned to Gulf Air’s corporate strategy. In IT, our focus is to enable Gulf Air conduct its business efficiently by deploying technology more effectively," says Mr Al Qassab.
"We've developed what is possibly the largest and most sophisticated Customer Contact Centre in the region based wholly on IP technologies. We are in the process of rolling out Oracle eBusiness modules, commissioning a data warehouse and a management information system. Also we have launched paperless travel for our passengers on selected routes, enhanced our internet sales channel significantly and currently we are focusing on turning our customer travel experience into a delightful one.
"Our focus is on leveraging technological advancements to enable Gulf Air enhance business, gain efficiencies, drive down cost and optimise revenue. Thus as a business enabler, IT contributes to the continuous success of our airline. More than a personal triumph, I consider this as an award for Gulf Air recognising its endeavor to distinguish itself in the region.”
He said Gulf Air, under the leadership of its President and Chief Executivde James Hogan, continues to make tremendous strides forward, despite severe competitions from other airlines and challenges from the markets.
“Our corporate aim is to transform the airline’s services and operations to conform to best industry practices and thus render the traveler a journey experience that is second to none. As IT, our role is to support the corporate goals by delivering state of the art business enabling solutions and make Gulf Air a ‘boutique airline’,” concludes Mr Al Qassab.
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 Leading First Class Airline, World Travel Awards 2005
Winner – World’s Leading Airport Lounge, World Travel Awards 2005
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
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2006
