Gulf Air appoints Bahraini as Country Manager in Manila

Manama, Aug. 27 (BNA): Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier, has appointed Waleed Dagher as the new Country Manager in Manila. Manila is rapidly growing as a premium touristic city and surrounded by beautiful popular holiday destinations throughout the Philippines such as Cebu, Boracay and Palawan in addition to being one of Gulf Air’s busiest routes served by its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the company said. The new country manager will take on the challenge to maintain and gradually increase the airline’s market share in this particular route and subsequently in the feeder markets to and from the Philippines. Gulf Air has been flying passengers to and from Manila since 1979 and it maintains a key role within the strong ties between Bahrain and the Philippines. Gulf Air said that it is committed to invest in its Bahraini workforce and their career development and as such, it continues to provide opportunities for Bahraini nationals to take over senior positions in the company. Up to 90% of Gulf Air employees based at the headquarters in Muharraq and 70% of the pilots are Bahraini nationals. "Gulf Air is proud that it remains a leader in the Bahrainisation programme in the Kingdom as it provides the opportunity for local talents and experienced personnel to work in its various areas of the airline’s business," the company said. Gulf Air launched operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 49 cities in 27 countries.