Minister warns Bahrain MPs to stop meddling for the good of Gulf Air

Gulf Air has been struggling to persuade candidates to step up for the chief executives job, because of fears of government interference.

Bahrain’s national tabloid, Gulf Daily News, has reported that transport minister Kamal Ahmed (pictured right) told MPs that is was a problem for the airline’s next stage of revival.
"For 12 months we have been searching for a chief executive officer, but no one wants to work because experts don't want interference from the government or parliament in their work, and despite assurances, no one is willing to accept the job," the newspaper quoted the minister as saying.
Mr Ahmed was also quoted as saying internationally acclaimed airline managers had been approached, but had declined the job. "Top Bahraini experts have been approached, but they too refused to accept, because they don't want to be powerless and want to be real decision makers," he said.
The minister is due to announce full audited financial results within the next few weeks, but speaking to parliament he said losses had dropped from around $530million in 2012 to $237 million last year.
He predicted losses will drop to as low as $186 milion under the plan to revolutionise the national carrier and steer it into future profitability.
He warned MPs about the problems caused by the constant interference. "I can't say that there are no major problems until today in Gulf Air, but MPs have to stop speaking negatively because employees then lack motivation and don't see a future in the airline, opting to move elsewhere."
The parliament approved the BD185m bailout package given to Gulf Air by Royal decree in 2012, despite a recommendation from its financial and economic affairs committee to reject it. The bill will now be reviewed by the Shura Council.