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Gulf Air's new boss took the helm this week for his first day in charge at the national carrier.
Samer Majali, the newly appointed chief executive officer was welcomed to the airline's head office in Muharraq by Gulf Air's chairman and CEO of Bahrain Mumtalakt Holding Company Talal Al Zain and said he recognised there are 'tough challenges' ahead.
He was given a tour of his new surroundings including the airline's extensive training facilities and spent the afternoon meeting his senior management team.
Mr Majali was appointed following the sudden departure of former chief executive Bjorn Naf at the beginning of July.
Gulf Air has long been a loss-making concern and MPs had lobbied for Mr Naf's removal for some time.
Mr Majali, with his extensive and impressive airline experience is seen as the man to turn the troubled national carrier around.
He previously held the position of president and CEO at Royal Jordanian where under his leadership the airline was transformed into a highly successful and profitable business.
An aeronautical engineering graduate, Mr Majali also earned a Master's in Air Transport Management from Cranfield Institute of technology, UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, UK, was chairman of the board of governors for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) from June 2008 till June 2009 and is currently a Member of the Executive Committee of Arab Air carriers Organisation (AACO) and several other international organisations.
Mr Al Zain said: "I am very pleased that we were able to draw an internationally recognised aviation professional to head Gulf Ar.
"Mr Majali's impressive track record, his leadership skills and cultural awareness are well-suited to the needs of Gulf Air. I am certain that with his experience and worldwide network in the airline industry, Mr Majali will be able to steer our airline forward.
"The Gulf Air management team extends its full support and cooperation in what is a challenging task, to take the airline to greater heights."
Mr Majali said: "It's wonderful to have received such a warm welcome here today. I am looking forward to working with the team at Gulf Air. The airline has a great pioneering history and legacy that has made it the recognised and respected airline it is today.
"It has some tough challenges ahead, as does the entire airline industry which is operating in difficult conditions at the moment. I am here to make sure that the direction the airline is heading in and the decisions that are made are right for Gulf Air and for the Kingdom of Bahrain."
