Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, has named Swiss citizen André Dosé as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Dosé, an airline industry veteran with more than 30 years experience in the aviation business, will take office on April 1, 2007.
"I am pleased that we were able to draw an internationally recognised professional in the person of André Dosé as the new CEO of our airline," says Chairman of the Gulf Air Board of Directors and Oman's Minister of Transport and Communication His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Harthy.
"I am optimistic that with his experience and worldwide network in the airline industry, André Dosé will make a significant contribution to our airline's further growth."
Dosé, who has worked in nearly every division of the airline industry, is delighted with his appointment as the chief of the world class airline.
"During the past three years I continued my involvement in the airline industry through a number of consulting jobs. But to return to the top of an international airline is a source of great satisfaction and a challenge," says André Dosé on his appointment as CEO of Gulf Air. "I am convinced that the experience and contacts I was able to gather during my career at SWISS will prove very useful."
Prior to airline pilot training in the United States, he attended aviation school in Geneva. Upon his return to Switzerland he first became a pilot for Crossair, then filled a number of management positions including Chief Executive Officer for this leading European regional airline. After the collapse of the Swissair Group in October 2001, he was the driving force behind the development of Switzerland's new national carrier SWISS.
Dose is credited with several achievements in his top job at SWISS; he was named the "Airline Executive of the Year 2002" by the Airline World Magazine and Switzerland's "Entrepreneur of the Year 2002" by the Zurich Business Journalist Association.
Under his stewardship, the airline also won several awards including the "Business Traveler Award 2004" by Business Traveler Magazine and "Best European Airline Award" in 2003 from World Travel Award.
Dose has also served as a consultant for various airlines, organizations and private equity companies, besides being the chairman and member of several airline bodies.
Dosé, who will turn 50 in May this year, speaks three languages _ German, English and French _ fluently. He is married and the father of three children.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. 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 ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
