Gulf Air's new chief executive begins work

Dubai: Andre Dose, a 50-year-old Swiss citizen and Gulf Air's new president and chief executive (PCE), took up his position yesterday.

The position fell vacant with the resignation of James Hogan, who joined Etihad as chief executive last year.

An airline industry veteran with more than 30 years experience, Dose says he is relishing the challenge of reinstating Gulf Air to its rightful position as one of the world's leading airlines.

"There is no doubt that Gulf Air is a strong brand in the aviation industry, both regionally and internationally," he said. "Unfortunately, difficult market conditions over the past few years have transpired to hold back the airline in its ambitious plans. I want to position Gulf Air in its rightful place."

Dose will spend the first few weeks of his tenure fully immersing himself in every area of the company's operations in order to totally acquaint himself with the business, prior to unveiling a new long term business plan.

Dose started his aviation career in the mid 1970s with Swissair, working in various positions. He later became a pilot in the US and later flew for Crossair.

He subsequently held a number of management positions reaching the position of chief executive for this leading European regional airline in 2001.

Later he became the driving force behind the development of Switzerland's new national carrier Swiss, which he left after serving as chief executive officer from 2001 until 2004.

Dose has also served as a consultant for various airlines, organisations and private equity companies, besides being the chairman and member of several airline bodies.

Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and Oman. 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 airline's fleet comprises of 34 aircraft.