Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom Bahrain, has appointed a Bahraini to lead its network operations. Hashim Mahmood, who has more than three decades of aviation experience with Gulf Air, including 20 years in network planning, was appointed vice president network.

“Hashim is the ideal candidate for this job with his solid network and aviation experience in the region,” says Gulf Air Acting President and Chief Executive Bjorn Naf.

“He was a key player in introducing Gulf Air’s new revamped network which has been successfully implemented since July and needless to say that we are confident that his mindset will help Gulf Air achieve its desired goals,” says Mr. Naf.

The new revamped network implemented on July 1 enabled Gulf Air to offer more than 500 weekly flights in the Middle East, more than any other carrier in the region. Mr. Mahmood, who began his aviation career in 1976, was delighted with his appointment.

“I am delighted and proud to be able to serve my national carrier and I hope to be able to add more value in this challenging role to the airline which has been a pioneer for aviation in the region,” says Mr. Mahmood.

“I thank the management for entrusting me with such a crucial position that affects all areas of the business and I look forward to facing new challenges ahead in this exciting role.”