The Gulf Air Board of Directors has decided today to appoint Chief Operating Officer Björn Näf as the Acting President and Chief Executive for Bahrain’s national carrier in addition to his duties. Mr. Näf’s appointment came after a meeting by the Board members at the Gulf Air Headquarters. The search for a permanent President and Chief Executive has begun and is open for Bahrainis and other nationalities; the selection of which will be based on their qualifications and experience.

Mr. Näf, who brings across the broad experience in aviation industry, has been instrumental in implementing the new revamped network launched on July 1. He is also spearheading an initiative to boost the carrier’s punctuality, which is improving everyday under his command.

The new network, based on a ‘wave’ model, offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline.

Näf’s proven multi-tasking capabilities gained over the years in the air travel industry suits his new role perfectly. The 42-year-old executive had begun his aviation carrier in 1990 with airline pilot training in the US and Switzerland.

From the early 1990s to late 2000, he served in various departments at Crossair. Mr. Näf also served as the Executive Vice President Product and Services for Swiss International Air Lines overseeing cabin crew, ground services, operations control center, product management and development and also customer services. He has also served as captain for Crossair Ltd., Switzerland.

He then went on to graduate from Harvard Business School in Boston, United States after completing an advanced management programme.

Mr. Näf joined Gulf Air from Transafrik International, Kenya, where, as the Chief Executive Officer, he oversaw the international cargo, humanitarian and relief flights for the United Nations.

Married to Andrea and father of two boys Dominik and Gian, Mr. Näf enjoys glider-flying, skiing and tennis.
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