Gulf Air has announced the appointment of Krešimir Kučko to the role of chief executive officer.

He steps into the role with immediate effect.

Zayed Bin Rashid Alzayani, chairman of the Gulf Air board of directors, said: “On behalf of the airline’s board of directors and executive management team I welcome Kučko to the Gulf Air family.

“He brings with him exceptional industry knowledge that I am confident will add considerable value to our business and I look forward to the journey ahead for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier.”

Kučko brings a wealth of international aviation experience to his new position at Gulf Air, having held roles in the airline industry for the past 25 years.

He joins the airline’s recently appointed deputy chief executive officer, Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi, at a significant time in the airline’s history as it prepares to receive a new fleet consisting of 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft due for delivery commencing in early 2018.

The modern fleet will herald a new era for Gulf Air as it continues to enhance its product and service offering.

Kučko previously served as Croatia Airlines president and chief executive.

He is a member of several highly-ranked associations; such as the Croatian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, as well as SKAL Club Zurich, BAR Swiss and Benelux, Star Alliance, CSC in Belgium and CSC in the Netherlands, where he was voted vice-chairman in 2012 and appointed chairman for 2013.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East.

Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 42 cities in 25 countries spanning three continents.