A Sudden Loss of Fleet

At this link, ASW reported upon the severe corrosion problem that GulfAir had discovered in their 767 fleet. The fleet had been being serviced locally by GAMCO but is now in the TLC of SR Technics in Dublin Ireland. GulfAir Acting President and Chief Executive, Ahmed Al Hammadi, said yesterday that replacing the nine Boeing 767, which were grounded recently, would be part of a first phase which would eventually lead to the overhaul of their entire fleet of 34 aircraft. He indicated an intent to eventually acquire a fleet of A350 or 787 aircraft. With composite fuselages, the blight of corrosion should be restricted to the few metal components and the 15% increase in efficiencies should help to restore profit margins under increased regional competition.

However he also acknowledged that the availability of new aircraft wasn't good, and wouldn't soon improve - mainly because of the take-up by Indian and Chinese airlines of available production-line positions. Availability of quality second-hand aircraft was similarly poor. Al Hammadi also indicated that one of the reasons for adopting offshore outsourced maintenance was the strictly limited parking and hangar space available to the airline. GulfAir is soon to acquire a new Chief Executive. He is expected to restructure the ailing airline and point it in some new directions globally.