Gulf Air, in collaboration with City University London, has launched an executive development programme in aviation management for its employees.

A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed by Gulf Air chief executive officer Bjorn Naf and City University London course director for Aviation Management Courses Dr Steve Bond in a ceremony held at Gulf Air headquarters on Tuesday.

'For Gulf Air, people are its most valuable resource and we believe that by equipping them with the right skills and knowledge we can enhance the company's productivity, competitiveness and performance,' said Naf, adding that these programmes also offer career growth opportunities for employees.

'We are very pleased to tie up with City University London, which is one of the very few distinguished universities offering specialised executive development programmes in aviation management.'

Under the partnership, the university offers three post-graduate (MSc), Diploma, and Certificate programmes in Air Transport Management, Air Safety Management and Aircraft Maintenance Management.

All courses will be delivered in Gulf Air premises in Bahrain, by City University faculty.

'We have been successfully running these programmes for several years now serving the needs of aviation professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications and career prospects,' Dr Bond said.

'It is part of our strategic plan to extend our normal academic programmes outside the campus so that working executives can benefit from the vast pool of resources and specialised knowledge of our faculty.'

A batch of 50 employees have registered for the first course, comprising personnel from the operations, technical, cabin services, ground services, customer care, insurance and support services.

'We, at Gulf Air, believe that the quality of employees and their development through training and education are major factors in driving the long-term business success of the company,' Gulf Air vice-president human resources Ahmed Al Banna said.

'By opening up doors for our employees to strengthen their knowledge and skills through such programmes, we are not only building a more efficient, effective and highly motivated team but also enhancing the company's competitive position as an employer of choice.'

'Gulf Air has invested substantially in training and development in order to expand the academic knowledge base of its employees in tune with the demands of industry needs and technology changes,' Gulf Air vice-president Training Capt Chris Ranganathan said.-TradeArabia News Service