Gulf Air's human resources (HR) managers across the globe were urged to join the airline's plans to turn it around in three years.

The call came from president and chief executive Bjorn Naf, who opened Gulf Air's first global HR conference at the Movenpick Hotel on Sunday.

'HR is one of the most important pillars for building the house of Gulf Air,' said Naf.

'HR teams play an important role in productivity improvement and employees' growth. Our vision is aimed at making Gulf Air a profitable airline within three years.'

About 45 managers from 40 stations at Gulf Air global network are attending the two-day conference.

Vice-president, HR, Ahmed Al Banna welcomed the gathering and presented a paper on 'Setting the Business Context - Imperatives for 2008 and Expectations of the Business for the HR Function'.

Al Banna said Gulf Air was committed to the training and development of all its staff.

'We have brought together for the first time our HR managers from around the world because of the focus we put on people, who are our most important asset,' said Al Banna.

'We want to discuss the latest HR theory and practice as part of our development goals.

'Special emphasis will be given to punctuality and better customer services.'

He stressed the importance of sharpening the ideas and skills of people.

Lebanese HR expert Houssam Yaqoob spoke on 'Employee Engagement', and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance deputy director Hussain Ismail spoke on 'Emotional Intelligence'.

The delegates also discussed the outcome of an HR satisfaction survey.

Various departments will make presentations on their projects and services today.-TradeArabia News Service