Around 270 former Gulf Air crew are set for a grand reunion to be staged in the kingdom on Friday, coinciding with the airline’s 75th anniversary this year.
While Bahrain-based ex-staff will attend, many more will be flying in from different countries to rekindle fond memories with old colleagues and friends.
The gathering will happen at the Golden Tulip in Manama and will be followed by a series of other meetups until December 2, including traditional Bahraini breakfast at Bab Al Bahrain and sightseeing and cultural activities.
Retired Bahraini cabin crew member Waleed Buhammod, aged 65, who worked with the national carrier for almost 27 years, decided to organise the event, following a successful get-together last year. “We had a gathering with about 40 of us living in Bahrain, last Ramadan,” Mr Buhammod told the GDN.
“It was well received and, since then, I have been thinking of doing something on a bigger scale. I got in touch with people and made a WhatsApp group. There was an overwhelming response,” he added.
Mr Waleed revealed that some of those who will be attending the reunion will be returning to the kingdom after more than 30 years, such as 74-year-old Brit Yvonne Ryce. The former air hostess and trainer reminisced her 23-year ‘remarkable’ career and the friendships she forged along the way.
“I joined Gulf Air in 1977, eager to experience life in a new country with its different culture and customs,” said the pensioner, who currently divides her time between Dundee in Scotland and the South of France, where she lives with her partner.
She was a cabin crew member for five years. After that, she instructed other young recruits on the art and was appointed manager for cabin service training. She left in 2000.
“Those years gave me the privilege of working with a truly multinational team. What was meant to be a two-year adventure, turned into something so beautiful,” she added, highlighting the rich legacy of the airline.
Gulf Air was formally incorporated in 1950 as Gulf Aviation Company, a private air taxi service founded by former Royal Air Force pilot Freddy Bosworth. Following his death in 1951, the British Overseas Airways Corporation bought a major share in the airline. In 1974, it was renamed Gulf Air and became the flag carrier for the four shareholding states of Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE. Bahrain acquired full ownership in 2007.
The airline presently has more than 60 international destinations on its network.
Travelling to new destinations and exploring the world together is the memory that former captain Ismaeel Abdulla holds most dear. The 68-year-old retired three years ago and is thrilled to be catching up with is peers at the reunion.
“Those long flights, the late-night layovers, and the spontaneous moments of laughter created memories that have stayed with me,” the Riffa Views resident, who flew Gulf Air for 45 years, noted. “Working at Gulf Air was a very special experience, surrounded by an amazing, professional and genuinely friendly team.
“I have had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people. Those were the days of the Golden Falcon – a beautiful chapter of my life – one I will always cherish.”
Friendships and old bonds are also what is drawing Indian expatriate Radhika Bhattacharyya Shah to the kingdom after more than 25 years.
“I am eagerly looking forward to rekindle the friendships formed in Bahrain and wish to specially mention Neelam Sharma, Amina Rahimun and Ella Mandeel who still live there,” said Ms Shah, who first arrived in the kingdom in 1986 as a Gulf Air cabin crew. Her stint with the airline paved the way for an illustrious career.
“I spent 12 wonderful years in Bahrain, which truly became my home. During this time, I gained invaluable lessons in leadership, management, training, recruitment, computer technology and customer relations, which continue to inspire and support my journey.
“When I left Gulf Air as senior customer relations officer, I embarked on a new chapter at the United Nations, serving as special assistant for political and humanitarian matters to the Under-Secretary-General,” revealed the highflier, who is currently the spokesperson for India’s ruling party – the Bharatiya Janata Party.
“This reunion will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with so many friends after almost three decades,” she added.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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