Flying high with Gulf Air

April 12 is celebrated as the World Aviation and Astronautics Day.  It is celebrated in honour of the historic first manned space flight on April 12, 1961 by 27-year-old Russian cosmonaut Yuri Alekseevich Gagarin of the USSR.  On this day, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Gulf Air, Captain Nasser Al Salmi, speaks about his career and experience in the field. 

He started out his career with Gulf Air in 1988 as a cadet pilot. Captain Nasser took on his first management role as Assistant Chief Pilot in February 2002, and went on to become Manager A320 Fleet Training, Chief Pilot A320 Fleet, Acting Head of Flight Operations, Acting Vice President Flight Operations and then Chief Pilot. 

In November 2008 he became Director of Flight Operations and has recently taken over as Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure with Gulf Air, Captain Nasser has attended several specialist management training courses and currently holds a valid license to operate on the Airbus A330/A340. Excerpts from the interview:

What does the Chief Operating Officer (COO) do?

As Gulf Air Chief Operating Officer, I am responsible for the airline’s daily operations, ensuring safe, stable and efficient aircraft operations that are in compliance with the requirements of a regulatory body. I oversee and direct Gulf Air’s internal operations, including everything from ground operations, security, safety, training and cabin services. 

What is the most challenging aspect of being the COO?

I work around the clock, reacting to events and managing individuals and teams across the globe. Gulf Air’s goal is to provide flexible, convenient travel while reflecting the values of Arabian hospitality for which the airline is renowned. 

What do you love about your job? 

This is a highly dynamic industry and it’s reflected in my role. There is minimal routine and we are constantly managing novel situations and adapting to continually evolving situations and environments. I thrive on the energy of my job and the flexibility and adaptability it allows me to nurture and develop.  

Did you always want to be a pilot?

It was always my ambition and dream to become a pilot. I’m sure it’s not uncommon for youths to dream of flying and navigating the skies. I was fortunate enough to have various opportunities presented to me that brought me to where I am today. It was my dream as a child and, today, it is a dream that I have realised and that I live out, day by day.

Tell us about your first flight…

My first flight was in 1989 upon first joining Gulf Air – I flew on the Bahrain – Muscat route – a short but truly memorable flight as it was my first experience piloting a commercial flight.

What’s your most memorable flight?

Gulf Air’s Bahrain – New York service was one of the airline’s most remarkable and memorable in my opinion. I enjoyed this transatlantic route for the sheer exhilaration of both operating this flight and being a member of the Gulf Air family when we were the first Gulf carrier on this non-stop route. 

What advice would you pass on to someone who wants to be a pilot?

Myriad advice can be given to new entrants into the field of aviation. This is a dynamic industry and one requires: hard work, dedication and constant self-improvement. For anyone new to the airline business, I would stress the importance of constant learning in order to remain abreast and at the forefront of any developments and changes.

Could you share with us your comments on World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day?

Pierre Georges Latécoère, an early French aviation entrepreneur and a pioneer of aeronautics once said about aviation: “All the calculations show it can’t work. There’s only one thing to do: Make it work.”

Aviation today is a vital resource to the world in many ways yet the wonder behind the concept of flight remains unchanged. It is amazing that the concept of flight exists today and that aviation as an industry continues to evolve and progress at the pace that it does. In every way, it is an inspiration to us all.