Bahrain to privatise Gulf Air as soon as possible

Bahrain's Government plans to privatise Gulf Air as soon as possible, following positive results in its restructuring programme (Reuters, 25-Jul-2010). Bahrain Economic Development Board Chief Executive, Sheikh Mohammed bin Essa al-Khalifa, stated the carrier could return to profit within a year. Sheikh Mohammed stated in Feb-2010 that Gulf Air would be privatised within approximately 12 months. He added the carrier's return to profits and subsequent sale would not be made at the expense of "Bahrainis involved".