What does Gulf Air say about the pilot package?

The A320 first officer vacancy, with a closing date of 31 December 2026, calls the package highly attractive and market-competitive. It lists a competitive tax-free salary, improved flying allowance earnings and a comprehensive medical insurance programme for employees and eligible dependents, plus travel benefits and career development. The A320 captain vacancy that closed on 30 June 2026 used the same wording, with no figures and no difference by rank. Both roles are based at the head office in Bahrain.12

What experience does Gulf Air ask for?

For a direct entry rated A320 first officer, Gulf Air asks for an ICAO ATPL acceptable to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bahrain and either 1500 hours including 250 hours on the A320 family and 500 multi-crew jet hours, or a total of 700 hours of which 500 are on the A320 family. Direct entry A320 captains needed at least 5000 hours, including 1000 hours in command on the A320 family and 1500 hours in command in total, and had to be under 60 years of age.12

Who can join as a second officer?

The A320 second officer vacancy, which closed on 30 September 2025, was open to Bahraini nationals only. It asked for at least a CPL/IR with ATPL theory or an EASA ATPL, a minimum of 100 hours as pilot in command, or 70 hours within an integrated course, a multi-engine instrument rating and an MCC course.3

Is there a collective agreement for Gulf Air pilots?

Gulf Air signed a Collective Labour Agreement with the Gulf Air Pilots Trade Union (GAPTU) in July 2024, settling a longstanding dispute over pilot employment terms and allowances. Group chief executive Jeffrey Goh said it sets the terms for current pilots' allowances and a foundation for future pilot employment under the Bahraini Labour Law. In December 2019 Gulf Air said all its second officers and 96 percent of its first officers were Bahraini, with the aim of 100 percent Bahrainisation of its captains by 2030.56

Which benefits apply to all staff?

Gulf Air says the range and level of benefits depend on the position and are explained during recruitment. Staff receive primary medical care at the airline's facilities in Muharraq, concessional tickets for themselves and certain family members, and an annual leave ticket home at the airline's expense. Paid sick leave and annual leave are also part of the offer.4

When did Gulf Air pilots form a union?

Gulf Daily News reported in March 2019 that Gulf Air pilots had formed their own trade union, the first of its kind in the GCC, after a staffing shortage led to flight cancellations. Chief executive Krešimir Kucko said at the time that more than 70 per cent of Gulf Air pilots were Bahraini and that the airline employed 362 pilots. In August 2020 the chairman, Zayed R Alzayani, received the union leadership and congratulated its president, Captain Anwar Noor, on its formation. Arab News reported on 28 July 2024 that the collective labour agreement with the union settled a longstanding dispute over pilot employment terms and allowances.789