HP and Gulf Air Take-Off to the Cloud

Mobilk - HP today announced that it is working with Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, for the supply and support of their innovative enterprise IT infrastructure, with a special focus on security and performance. 

Gulf Air has introduced several improvements in its IT operations, including the recent introduction of private cloud computing for quicker and more efficient business operations, resulting in enhanced customer service. They have also adopted several ‘green IT’ solutions, including a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient data center that is recognized as one of the most environment-friendly in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

At a recent visit to the Gulf Air headquarters in Muharraq, Bahrain, a senior HP delegation, led by Eyad Shihabi, managing director, HP Middle East, met with the airline’s executive management team, led by Maher Salman AlMusallam, Gulf Air Acting CEO, to review the existing architecture and plan ahead for enhancement. 

Gulf Air A/CEO Maher Salman AlMusallam commented on the two organizations’ lengthy association, saying: “Thanks, in part, to HP’s superior levels of security and performance, Gulf Air sees a reliable partner in HP upon whom we have depended over the years to support the airline’s critical environments. Our relationship is a testament to the airline’s commitment to constantly improve and innovate in our operations and provide the latest and best technology solutions in the interests of our passengers.”

“The implementation of private cloud computing made the need to standardize on the same platform much more immediate,” said Gulf Air Director Information Technology, Dr. Jassim Haji. “In 2009 Gulf Air standardized on HP’s server architecture based on blade technology, thereby enabling the implementation of private cloud computing in 2010. This standardization was not limited to servers only: Gulf Air also standardized its end-users’ workstations, portable computers and other consumables. HP’s support throughout this process was critical to our success.”

“At HP, we pride ourselves on our ability to consult with leading organizations in various industry verticals and build the most effective enterprise IT architecture for their operations,” said Eyad Shihabi. “Our work with Gulf Air over more than two decades has helped them experience significant benefits and competitive advantages.”

“Gulf Air is one of the most iconic brands in Bahrain, and their focus on efficient IT with a view to a differentiated customer experience is what sets them apart,” said Omar Draghmeh, managing director, HP Bahrain and Kuwait. “As primary infrastructure providers for Gulf Air’s IT division, we are happy to work alongside the airline as they continuously seek to enhance their IT services. HP brings significant value to this pursuit through our vast global and regional experience.”

Photo Caption (from right to left): Gulf Air Manager IT Technical services Fadhel Mandani, Bajhanudean Omar, HP Solution Manager - Global Support Delivery – Middle East, Rami Azar HP Enterprise Sales Manager – Bahrain, Gulf Air Director Information Technology Dr Jassim Haji, Eyad Shihabi, HP Managing Director – Middle East, Gulf Air A/CEO Maher Salman AlMusallam, Omar Draghme HP Managing Director – Kuwait & Bahrain, Nuno Ferreira HP Global Support Delivery Manager – Middle East and Gulf Air A/Senior Manager IT Infrastructure, Fawzan Alaliwat.