SALAH AHMED ALABDI
Al Muharraq,Bahrain
Summary
To attain a senior position in a prestigious organization where I can leverage my skills and experience to contribute significantly to the company's success.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
40
40
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Airlines & Stakeholder Management
Bahrain Airport Company
, Kingdom of Bahrain
05.2013 - Current
- Hold primary responsibility for managing all aspects of airline customer relationships and airport stakeholder interactions, excluding specific customer airline matters.
- Continuously strive to provide exceptional service to airline customers, promptly addressing concerns and proactively anticipating needs.
- Report directly to the Chief Airport Operations Officer.
- Collaborate closely with operating airlines and airport stakeholders to offer executive support, optimizing services and performance at Bahrain International Airport (BIA).
- Facilitate effective communication and coordination with airlines, Ground Handler (BAS), various regulatory and governmental entities, and other stakeholders.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for airline customers, accountable for driving continuous improvement in operations and customer relations.
- Focus on building strong, successful, and long-term relationships with existing and future airline partners, supporting them from initial analysis through operational start-up phases.
Senior Manager Ground Services
Bahrain Air
, Kingdom of Bahrain
01.2011 - 02.2013
- Directed and controlled all aspects of ground operations activities for airports, cargo, and ramp services, ensuring adherence to corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Maintained the highest standards of customer service, punctuality, reliability, security, and safety.
- Served as the nominated post holder for Ground Operations functions.
- Ensured safe, efficient, and economical handling of BN flights in compliance with JAR, IATA, AACO, and ICAO regulations.
- Managed efficient ground operations across the network, upholding high-quality safety and customer service standards.
- Developed, maintained, and recommended ground operations policies, procedures, and KPIs for airport, cargo, and ramp services.
- Directed the development of improvement programs for customer service enhancements.
- Analyzed and measured the effectiveness of passenger, cargo, and ramp handling procedures, service levels, and KPIs at stations, initiating corrective actions and directing changes based on operational needs.
- Maintained commercial awareness of regional performance issues, including competitor activities, and took tactical actions as necessary to inform management.
Manager Airport System & IT Infrastructure
Gulf Air
, Kingdom of Bahrain
03.2007 - 06.2010
- Developed and recommended timely, efficient, and cost-effective technology solutions for airport services operations.
- Ensured the successful and effective implementation of automated airport systems, meeting all user requirements within target dates.
- Undertook system administration tasks, including data loads, database administration, troubleshooting, problem identification, and execution of solutions while maintaining data integrity and security.
- Managed dynamic 24/7 support and coherent help-desk services for Gulf Air's mission-critical systems (Hosted Systems) across the network.
- Ensured consistent and smooth overall operations of Hosted Systems, including Reservations System, DCS System, ACSI, Load Manager, Gate Reader, Cargo Systems, and E-Ticketing.
Assistant Manager Hotel & Transportation
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)
, Kingdom of Bahrain
11.2006 - 03.2007
- Managed and controlled all aspects of flights, transportation, hotel accommodations, and meet-and-greet arrangements for BIC guests at Bahrain Airport and hotels during events, particularly the Formula One (F1) event.
- Coordinated the arrivals and departures of VIP, CIP guests, officials, teams, and drivers.
- Participated in contract negotiations and agreements related to hotel accommodations and transportation services for BIC.
Operation & System Support Analyst
Gulf Air
, Kingdom of Bahrain
10.2005 - 11.2006
- Supervised the IT Help Desk, providing online system support to stations throughout the network on a 24-hour shift cycle.
- Delivered excellent customer service, enhanced by the introduction of Early Check-In services for First and Business Class customers.
Customer Services Support Officer
Gulf Air
, Kingdom of Bahrain
03.1998 - 10.2005
- Oversaw various customer handling areas of airport operations, ensuring the highest standards of service and adherence to safe and secure working procedures.
Central Load Control Officer
Gulf Air
, Kingdom of Bahrain
05.1993 - 03.1998
- Ensured the daily overall operation of the Departure Control System across the Gulf Air network.
- Managed and coordinated the efficient processing of passengers, baggage, and cargo within GF Airport Operations by liaising with various agencies.
Purchasing Officer/Materials Checker & Expediter/Storekeeper/Export, Import Clearance
Gulf Air
, Kingdom of Bahrain
05.1987 - 05.1993
- Responsible for purchasing and paying for all items from the local market (Bahrain).
- Ensured all commercial materials delivered to Gulf Air stores were checked, cleared, and stock counted.
- Handled all import and export materials for GF commercial operations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Technical & Mechanical Study
Manama Secondary Technical School & Bahrain University
Manama , Bahrain 07.1985 - 11.2025
Skills
- Product Innovation & Development Management
- Team Building
- Training & Leadership
- Cross-Cultural Communications & Protocol
- Technology Optimization
- Cost Model Development
- Goal-Setting & Business Planning
- Partnership & Alliance Formation
- Productivity Improvement & Profitability Enhancement
Accomplishments
- New Passengers Terminal Building: Contributed to the successful transition from the old terminal to the new terminal, earning a Recognition Certificate from the Ministry of Transportation for outstanding efforts and support.
- ORAT Committee: Actively engaged in the ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) committee from 01/01/17 to the grand opening on 01/28/21, representing BAC terminal and airlines.
- Certified Trainer: Achieved certification as a trainer for the AMP Programme under ORAT Training with Fraport.
- ORAT Familiarization Trainer: Completed the ORAT Familiarization Trainer session with the highest number of completed sessions and trainees.
- Airport Operation Control Center (APOC): Assigned and successfully introduced the APOC, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Customer Relations: Built and maintained strong relationships with airline customers and all BIA stakeholders.
- Reporting System: Designed and implemented a daily accurate reporting line system using DATA between the airport terminal and other departments, linked with BAC's internal portal center.
- Monthly Reports & KPI: Introduced the monthly Airport Operations flash report and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Airlines Checklist: Developed and introduced a checklist to fulfill mandatory BIA operations requirements.
- New Terminal Building Task Force: Represented the airport department in the task force for the new terminal building, identifying opportunities to enhance the passenger experience and distinguish BAC from competitors.
- Process Flow Presentation: Delivered a presentation to the CEO on crew process flow, passenger trolleys, and ground transportation within the existing terminal.
- Passenger Information System: Collaborated with ICT and commercial teams to set up a system for airlines to send passenger information and flight movement messages through SITA messages.
- Airline Survey & Feedback: Introduced an airline survey and feedback mechanism to assess customer needs and satisfaction with various facilities and processes.
- Security Checkpoint Enhancement: Revived the implementation of security checkpoints and supported BAC security/ICT teams in re-training airport police staff to enhance checkpoint efficiency and passenger flow.
- Commercial Team Collaboration: Fostered strong relationships with the commercial team, participating in meetings, events, and conferences to seek new business development opportunities from airline customer relationships.
- Ground Services Department Revamp: Successfully led the revival of the Ground Services Department, overseeing the control of ground operations for the entire outstation network and Bahrain Airport Hub. Designed a task force and achieved a full restructure within 3 months, significantly ahead of the 6-month timeframe.
- Ancillary Revenue Generation: Introduced and established new methods to generate ancillary revenue within the Ground Operations Department.
- Revenue Target Exceedance: Surpassed the revenue target by 9% through policy changes related to excess baggage, seat requests, and last-minute upgrades.
- Reservation System Cutover: Managed the operational cutover from the old reservation system to the in-house DART booking system in 06/01/11, serving as the dedicated project manager for 9 stations, completing the transition within one year.
- Managerial Development Plan: Introduced and implemented an on-the-job managerial development plan that led to successful outcomes.
- Manpower Cross-Utilization Plan: Developed and introduced a manpower cross-utilization plan, resulting in improved staff capabilities.
- SMART Objectives: Designed a SMART objective format for the entire network's manpower, aligning with Human Resources.
- Presentation to Airport Managers: Delivered a comprehensive presentation in 2012 covering position objectives, local KPIs, managerial skills, SWOT & SMART analysis, and cost savings.
- Self-Handling Project: Managed a full self-handling project in 2012.
- Automated System Roll-Out: Successfully managed the rollout of the new automated airport system ACSI (SABRE) across stations, including on-site supervision of the full DCS/ACSI implementation.
- Automated System Cutover: Oversaw the cutover from the RTB version to ACSI (SABRE) 2009 as the dedicated project manager for 10 airports, completing the transition within one year.
- SSCI Cutover Management: Managed the SSCI cutover in 2010, utilizing experience from the ACSI cutover to minimize disruptions.
- System Presentation: Delivered a presentation to top management on new systems and technology in automated passenger processing across the entire passenger journey.
- Custom Reports Development: Designed and developed custom daily reports for Gulf Air management.
- Cost Reduction Plan: Introduced and implemented a flight catering cost reduction plan, achieving positive financial savings.
- User Group Participation: Participated in the Departure Control System user group to represent Gulf Air's interests regarding system enhancements and overall strategy.
- Training Programs Development: Developed training programs and established standards and procedures for the use of the departure control system.
- On-Job Training & Support: Provided on-the-job training and support services for newly opened stations and those implementing the automated airport system DCS/ACSI.
- Self-Handling Project: Managed a full self-handling project in 2008.
- Volunteer Recruitment Task Force: Designed and led a task force to recruit volunteer resources, achieving a full restructure within 4 months.
- Department Award: Awarded the Best Department within BIC organization when Bahrain won the Best Race Organizer accolade in 2005.
Personal Information
Nationality: Bahraini
Training
- Training of Trainer, Simulation Exercise Capacity Building Workshop (WHO)
- Train the Trainer Teach Back - Certified by BIBF (BAC)
- Basic Instructor Training Course (Train the Trainer)
- Secrets of Data Processing & Analysis
- Airport Terminal Operations Management (Singapore Aviation Academy)
- A-CDM Seminar the Middle East (ICAO) (Bahrain, 10/11/15 - 10/13/15)
- KENYON (World Disaster Management) (Gulf Air)
- Special Assistance Team (SAT) (Gulf Air)
- Emergency Response Course (Gulf Air)
- 21st Century Leadership in the Arab World (EMIC Training)
- Decision Making (For Managerial Level) (Gulf Air)
- Falcon Host Ticketing (Reservations System)
- Customer Services Induction
- Ramp Handling Training (Airside Safety & Procedures)
- Bahamas / World Tracer (Baggage System)
- DCS Passengers Check-In System
- Automation DCS Load Control
- DCS RCCA Course
- Departure Control System (DCS) Engineering Database
- Customer Services Quality
- Aircraft Dispatcher
- Flight Operation Awareness
- Procedures Implementation Course (Passengers Handling)
- Dangerous Goods Awareness Passenger Handling
- Passport and Visa Fraud Detection
- Dangerous Goods Awareness for Passenger Handling (Refresher)
- Ramp Handling & Airside Safety Course (New Module)
- Aviation Security Course
- Load Control Two (Manual Load Sheet for All Aircrafts)
- Cargo Acceptance & Handling
- Falcon Airport Operations (Electronic Tickets Cutover)
- SHGA-SLA & Effective Negotiation Behaviors (IATA - Bahrain)
- AQD - Aviation Quality Database (Findings Analysis System)
- SABRE ACSI Native Check-In
- SABRE ACSI Interact Check-In
- SABRE ACSI Database Course
- SABRE Load Manager Native
- SABRE Load Manager Database Course
- Microsoft Excel 2010
- Passenger Customer Services (Advanced Course)
Professional References
Available upon request
Skills
Task Forces for Terminal Transition: Contributed to the task force team for the transition from the old terminal to the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport (BIA), 01/01/21., ORAT Committee Engagement: Actively participated in the ORAT Committee for the new terminal at BIA, representing Terminal Operations, Airlines, and AOC., Epidemic Response Participation: Engaged in epidemic isolation situations affecting Bahrain station operations, including Plague, SARS, and Swine Flu., Worldwide Route Events: Contributed to Worldwide Route Events in Abu Dhabi (2012) and the MEA Route Event in Bahrain (2015)., Special Event Coordination: Coordinated high-profile events such as Formula 1, Airshows, and inaugural flights., Emergency Exercises: Coordinated full-scale emergency exercises and hijack procedure drills at Bahrain Airport., Training & Development Management: Maintained station manpower training records and development plans, managed monthly rosters, and handled annual staff appraisals with Human Resources., Manuals and Documentation: Managed updates to station manuals including Ground Operations updates, the Ground Operations Manual, Local Emergency Response Procedures, and the Corporate Emergency Response Manual., KPI Preparation: Prepared monthly station and Bahrain Airport KPIs., Service Agreements Management: Directed SGHA and Service Level Agreements (SLA) with Bahrain Airport Services and other outstation ground handlers., Committee Representation: Represented Gulf Air and Bahrain Air in various committee meetings including Airport Committee, Airlines Operators Committee, and sales coordination meetings., Sales & Coordination Meetings: Represented Bahrain Air in monthly sales coordination meetings and regular STPC (Layover Passengers) committee meetings, including hotel contract negotiations., Performance Meetings: Represented Gulf Air and Bahrain Air in daily On-Time Performance meetings and annual airport managers conferences., Deputizing Roles: Deputized for the COO and Commercial Director of Bahrain Air, as well as the Director and Heads of Gulf Air during their absence., Self-Handling Project Management: Managed and coordinated the self-handling project from 2010 to 2011, including manpower and asset cost requirements., System Cutovers: Directed and managed the cutover of ACSI (New Check-In System) and Load Manager (LM) SABRE systems from 2007 to 2010, representing Gulf Air in daily update meetings and reporting to the CEO and steering committee., Ground Operations & Marketing Task Force: Joined the task force in 2005 for a five-year project plan led by the CEO., SH&E Consultants: Participated in a five-year project plan with SH&E consultants in 2003., Arabic, English, Strong ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels, Excellent skills in written communication, including report writing and documentation
Languages
Arabic
First Language
English
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Head of Airlines & Stakeholder Management
Bahrain Airport Company
05.2013 - Current
Senior Manager Ground Services
Bahrain Air
01.2011 - 02.2013
Manager Airport System & IT Infrastructure
Gulf Air
03.2007 - 06.2010
Assistant Manager Hotel & Transportation
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)
11.2006 - 03.2007
Operation & System Support Analyst
Gulf Air
10.2005 - 11.2006
Customer Services Support Officer
Gulf Air
03.1998 - 10.2005
Central Load Control Officer
Gulf Air
05.1993 - 03.1998
Purchasing Officer/Materials Checker & Expediter/Storekeeper/Export, Import Clearance
Gulf Air
05.1987 - 05.1993
Bachelor of Science - Technical & Mechanical Study
Manama Secondary Technical School & Bahrain University
07.1985 - 11.2025