Gulf Air appoints Martin Gauss as new CEO: a new era for Bahrain airline

Gulf Air has announced the appointment of Martin Gauss as its new chief executive officer., effective November 4, 2025. Gauss will succeed Jeffrey Goh, who has led the company since 2022.

Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi emphasized Gauss' experience in airline leadership and transformation initiatives.

History of Gulf Air

Founded in 1950 as Gulf Aviation, Gulf Air is one of the longest-running airlines in the Middle East. In 1974, the company was reorganized as Gulf Air, becoming the flag carrier of Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Oman.

Yes that's right it was born before Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad and until 1985, when the Dubai-based company was founded, it was the only carrier in the Gulf.

Fleet and destinations

Gulf Air currently operates a fleet of 43 aircraft, consisting of Airbus A320s, A321s and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The company serves 51 destinations in 30 countries.

Its main hub is Bahrain International Airport, from which flights depart to Africa, Asia and Europe. In Italy it flies over Rome and Milan.

Martin Gauss: the new captain

Martin Gauss brings with him a wealth of experience in the aviation industry. Before joining Gulf Air, he held thehe role of CEO of airBaltic, where he led the company through a restructuring process that brought it to sustainable growth. Gauss began his career as a pilot and has held leadership positions in several European airlines.

His appointment as CEO of Gulf Air represents a new phase for the company, with the aim of strengthening its regional and global competitiveness.

Given what Gauss was able to do in "cold" Riga. I'm really curious to see what he will be able to do on the very hot island in the heart of the Gulf also because the resources at its disposal will be significantly more and especially the breath will no longer be short to medium range, but perforce long and from point to point to hub and spoke