Veteran Gulf Air security head passes away
His previous stints include working for Etihad, KLM and Dow Chemicals and international aviation security consultancy organizations. Mr. Moerdijk was not feeling well for the past couple of days and the peaceful end came following a heart attack last night. His wife was with him during his last moments.
Several remarkable improvements to the airline security system
During his tenures with Gulf Air he brought in several remarkable improvements to the airline security system including complete review and reorganisation of the security department, starting a security training programme for aircrew, training and inducting Bahraini security staff, stepping up vigilance procedures at airport and other sensitive areas and, strengthening the security system with latest equipment. «Rinus was a thorough professional in dealing with security issues and he was passionate about his job. On a personal front he was kind, caring and friendly » says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive Björn Näf.
«His expertise in risk analysis and threat assessment, handling complex investigations and negotiations, gathering and evaluating intelligence from a world wide network that might impact the airline’s operational security, was very valuable to us. «We will surely miss his great personality and his in-depth professional knowledge and wisdom.» A Dutch national, Mr. Moerdijk is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter and three grand children.
(Gulf Air/mc/hfu)
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 40 cities in 26 countries. The current fleet of Gulf Air consists of 35 aircraft. On January 17th Gulf Air Board of Directors confirmed the appointment of Björn Näf as the President and Chief Executive for Bahrain’s national carrier.
Mr. Näf, who brings across the broad experience in aviation industry, has been instrumental in implementing the new revamped network launched on July 1 and is also the commander of a major alignment program to turnaround Gulf Air. The plan entails a simplified and more efficient organization structure; an improved network with lower connection times and better service to key destinations, better on-board product, better customer service on the ground and a better punctuality, which has been improving under his command.
The new network, based on a «wave» model, offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East with more non-stop flights than any other airline. The airline is also planning to re-fleet itself over the next five years to further strengthen its presence. It recently signed a deal worth nearly US $ 6 billion with Boeing Co. to purchase up to 24 Boeing 787 aircraft.
