Bahrain's Gulf Air named airline industry veteran Des Vertannes as head of its cargo business as the carrier seeks to step up its role as a international freight carrier.

Vertannes is a 35-year industry veteran who has worked around the world in various air cargo posts.

A British national, he has worked for British Airways, Air Canada and cargo services company Menzies Aviation.

Although Gulf Air operates no freighters, the airline has A340s and A330s in its fleet and is taking part in a broad cargo technology venture with Air New Zealand and South African Airways. The airline's cargo traffic grew at an 8.5 percent annual average rate over the last five years.

"Gulf Air has a huge pedigree in the region when it comes to its cargo service," Vertannes said in a statement. "I intend to build on that lineage and the vibrance of the new brand in what is a stimulating, energetic yet still relatively unsophisticated industry." Gulf Air announced the appointment of Des Vertannes to the position of Head of Cargo with immediate effect. In his new role he will report directly to Gulf Air's Vice President - Business Units, Ali Murtada