PARLIAMENT chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani has vowed to help secure the BD664.3 million needed to bail out Gulf Air.

It follows a high-level meeting with top government officials yesterday, ahead of a make-or-break vote in parliament today.

MPs will decide whether to back a recommendation by parliament's financial and economic affairs committee to veto the government-funded rescue package.

"Gulf Air links us with the world and provides great job opportunities for Bahrainis in many specialisations," said Mr Al Dhahrani yesterday.

"But we have to look into ways to fix its current situation to ensure the airline is being operated in the best manner possible.

"Securing the required amount for the airline's capital increase is one of the steps to ensure that it continues in a good shape."

Among those at yesterday's meeting were Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Transportation Minister Kamal Ahmed, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company chief executive Mahmood Al Kooheji and senior government officials.

They were there to explain why Gulf Air needed the extra funding.

If the National Assembly sanctions the rescue package, Bahrain's expected Gross Domestic Product deficit would increase from 9.5 per cent to 15.8pc, according to reports submitted by the government. mohammed@gdn.com.bh