Manama: In line with the recent directives of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa which dictate the relocation of the aviation fuel tanks from Arad to a new complex at Bahrain International Airport (BIA), Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the managing body and operator of BIA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with nogaholding to establish the new framework for the provision of the overall management and operation of the fuel complex at BIA.
The MoU was signed between Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, CEO of nogaholding and Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of BAC, at nogaholding headquarters in Manama.
Under this agreement, nogaholding and BAC will form a joint venture company to take over the ownership of the fuel farms and hydrant system and supervise the overall operation including the design and construction process for the new fuel farm complex and extended hydrant system at BIA. The new company will also be responsible in providing the financing for the expansion of the project as well as any subsequent investment required.
“Signing of this MoU marks our commitment to realizing the wishes of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister as we are currently moving ahead with plans to build the fuel tanks complex inside the premises of Bahrain International Airport. This is a strategic project that is set to support the growth and diversification of the national economy and its investment strategies in accordance with the Kingdom’s Economic Vision,” Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of nogaholding, said.
Plans to relocate the fuel tanks are currently underway with the release of the design and supervision tender for the new fuel farm within Bahrain International Airport. The relocation is scheduled to be completed within 24 to 30 months.
“This milestone agreement stands testament to BAC and nogaholding efforts in supporting the government’s directives and translating them into action plans as we are already in the tendering process for the design and supervision of the new fuel tank farm at BIA. At the present time, we are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure the fuel tank farm relocation is achieved with efficiency and minimum disruption to the airport operations,” Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of BAC, said.
BAC is the authority responsible for enhancing BIA and increasing the airport’s contribution to the local economy in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision. In its operational role, BAC is responsible for elevating the airport’s operations, infrastructure and services. This is set to improve BIA’s capabilities and cater to the growing number of passengers as well as the changing demands of stakeholders.