Muharraq: The Kingdom of Bahrain’s $1.1billion airport modernization project (AMP) is milestone achievement is a prime example of cooperation between GCC countries, says Minister.
“The AMP is a pillar of the Bahrain government’s economic plan, which reaffirms the pioneering and historical position that the Kingdom enjoys in the aviation sector. The new airport is a significant addition to the country’s infrastructure and will support Bahrain’s long-term economic and tourism goals, catalyzing growth in all economic sectors. It also supports the continued growth in regional and international air traffic, building on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s legacy as a link between the east and the west and its strategic location as a regional crossroad,” Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, the Minister of Transportation and Telecoms and Chairman Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), who led a delegation to Abu Dhabi aboard the inaugural Gulf Air flight from Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) new Passenger Terminal, said.
The delegation included Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah BAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdulla Janahi, Chief Development and Technical Officer, Ayman Zainal, Chief Commercial Officer and government officials.
HE the Minister met with officials from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), which is financing the USD1.1 billion Airport Modernization Programme (AMP) through a grant offered as part of the GCC Bahrain Development Programme.
Minister thanked ADFD for its valued support in delivering one of the most important national development projects in Bahrain’s history. Launched in February 2016, the AMP the largest investment in Bahrain’s aviation sector to date.
“Through the provision of world-class facilities and services and backed by robust infrastructure, the new airport will sustain the growth of Bahrain’s aviation sector for decades to come. This, in turn, will help drive investment into the Kingdom and stimulate national economic growth in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030. This historic project would not have been possible without the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the directives of the late Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the support of the current Prime Minister and Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Their combined efforts have turned the civil aviation sector into a strategic economic catalyst for the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
HE the Minister also extended thanks to BAC’s staff and strategic partners, contractors, all companies working in BIA, and all parties involved for their strong support for this national project.
The transfer to the new terminal brings the Transportation and Telecommunications and its partners a major step closer to the completion of the AMP, which includes several other strategic projects. These include the development of a Fuel Farm Complex that will reinforce Bahrain’s position as a center of aviation fuel services in the GCC, and a private aviation terminal serving businessmen and private aircraft owners.
The new terminal is four times the size of the legacy airport and designed to deliver a more personal, Bahraini feel. Equipped with the latest technologies in the market and supported by new infrastructure, it increases the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year, delivering a hassle-free airport experience and the highest standards of luxury.
