Muharraq, Bahrain, 2017-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — A new era of aviation awaits the Kingdom of Bahrain, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah told aviation experts, consultants, and airport operators from around the world as he revealed new details of the ongoing Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) at the 2nd Airports Arabia Conference. BAC, which operates and manages the Bahrain International Airport (BIA), is overseeing the ongoing expansion that will turn the airport into a world class facility with higher volume capacities and improved passenger experience.
Mr. Al Binfalah said: “The AMP will elevate all aspects of the airport experience, while at the same time building capacities significantly. Once completed, the main passenger terminal building will have an area of 210,000sqm, and the airport overall will be able to accommodate an annual volume of 14 million passengers. There will be new check-in counters, including e-gates offering passengers more convenience and speed. The Departure Hall will have a much expanded retail and food & beverage offerings including the development of a dedicated other airline CIP lounges. A new airside hotel will be opened giving passengers more options. Our capacity building plans will see us continue with the training program Tahleeq through expanding its outreach to cover hospitality and facilities management technicians programs. Furthermore, significant progress is being made in constructing the new fuel farm and hydrant system through BAC Jet Fuel Company.”
He added: “We are also currently undergoing a comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) program in partnership with Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide to ensure that all the stakeholders, including BAC, are ready to transfer in 2019 to the new passenger terminal building. Work on this stream is steadily progressing in collaboration with our partners at BIA.”
The conference, which is organised by the Bahrain Society of Engineers, focused on subjects related to passenger terminals, such as planning, design, terminal systems, and airport access. Mr. Al Binfalah, who was the Chairman of the Airport Cities session, delivered a presentation on Airport Management Systems and also led the BAC delegation attending the event, which was held at ART Rotana Amwaj Islands. Among the delegation were members of the Tahleeq programme, which aims to develop young Bahraini graduates by providing them with the skills needed to work in different disciplines required by the AMP.
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 2030. 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.
SOURCE: Bahrain Airport Company