Bahrain is all set to host a very important airports forum next month. It is expected that deals worth millions of dollars may be signed on the sidelines of a major airports forum to be held in Bahrain next month.
It is estimated that more than 30 leading companies will be showcasing their latest technology, products and services at the second annual Bahrain International Airport Development Forum (BIADF) which will be held on April 13 and 14 at Mövenpick Hotel, Bahrain.
The organisers believe that the forum is an ideal business platform for the global airport industry to meet senior decision-makers from the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and Bahrain International Airport (BIA) to ensure their share of the BIA development project..
More than 700 trade visitors and 10 international speakers are expected to attend the forum, being organised by Dubai-based Arabian Reach.
“The forum will feature the airport modernisation programme (AMP) at Bahrain International Airport which aims to develop the country’s aviation infrastructure and build upon the aviation-based economic development with the intention to increase the capacity of the airport to handle 14 million passengers per annum,” said BAC chief executive Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah.
Plans are made to include senior decision-makers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and other countries in this forum.
“GCC airports are investing more than $100 billion towards acquiring cutting-edge technologies and ensuring seamless and safer passenger and freight movement,” said Mr Binfalah.
“This shift in trend from focusing on building bigger airports to enhancing passenger experience is generating business opportunities for local, regional and global companies aiming to access the highly lucrative airport development market in Bahrain and the GCC region.”
The $1.1 billion AMP will feature a new 207,000sqm terminal building, which will include a 4,600sqm departure hall, 104 check-in counters, 36 passport control booths and 24 security screening points. The facility, which will be four times the size of the existing building, will be operational by the third quarter of 2019. It will be able to accommodate more than 7,000 vehicles, 9,000sqm of duty free space, retail outlets, premium spas and a 2,500sqm area of lounge with open terrace.The arrival section will have 10 customs screening points, 1,000sqm of duty free, eight baggage carousel and 34 passport control booths.
“With plans well underway for a major overhaul of Bahrain International Airport over the next five years and the anticipated upgrade to the airport’s facilities, as well as passenger and cargo handling capacity, this forum will provide an ideal platform to showcase the kingdom’s prospective aviation capabilities,” said Arabian Reach’s event manager Ram Muthaiah.
It is undoubtedly a very promising time ahead for the Kingdom’s aviation industry.