$22bn funding on way for infrastructure

Manama 

Bahrain’s aviation industry is all set to witness a big jump in the coming years with the Kingdom preparing to invest $22 billion in key infrastructure projects, said Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Kamal Ahmed yesterday

The minister was inaugurating the Routes Middle East & Africa 2015 forum hosted jointly by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) the managing body and operator of Bahrain International Airport (BIA). 

“The Kingdom is set to invest around $22 billion in key infrastructure projects over the coming years, across a range of sectors including transport, manufacturing, and energy. These factors combined provide a compelling context within which this forum is being held,” the minister said. 

Commenting on the significance of the event to the local aviation industry, the minister stated, “This event comes at a crucial time for the aviation industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We introduced a new civil aviation law and regulations in 2013, we have invested significantly in technology and systems across our operations, and we have just embarked on an ambitious modernisation programme for the passenger terminal building at the Bahrain International Airport.”

Focus on new airlines

Bahrain has strategic route development plans, according to the CEO of Bahrain Airport. The focus is on attracting new airlines, increasing the frequency of flights to underserved markets and focussing on existing airlines that currently flies to Bahrain.

The CEO, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah,  was speaking to DT News on the sidelines of Routes forum held in Manama.

Countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka offer a lot of potential but is underserved.  Even though they are connected, there is an opportunity for enhancing the connectivity in a major way, the CEO said.

BAC is also in an advance stage of discussion with Chinese airline, and there is a good chance of direct-flight becoming a reality between the Kingdom and China. 

“Developing new routes is a time-consuming process, nevertheless, we have made good progress regarding this,” he added.

“Bahrain airport is looking to become a boutique airport and will not be in competition with other regional players in terms of size. The focus will be on unique, high quality travel experience,” the CEO replied to a question from DT News regarding the chances of over-capacity in GCC due to airport expansion programmes pursued by many airports in the region.

The two-day event has representation from almost 50 airlines and over 70 airports along with tourism authorities and other industry stakeholders from across the region. 

Confirmed speakers from across Africa and the Middle East include; Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia; Paul Byrne, CEO of Flynas; Dr. Elijah Chingosho, Secretary General of AFRAA; Richard Bodin, Chief Commercial Officer of Fastjetand Mohamed Khonji, Regional Director, Middle East Office, ICAO.