MANAMA: Gulf Air Group Holding (GFG) has increased its shareholding in ground handling services provider Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) to 44 per cent.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister and GFG chairman Kamal Ahmed made the announcement after signing a concession agreement that will see BAS continue its role at Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) new passenger terminal building until 2034.
Mr Ahmed signed the agreement with BAS chairman Mohammed Jalal in the presence of senior officials from GFG, BAS, and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC). It complements a previous heads of terms contract signed by BAC chief executive Mohamed Al Binfalah and BAS CEO Salman Al Mahmeed during the 2018 Bahrain International Airshow.
As per the agreement, BAS will continue to serve as the ground handling services agent at the new terminal, providing cargo services for passengers, baggage, aircraft, cargo, catering and engineering services until 2034.
The agreement, which is aligned with the Airport Modernisation Programme, is aimed at developing the overall level of service at BIA and ensuring that all ground handling operations adhere to international standards. It will also see the company make a BD7 million investment in new equipment aimed at improving efficiency and minimising the environmental impact of its operations.
The minister said the new agreement supports BAC’s objectives to improve airport services offered through the new terminal and strengthen the aviation sector in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
“This agreement is a strategic first step aimed at leveraging BAS’ ground handling expertise to expand our business regionally and internationally. It will improve the quality and efficiency of services offered to travellers and enhance the travel experience at BIA.
“It also improves the integration of services provided by different BIA stakeholders, strengthening services across all sections of the airport. Our aim with the new facility is to ease travel procedures, enhance the speed of passenger processing, and provide services with the highest standards of quality, customer service, security and safety.”
Mr Jalal praised BAC’s continued confidence in BAS and its ability to provide high-quality services at BIA.
“BAS has extensive experience in providing ground handling services in co-operation with its partners in the aviation sector. We look forward to strengthening our position as a key contributor to the kingdom’s development, supporting the goals of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.”
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