The new passenger terminal at Bahrain International Airport has achieved a major milestone.

Electronic baggage handling, luggage security and data entry procedures were scrutinised as the operational readiness of the airport’s new passenger terminal was tested yesterday.

The trial run of the complex’s facilities, services and processes was held to help Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and its partners identify any areas of improvement before the terminal is officially opened.

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed attended the launch alongside strategic partners.

Officials representing the police, Immigration and Passports, airport security, BAC, Gulf Air and Bahrain Airport Services Company (BAS) also attended.

The first test focused on advanced electronic baggage handling systems, which play a vital role in optimising operations at Bahrain International Airport.

It will ensure speedy luggage transportation from check-in counters to the aircraft through eight belts which are seven kilometres long.

The trial also focused on testing luggage security, data entry and finalising of passenger procedures at the departure area, which contains 104 offices to record travel data in economy and business class.

The minister hailed the success of preliminary Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT) testing phase which is crucial to assess operational readiness of the new passenger terminal.

He commended Bahrain Airport Company for holding training courses in co-operation with the Fraport AG Frankfurt, commending all strategic partners.

“The $1.1 billion airport modernisation programme is one of the biggest development projects in the history of Bahrain,” he said, stressing the importance of the scheme in achieving the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

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The transformation of the newly constructed building into a fully-operational and integrated airport involves a multifaceted process that requires careful multi-party coordination, Mr Ahmed said.

He stressed the need for time to ensure that the advanced systems and equipment of the new building work without any errors before the launch of operations.

Mr Ahmed announced that the Bahrain Airport Company would soon launch a promotional campaign countrywide to invite citizens and expatriates to take part in the live operational trials at the airport and give their feedback and impressions about services and facilities to test its efficiency and tackle any potential defects or shortcomings.

The new 207,000sqm terminal building will include a 4,600sqm departure hall, 104 check-in counters, 36 passport control booths and 24 security screening points.

It is four times the size of the existing terminal and will be able to accommodate 14 million passengers a year.

Other features will include two main hospitality lounges, one run by national carrier Gulf Air and the other by BAC.

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