Bahrain government hands over airport to private operator

The new management - backed by the country's sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat - aims to create an aviation hub,and will have responsibility for.This includes the management of the Airport Operations Department, Engineering & Planning Department, Information & Communication Technology Department, Commercial & Investments Department, Human Capital & Support Services Department, Finance Department and the Branding & Communications Department.

According to a statement from the company, transition action plans have been implemented, and are so far a success.

As part of this transition, more than 400 staff members from the Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) which include the departments of Airport Operations and Engineering & Maintenance have recently received the invitation to renew their employment under the management of the Bahrain Airport Company, and the acceptance of offers was high.

A ceremony is currently being planned to welcome the newly transferred staff.An on-boarding program is also in place, in order that the transferred staff starts their individual functions with immediate effect, with minimal operational transition barriers.

"This move has been long in the making, and there's an air of optimism around the new prospects it brings. The new management structure is designed to create streamlined processes in order to deliver a comfortable airport environment to all users and partners of the Bahrain International Airport," commented Mr. Kamal Ahmed, Acting Chairman of Bahrain Airport Company.

"With operational excellence, we aim to transform Bahrain International Airport into a global aviation hub as well as one of the world's leading airports. This is the vision which we aspire to achieve."

Dr. Osama Al Ali, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company said "There has been a large amount of press about the airport's development plans, and the reality of it is beginning to take shape, starting with this new influx of staff. A comprehensive action plan has been set for Bahrain International Airport, including modernization and expansion of the airport infrastructure as well as the optimization of operations efficiencies. This will create an unparalleled airport experience for both the end user as well as Bahrain Airport Company partners.