Press Release

Issued by Bahrain Airport Company.

November 13, 2017

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has announced that the newly-registered Hala Bahrain will be including CIP (Commercially Important Person) handling services among its range of offerings aimed at further improving the passenger experience at BIA. Hala Bahrain also signed an agreement for the provision of these services with its first client, MENA Aerospace, a wholly Bahrain-owned provider of comprehensive aviation and aerospace services.

Passengers traveling to and from the airport via private jets on government, private, business, corporate, or chartered flights will be eligible to sign up for CIP handling services. They will arrive and depart through a special dedicated facility to ensure the maximum in privacy and luxury. The services will include meet and greet facilities; assistance through airport security, passport control, and customs; transportation to and from aircraft, and to and from the terminal; and luggage handling by dedicated porters.

Hala Bahrain will be the provider of lounge services for passengers and airlines, concierge services, and a number of other airside and landside transportation solutions.

BAC chief executive officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, said: “The aim is to ensure a seamless service for our CIP customers, an important part of our growth strategy going forward. Incorporating Hala Bahrain as our designated lounge service provider was one of the first steps we have taken to accommodate the expected surge in passenger numbers once the new terminal is ready. The Airport Modernisation Programme's (AMP) high level strategy is to enhance the passenger experience for all travelers. We are confident Hala Bahrain will bring unique value to certain segments of our clientele who are responsible for a significant portion of our revenues. These returns will help sustain the further development of the travel experience for all.”

MENA Aerospace CEO Omar Matar commented: “We are delighted to be the first company signed with Hala Bahrain, and commend BAC on consistently enhancing its facilities to ensure smooth business development for its stakeholders. This agreement marks the realisation of a long-held vision for MENA Aerospace; to deliver convenient individual and packaged handling services directly to our clients, offering exclusive services with luxury facilities, at competitive rates. We enthusiastically welcome the opportunity to redefine quality standards for our clients, as well as for the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

The $1.1 billion AMP aims to elevate all aspects of the airport experience, building its capacities significantly. Once completed, the main passenger terminal building will have an area of 210,000 sqm, and the airport overall will be able to accommodate an annual volume of 14 million passengers.

BAC is the authority responsible for enhancing BIA and increasing the airport's contribution to the local economy in line with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. In its operational role, BAC is responsible for elevating the airport's operations, infrastructure and services. This is set to improve BIA's capabilities and cater to the growing number of passengers as well as the changing demands of stakeholders.