BAC explores partnership opportunities at Transport Logistic Europe 2019

Manama, June 11 (BNA): In line with ongoing efforts to attract new business to Bahrain International Airport (BIA), Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) participated at Transport Logistic Europe 2019, the world’s biggest gathering for the logistics industry. BAC team members met with senior representatives from leading global airlines, airports, freight forwarders, and couriers, highlighting the important steps BIA is taking to develop its air cargo infrastructure to support the rapid growth in e-commerce in the region. More than 60,000 visitors and 2,374 exhibitors from 63 countries attended the event, which took place in Munich, Germany from 4 to 7 June. It provided a platform for key players in the airfreight industry to network, explore potential partnership opportunities, and discuss the latest trends shaping the industry. BAC Chief Commercial Officer, Ayman Zainal said: "This event provided an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the Kingdom’s continued progress towards becoming a centre for logistics in the region. During Air Cargo Europe, we met with leading international logistics companies, airlines, courier companies and freight forwarders, who expressed interest in exploring new business in Bahrain. Once the Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) is completed, we expect to build many more industry connections with key players, which will further increase the aviation sector’s contribution to the local economy in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030." He added: "Through the AMP, which is one of the most important national project’s in the Kingdom’s history, we are developing a BD22 million new Cargo Area that will help turn logistics and air cargo into one of Bahrain’s primary industries. Comprised of warehouses, aircraft parking and associated infrastructure, the state-of-the-art, automated courier cargo facility will enable the airport to handle larger volumes and strengthen Bahrain's position as a leading provider of efficient logistics services in the GCC and wider Middle East." Located on the north runway of BIA, the new 25,000 sqm Cargo Area will be comprised of warehouses, aircraft parking and associated infrastructure. DHL International recently signed an agreement to extend its current lease at BIA for another 10 years, meaning the airport will continue to serve as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional hub for the global logistics giant. This, in turn, will support the country’s sustained economic growth in accordance with its Economic Vision 2030. At the beginning of the year, US multinational courier company FedEx Corporation signed up as the anchor tenant at the new Cargo Area and will operate 9,000sqm at the new facility.