Bahrain's Transportation Minister chairs ORAT Steering Committee meeting

Manama, Dec. 8 (BNA): Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chairman, Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed chaired the 6th meeting of the National Operations Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) Steering Committee. The committee was formed to oversee the smooth transition of operations to Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) new Passenger Terminal Building as per Order 10/ 2017, issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. In attendance were BAC Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, representatives from Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), Bahrain Customs, the Ministry of Interior’s Airport Police, Nationality, Passport, and Residence Affairs, BAC, and Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. During the meeting, the minister thanked BAC’s strategic partners for their dedicated efforts to prepare for the operational readiness trials of the new Passenger Terminal Building next year. The trials, which mark major milestone in the Airport Modernisation Programme, will help to ensure the new terminal delivers the best passenger experience, adheres to the highest international standards, and can accommodate the increased capacity of 14 million passengers a year when it launches in Q3 2019. The committee was briefed on the project’s latest developments, including the IT systems being implemented at the new terminal, which will enhance operational efficiency and improve the overall travel experience for passengers. They also discussed the incoming baggage screening and handling facilities as well as regulations, procedures, and other technical inspections required for travel. This will help to ensure airport operations are transferred to the new terminal in the safest and most effective way. The minister said: “The Airport Modernisation Programme is now 70 per cent complete, which means we have made significant progress and are entering a very important stage. The operational readiness trials, which begin in February and will continue until September, will see us working with our strategic partners to test the readiness of the airport’s main systems and ensure operators are properly trained on how to use them. This includes travel procedures (check-ins), security screening, customs, and various other operational processes. The trials will involve all airport stakeholders, including airlines, authorised agencies, government agencies, service providers, and suppliers to make sure they understand what is required to ensure a safe and seamless travel experience for airport users.” He praised the steady progress being made by all ORAT stakeholders to ensure the smooth transition of operational processes to the new terminal, and highlighted the effectiveness of the ORAT Steering Committee’s periodic meetings. He also thanked committee members and government agencies in attendance for their continuous support and cooperation.