Efforts to expand aviation network for national carriers highlighted

Manama, Dec. 7 (BNA): Civil Aviation Affairs Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication, Mohammed Thamer Al Ka’abi has revealed keenness of the Civil Aviation Affairs to sign agreements on air transportation services, within the framework of the new passenger terminal and Bahrain International Airport expansion project. Speaking in “Tarabut 3” programme, which is organised by Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD), Al Ka’abi said the project is one of the most prominent infrastructure ones. He reviewed the development process of the civil aviation affairs, its history, the areas that concern it, its specialisations, and relevant legislation and laws. He explained that the Bahrain Airport Company is working on a project to develop the cargo area, west of the airport, which is a very important project that aims to market Bahrain in air freight services. Al Ka’abi pointed out that the airport expansion project is one of the largest infrastructure ones in the Kingdom with a new passenger building built on an area of 210,000 square meters, and has a capacity of 14 million passengers. He added the terminal contains an advanced baggage handling system, advanced security inspection equipment and a high-tech information technology system, in addition to ample spaces for duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges for first-class and business travelers. He noted that the building also contains a multi-storey car park. Al Ka’abi touched on the regulatory and supervisory role of civil aviation in developing services and facilitating passenger and airline procedures at Bahrain Airport. He said: “Our role is to ensure the airport's operational procedures, including air safety, air transport and aviation security, and that they comply with international requirements and the decisions of the Civil Aviation Organization. We seek to sign agreements for air transport services that will allow the national carrier to expand the network and increase destinations and options for travellers." Regarding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on aviation and transportation, Al Ka’abi said: “The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected travel and movement around the world, but the flow of air freight has had an effect on alleviating the situation, and many countries of the world decided not to impose restrictions on cargo planes and allow them to continue transporting goods and supplies." Concerning key projects that the Civil Aviation Affairs is working on, Al Ka’abi mentioned that they include the establishment of a new state-of-the-art air control center, and the provision of air navigation services at a high level of quality and safety standards. He added the centre will be run by Bahraini employees who have received high training to provide air traffic services. He noted that the cost of establishing the center reaches BD 8 million, and it will be built on an area of 676 square meters. He pointed out that the project is expected to be completed by mid-2022. It is worth noting that “Tarabut” programme, which is organised by BIPD, aims to continue opening a window for officials, embodying the principle of institutional communication with citizens. The programme also provides the officials with the opportunity to highlight the achievements of their institutions and the role they play as well as shed light on the legislation and decisions that have been made in line with the goals of the comprehensive development march led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.