Bahrain hosts airports forum in April

By Farishta Saeed Manama, Mar. 15 (BNA): Bahrain will host the Bahrain International Airport Development Forum 2016 (BIADF) on April 13 and 14. The event aims to offer the global airport industry a networking and knowledge-sharing platform in addition to lucrative business opportunities in the ongoing airport development project in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The forum, organised by Arabian Reach FZLLC, is an ideal business platform for the global airport fraternity to meet with senior decision makers from Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) to explore opportunities in the Airport Modernisation Programme and to promote products and services including safety and security equipment and services, terminal, ATC, passenger and cargo handling equipment in addition to other airport systems. The Forum is also planned to include regional airports’ senior decision makers from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman Qatar and others. “I am pleased to announce the second Annual Bahrain Airport Development Forum which will feature the Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) at Bahrain International Airport which aims to develop the country’s aviation infrastructure and build upon the aviation based economic development with the intention to increase the capacity of the airport to handle 14 million passengers per annum," Bahrain Airport Company CEO Mohammed Al Binfalah said. "The Forum will be an ideal business platform for companies to present airport and aviation-related products and services. It will also provide the opportunity to showcase the latest technologies and learn about emerging trends, network with key decision makers and receive first-hand knowledge about the airport expansion plans and modernisation programmes in the GCC region. GCC airports are investing over $100 billion towards acquiring cutting-edge technologies and to ensure seamless and safer passenger and freight movement. This shift in trend from focusing on building bigger airports to enhancing passenger experience is generating business opportunities for local, regional and global companies aiming to access the highly lucrative airport development market in Bahrain and the GCC region," he said. Arabian Reach FZLLC event manager Ram Muthaiah said that with plans underway for a major overhaul of Bahrain International Airport (BIA) over the next five years and the anticipated upgrade to the airport’s facilities, as well as passenger and cargo handling capacity, the forum would provide an ideal platform to showcase the Kingdom’s prospective aviation capabilities. “This event will provide a great opportunity to showcase the kingdom’s unparalleled regional connectivity and competitiveness as a major logistics hub. Boasting the shortest travel links between road, sea and air in the region, Bahrain is a strategically attractive access point to the $1.5 trillion Gulf market," he said. Over 30 leading companies are expected to showcase their latest technology, products and services to over 700 trade visitors, 10 international speakers will provide presentations on regional airports developments, technological innovations, proven effective business practices and share their expertise and knowledge at the concurrently held conference which will gather over 100 delegates.