Fuel Farm complex to transform Bahrain into leading regional aviation hub

Manama, Nov. 6 (BNA): Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) new fuel farm complex will cement the Kingdom’s status as major regional aviation fuel services hub when it launches in mid-2019. Its developer, the BAC Jet Fuel Company (BJFCO) will showcase the project’s latest milestones before the global aviation community at the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2018, highlighting how it will streamline aviation fuel supply and operation processes at BIA and increase its fuel storage capacity to 30,000 cubic meters, allowing the Kingdom’s facilities to handle larger aircraft volumes. Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the supervision of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee Chairman, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, BIAS 2018 will take place from 14 to 16 November at Sakhir Airbase. It is being organised by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Air Force, in association with Farnborough International. BJFCO Chairman, Abdul Majeed Al Qassab, said: "In addition to being a key component of the Airport Modernisation Programme, the fuel farm is part of wider efforts to develop the Kingdom’s oil and gas sector in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. Housing three aviation fuel tanks with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters each, the project covers 77,000 sqm, in addition to its dedicated operational buildings. It is equipped with latest aviation product handling technologies. As the number of airlines operating out of BIA continues to grow, it will play a vital role by providing additional aviation fuel services to support the increased activities. The complex’s on-schedule launch is a top priority and all involved parties are working diligently to ensure it meets the highest international aviation product handling standards. We are confident the project will transform Bahrain into a major regional aviation fueling hub and airlines will appreciate the benefits and efficiencies the new fuel farm provides." BJFCO, a joint venture company between the Oil and Gas Holding Company (Nogaholding) and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), will be responsible for the facility’s management and operation, as per directives from Bahrain’s leadership. Building the complex within BAC’s vicinity follows the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister, to relocate the fuel tanks from Arad into a better facility away from residential neighbourhoods.