Transportation Minister chairs National ORAT Committee meeting

National Operations Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) Steering Committee was formed to operate the new passengers terminal at Bahrain International Airport (BIA), as per Royal Order (10) for 2017, which was issued by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the BDF and First Deputy Prime Minister. His Excellency, Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chairman held a National ORAT Committee meeting regarding the operation of the new terminal.

The meeting discussed the operational readiness of the new terminal, which is part of the Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP); air traffic movement issues; and several items relating to the operational readiness of other airport-related entities. In attendance were representatives from Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), Bahrain Customs, the Ministry of Interior’s Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs, the Public Security Directorate, BAC, and Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide.

His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications said “This meeting was held in line with directives issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to ensure seamless progress between all parties involved in the operation of the new passenger terminal.”

He added: “The Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) is proceeding as planned, with all parties working hard to meet the project’s various milestones and deadlines. However, it is vital that we should all be fully confident in the operational readiness of the new terminal before it is opened. Once all is in place, passengers can expect a truly transformed airport experience that matches the needs of today’s travelers”.

Mr. Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of BAC added: “A major infrastructure project of this scale demands the highest level of organisation and coordination as there are no details that can be deemed to be too small. We are very happy with the progress that Fraport AG has achieved so far in facilitating the operational readiness of BAC and the various stakeholders at the airport. Their expertise will undoubtedly be instrumental in delivering this project on time and in meeting the high standards expected by everyone involved in this national project.”

German-based Fraport AG is a leading services company with over 10 years of experience in inaugurating airport infrastructure projects.

BAC is the authority responsible for enhancing BIA and increasing the airport’s contribution to the local economy in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. In its operational role, BAC is responsible for elevating the airport’s operations, infrastructure and services. This is set to improve BIA’s capabilities and cater to the growing number of passengers as well as the changing demands of stakeholders.

Source: BNA