Latest news with #ORAT
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Pushes Aviation Frontiers at 55th Paris Air Show
AB Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, took part in the opening of the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show (Le Bourget), one of the world's most prestigious aviation events. The event, held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, marked a key step in strengthening Bahrain-France relations in the aviation sector. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah participated in the event at the official invitation of French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. His visit also comes as part of ongoing efforts to prepare for the 8th Bahrain International Airshow, scheduled to take place at Sakhir Air Base from November 18 to 20, 2026, under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King. The event has helped Bahrain gain global recognition as a hub for aviation exhibitions and has attracted major international companies and key industry decision-makers. Promoting Global Collaboration and Innovation On the sidelines of the air show, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah held a series of meetings with representatives from international delegations and major aviation companies. He explored the latest developments in aviation technology, including eco-friendly aircraft, advanced ground handling systems, and modern air navigation tools that are set to enhance the global travel and tourism experience. Key Agreements for Bahrain International Airport During the exhibition, three important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to upgrade Bahrain International Airport and its services. These include: An MoU with French engineering firm Artelia to improve operational readiness and air traffic transition (ORAT). An agreement with Texel Air to expand aircraft maintenance hangars. A partnership with Vallo Aviation to develop facilities for private jets and VIP aircraft services. Strengthening Gulf Cooperation In a significant regional gesture, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah also welcomed Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and the head of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, at Bahrain's official chalet. They discussed ways to deepen aviation cooperation within the Gulf and boost joint initiatives in air transport. Outreach to Global Industry Leaders The minister also met with leaders from major aviation companies including Airbus, Thales, and Safran, to explore collaboration with Gulf Air and to extend invitations to participate in the upcoming Bahrain International Airshow. Additionally, extensive talks were held with representatives from Boeing, GE Aerospace, RTX, Gulfstream, COMAC (China), Embraer (Brazil), and Rolls-Royce, discussing future commercial partnerships and the potential to use Bahrain's airshow as a platform for business growth and regional outreach. About the Paris Air Show The Paris Air Show, held every two years, is among the largest and oldest airshows in the world. This year's edition features more than 1,500 exhibitors, over 400 VIP chalets, and 10+ exhibition halls showcasing cutting-edge aviation and space technologies. With both static and flying displays, the event is a global hotspot for major aerospace deals and innovations. Bahrain's strong presence at the show reflects its growing role as a regional aviation leader and a strategic bridge between East and West.
Biz Bahrain
3 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain Airport Company Signs MOU with Artelia Airports Company, at Paris Airshow 2025, to Expand ORAT Services to Regional and International Markets
His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to developing its air traffic system and enhancing operational readiness in line with the highest international standards and best practices in the aviation sector. His Excellency stated that the Ministry is actively working to establish strategic partnerships with specialized global entities to support Bahrain's plans to modernize and advance the aviation sector, ensuring its sustainability and improving its overall efficiency. He added that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Artelia Airports marks a significant step in modernizing the operational infrastructure of Bahrain International Airport (BIA). It reflects the Kingdom's dedication to adopting smart solutions and modern technologies that ensure the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and fluidity in operational processes. This collaboration also underscores Bahrain's vision to position itself as a leading regional hub for aviation and logistics. This important announcement was made on the occasion of the signing of an MoU between Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport, and Artelia Airports. The MoU outlines cooperation in the field of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) and aims to strengthen the consulting capabilities of both parties in the aviation sector. The signing took place during the Paris Air Show 2025, held from June 16 to 22. The MOU was signed in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications. It was signed by Gulf Air Group (GFG) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jeffrey Goh on behalf of BAC and Executive Director of Artelia Airports, Mr. Philippe Martinet. The MOU aims to develop new business opportunities and cooperate in providing specialized consultancy services in the field of ORAT, by integrating the technical and operational expertise of both parties. It focuses on adopting an integrated approach that ensures early stakeholder engagement, risk identification and management, and enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability, thereby ensuring the airport's full readiness before the commencement of operational activities. On this occasion, GFG Chairman, Mr. Khalid Hussain Taqi welcomed the signing of the MOU, which comes within GFG's strategy to enhance its international presence as a leading provider of integrated solutions in the aviation sector. He added that cooperation with Artelia represents a model for the strategic partnerships that the Group is committed to employing to enhance the competitiveness of its companies and support the Kingdom of Bahrain as a regional aviation hub. He also stressed that this cooperation reflects the growing confidence in Bahrain Airport Company's operational capabilities and its potential to provide high-value airport services to global markets, noting that this MOU represents a qualitative step within the Group's efforts to diversify its services, support regional infrastructure, and actively contribute to the future development of airport operations globally. Mr. Jeffrey Goh, GFG Chief Executive Officer, expressed his pride in this cooperation, which comes within the company's vision to expand the provision of consulting services related to Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT). He noted that the partnership with Artelia Airports represents an important intersection between two institutional competencies with extensive experience in airport operation and management at the international level. He added that the MOU will enable the provision of services based on a precise operational approach aimed at improving efficiency levels and enhancing performance reliability, by engaging stakeholders from the early stages, and establishing practical frameworks for identifying and addressing operational risks, ensuring a smooth and safe transition to full operation. He highlighted BIA's experience as a role model in operational readiness and institutional integration, and the company's position as a reliable source of advanced services in the air transport sector. Mr. Philippe Martinet, Executive Director of Artelia Airports, noted that the agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to support the efficiency of airport operations globally, expressing his pride in this cooperation with Bahrain Airport Company due to its distinguished track record and extensive experience in airport operations. He said that this partnership will contribute to providing high-quality services to Artelia's partners in the aviation sector around the world, with a focus on sustainability, risk management, and achieving the highest levels of operational readiness. Mr. Martinet affirmed that this partnership represents the beginning of a strategic relationship with Bahrain Airport Company aimed at providing world-class operational readiness services to the aviation sector, based on decades of operational experience and technical knowledge, and contributing to establishing new foundations for effective airport preparation, ensuring a smooth transition to the operational phase on time and with the highest degree of efficiency.
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Dubai's DWC mega $35 billion airport moving forward with contract awards: Emirates Chairman
Dubai: Significant contracts have been awarded for work on Dubai's future mega-airport at Al Maktoum International (DWC), marking a crucial step forward in the development of the ambitious project, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group confirmed to Gulf News. At a media interaction during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, provided updates on the planned transition of Emirates and other Dubai carriers to the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). He also discussed infrastructure development, the airline's fleet plans, market dynamics, and potential future orders. Responding to a question about contracts awarded towards the building of the airport, Sheikh Ahmed said, "Yes, we did. I don't want to go into which contracts at this time, you know. I think it's more for our airport engineering to do that. Maybe they should really give you a brief at some time in the very near future what exactly they are doing. But work has started." Describing the DWC project as immensely complex due to its scale, Sheikh Ahmed said the extensive stakeholder engagement underway involving Emirates, flydubai, dnata, regulators, and the more than 100 other airlines operating in Dubai. He stressed the crucial role of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme and that staff training alone for the opening day might require around 12 months. The goal, he said, is to make the transition "perfect as the day of the opening," confirming that contracts have been awarded. Work has started since the Dubai government gave the go-ahead to build the $35 billion passenger terminal almost over a year ago, confirmed Sheikh Ahmed.
