Bahrain set to become aviation fuelling hub

MANAMA: 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 metres, allowing the kingdom’s facilities to handle larger aircraft volumes.

BIAS 2018 is organised by the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry and Royal Bahraini Air Force in co-operation with Farnborough International.

The event is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and under the close supervision of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

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 Vision 2030.

“Housing three aviation fuel tanks with a capacity of 10,000 cubic metres 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 fuelling 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 Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, to relocate fuel tanks from Arad into a better facility away from residential neighbourhoods.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/429694/Bahrain-set-to-become-aviation-fuelling-hub