THE Kingdom of Bahrain is set to host a major aviation forum and exhibition in April 2015. The Bahrain International Airport Development Forum 2015 (BIADF) is being organised by Arabian Reach in association with Bahrain Airport Company on April 1 and 2 this year. This significant event will offer the aviation industry a networking and knowledge-sharing platform, as well as several lucrative business opportunities.
BIADF will be held in conjunction with the second Middle East Cargo and Logistics Expo and Conference at the Gulf Convention Centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain.“With plans well under way 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, this forum will provide an ideal platform to showcase the kingdom prospective aviation capabilities,” comments Raj Menon, managing editor of Arabian Reach Dubai. “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.”BIADF will focus on airport and logistics development across the region, with key decision-makers also utilising the accompanying exhibition to explore and finalise their procurement and supply needs. Key-note speakers from Gulf airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, will also participate in the forum.Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company, comments: “In line with the ongoing efforts of Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) to elevate the kingdom’s aviation and logistics capabilities, we are pleased to confirm our support to the Bahrain International Airport Development Forum. With substantial investments in the Middle East’s aviation and logistics industry needed to accommodate the growth of air traffic in this region, industry events of this nature are essential in facilitating the exchange of ideas and provide key knowledge-sharing and learning opportunities for participants. We are also confident that this event will play a significant role in boosting infrastructure development in the kingdom, especially now as we move ahead with our airport development plans.” “We look forward to showcasing our modernisation plans for BIA during this event and we plan to take advantage of the exhibition to scout for the most suitable technologies, products and services to support our development programmes,” adds Al Binfalah.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.