MANAMA: Transportation and Telecommunications Minister and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) chairman Kamal Ahmed and FedEx Express regional president for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa Jack Meuse have signed a 10-year contract for the operation of a 9,000sqm facility at Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) new cargo area.

“This milestone agreement between BIA and FedEx marks the start of a bright and mutually prosperous future,” said Mr Ahmed.

“Greater collaboration between the public and private sectors is driving growth across industries, including the logistics market, which forms a fundamental part of the GCC economy. With the support of its partners and the development of its advanced infrastructure, BIA is poised to accommodate rising local and regional demand for safe, efficient, and reliable air cargo services.”

Describing the new cargo area as a key component in the Airport Modernisation Programme, the minister said BAC has begun the process of appointing a major contractor to build the project, which includes state-of-the-art warehouses, aircraft parking, and associated infrastructure.

“The new cargo area will enable BIA to handle larger volumes more efficiently, better cater to express cargo customers’ needs, and create new job opportunities. We look forward to forging new strategic partnerships with other multinational logistics providers, which will help to strengthen Bahrain’s strategic position as a hub for logistic services in the GCC and wider Middle East,” added the minister.

He explained that the logistics sector aims to increase the competitiveness and speed of the procedures linking Khalifa Bin Salman Port with BIA, making the kingdom a preferred hub for e-commerce.

Also commenting on the landmark agreement, Mr Meuse said: “The GCC is witnessing public-private cooperation that promotes growth in a range of industries, making it an important region for FedEx Express. The logistics market forms a fundamental part of the GCC economy, and we remain committed to serving our customers across Bahrain and connecting them with people and opportunities around the world.”

Comprising a 5,000sqm warehouse and a 4,000sqm open area, FedEx’s new facility will support the continued growth of its operations in Bahrain and is scheduled for handover in the third quarter of 2023.

Spanning 25,000sqm, BIA’s new cargo area will double the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger volumes and flows of air cargo traffic and e-commerce shipments, while meeting the highest industry standards.

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