The Bahrain Ministry of Transportation has signed a BD13 million ($34.3 million) contract with leading engineering and design firm Aéroport de Paris Ingérierie (ADPi) for the modernization of the airport.

The agreement is line with the transportation ministry’s mission to enhance the quality of land, sea, and air transport in the Kingdom, said Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) in a statement.

As per the deal, ADPi will serve as design and engineering consultant for the airport modernization program.

To keep pace with the aviation growth, the Ministry of Transportation and BAC have developed a comprehensive development project "Airport Modernization Program" to elevate the Bahrain International Airport's infrastructure and services.

When completed, it is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to 13.5 million passengers a year.

The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of Bahrain International Airshow 2014 in the presence of Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board. It was signed by the Bahrain Airport Company CEO Mohamed Yousif Al- Binfalah and ADPi CEO Guillaume Sauve.  

"This announcement marks the start of an expedited process to achieve the aim of an airport that fully matches the demands of Bahrain’s economy. We are confident that with the assistance of ADPi we can deliver an airport with the highest specification that will improve the level of services available and security, alongside the much needed increase in capacity," stated Kamal bin Ahmed.

BAC is the authority responsible for managing Bahrain International Airport and increase its’ contribution to the local economy in line with the national plans.

In its operational role, the company is also the “client representative” for the Ministry of Transport in developing and executing projects that are set to elevate the airport’s operations and infrastructure.  

Al- Binfalah said the development plans are essential for stimulating the growth of the aviation and logistics sectors as well as the overall business scene in the Kingdom. "By improving the travel experience and creating more business opportunities with a mixture of aeronautical and non-aeronautical services, we strive to increase the airport’s profitability and enhance its contribution in the local economy," he noted.

"With ADPi’s vast experience and track-record of achievements, we are confident that we will create ideal solutions to serve the airport’s development," he added.

Guillaume Sauve said: "With our vast experience in serving world-class airports, we are motivated in supporting the Ministry in realizing its vision for Bahrain International Airport and contribute towards the growth of the aviation sector in Bahrain." he added.-TradeArabia News Service