Bahrain's Transportation Ministry yesterday announced signing of a BD6.9 million ($18.2 million) contract with Hill International to provide project management consultancy services for the airport modernisation programme.

The ministry and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) have developed a comprehensive project to elevate the Bahrain International Airport infrastructure and services. When completed, it is expected to increase the airport's capacity to 13.5 million passengers a year, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of the BIAS and attended by Transportation Minister and Economic Development Board acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed, BAC CEO Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah and Hill International senior vice-president and managing director Middle East Mohammed Al Rais.

"Hill International are on board to ensure the airport modernisation programme stays firmly on track. We are committed to the development of an airport that fully matches the future demands of the Bahrain economy," Ahmed said.

"The signing of the deal is a key milestone in realising our plans for the airport. We strive to manage Bahrain's gateway as a leading airport while serving the future needs of the aviation industry," said Al Binfalah.

"We are delighted to be appointed for this vital project. We are fully committed to the quality and time-scale of this development while adhering to the best international standards," said Al Rais. - TradeArabia News Service