DHL, the global market leader in the logistics industry, said it has signed a contract with Bahrain International Airport (BIA) to maintain its regional headquarters for a further eight years.

DHL has based its regional operations in Bahrain for over 35 years, said a statement from Bahrain Airport Company (BAC).

The contract extension underlines the close working relationship between the DHL and Bahrain and the strong partnership fostered with BAC, which is 100 per cent owned by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and Civil Aviation Authority, it added.

The contract also highlights the renewed confidence of major international businesses in the Kingdom following recent events, said a senior government official.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, chief executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, said, 'I am delighted that DHL has extended its commitment to Bahrain, and would like to congratulate everyone at the BAC for the excellent service and support provided to all of their customers and partners.'

'DHL’s decision to maintain its regional hub in Bahrain shows the benefits offered by the Kingdom for international businesses seeking to access the Gulf region, and the presence of key organisations such as them will help generate continued economic growth and jobs for all Bahrainis,' said Shaikh Mohammed.

'DHL’s continued presence will not only strengthen the Bahrain International Airport’s cargo service directly, but will also have a positive impact on the growth of the cargo and logistics supporting businesses,' said Shaikh Mohammed.

Commenting on the agreement, BAC's newly appointed chairman, Khalid Al Rumaihi said: “This deal is a key milestone for BAC in fulfilling its mandate set by Bahrain’s 'Economic Vision 2030,' by securing the business of a major player and partner in the aviation industry with better terms as it works towards realizing the commercial value and potential of the Airport and strengthening Bahrain’s position as an aviation hub located in the centre of the Gulf region.

The deal was signed between BAC chief executive officer Gordon Dewar and DHL’s senior VP Garry Kemp.

“We are delighted to extend our commitment to the Bahrain International Airport, which is a key partner for DHL and has been instrumental to our success in the region,” commented Kemp.

“Bahrain’s strategic location and excellent access via land, sea and air to the region, as well as its open economy and business facilitating approach, has continued to make it a solid base for our regional hub,” he added.

Underscoring the importance of this contract with DHL to the BIA, Dewar said: 'BAC’s business strategy is to develop an airport that is the best airport for Bahrain by continuously seeking to introduce and maintain value added services at the airport.'

'This new contract with DHL forms a vital cornerstone for the company as we enter a new phase of commercial development.  We have had a longstanding relationship with DHL and we are looking forward to many more years of shared success,” he added.

The others who took part included officials from BAC, DHL, Economic Development Board (EDB), Mumtalakat, the CAA, ground handlers, Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), Ministry of Interior’s Airport functions and other dignitaries.-TradeArabia News Service