Hundreds of tonnes of equipment is expected to arrive at Bahrain International Airport over the coming weeks ahead of this year's Formula One.

More than 300 tonnes of gear passed through the airport for last year's race and similar quantities are expected for the 2015 edition of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, from April 17 to 19, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Bahrain Airport Company chief executive Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah told the GDN that his staff were making the final preparations ahead of the big race weekend.

“Every year within the span of a few days the airport manages the arrivals of not only F1 drivers and teams but also a long list of royalty, VIPs, artists, politicians and popular superstars '“ as well as hordes of motorsport fans and enthusiasts,” he said.

“On the other hand, the cargo operations have always been successful because of the seamless team effort.

“The airport handled more than 300 tonnes of racing equipment for the event last year and we are prepared to handle this year's F1 cargo operations as well.”

Cargo flights for the race will be parked up on the airport's East Apron, with three stands that can accommodate up to 12 Boeing 747s over a 24-hour period based on a four-hour turnaround, said Binfalah.

“The staging area for the cargo loading and offloading will be also adjacent to the stands at the East Apron,” he said.

“Cargo will come directly off the aircraft and be put straight onto the trucks in the staging area.

“A total of six flights are expected to arrive during the build up to race week.

“The cargo will be handled by Bahrain Airport Services with specialised ground support equipment as used over the last 10 years of operating the F1 in Bahrain.”

Binfalah added that between March 30 and April 7 last year, the airport witnessed an increase in passenger movement, which was anticipated in the lead up to the race this year.

In addition to the normal scheduled flights, 30 private jets landed at the airport last year, carrying Formula 1 drivers and VIP guests. - TradeArabia News Service