Hundreds of jobs are set to be created for Bahrainis as one of the country's biggest companies prepares for a major expansion.

Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) wants to take on new staff in the coming months as it prepares for the expansion of Bahrain International Airport.

Chairman Jalal Mohammed Jalal said the firm would also expand its services, buy new equipment and look to modernise.

"The new terminal project at the airport is expected to take off later this year and we have to be prepared for that," Jalal told the Gulf Daily News on the sidelines of the Bahrain International Airshow.

"The terminal will take a few years to build but before it goes on stream, we have to be ready."

Jalal said employing more staff was its number one priority. "We then have to train them and get them ready so that they are ready to take up new responsibilities," he said.

He said most of those to be employed will be Bahrainis.
 "With the expansion, we will not only contribute towards Bahrainisation and giving jobs to citizens, we will also contribute to Bahrain's economy moving forward," he said.

BAS has recently invested in buying new buses and other modern equipment. "We have to spend money if we have to be competitive and provide the best services," said Jalal.

Meanwhile, BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC) announced it had been certified as an Edexcel Higher National Diploma (HND) provider for their aeronautical engineering programmes, a first in Bahrain.

"We will now launch the Edexcel HND programme for students and graduates next month," said training manager Khalid Al Bastaki.

"BAETC is a pioneer in its sector, bringing unique programmes to Bahrain and elevating industry standards across the region.

"It is the first in Bahrain to be certified for the Edexcel HND programme for aeronautical engineering and offers our students an internationally recognised degree."

BAS deputy chief executive officer Salman Al Mahmeed said the company had invested in a BD1 million new training facility.

"BAETC was created to resolve the issue of the shortage of aircraft engineers throughout the Gulf," he said.

"We aim to become a premier centre of excellence for aircraft engineering in the GCC and within the Middle East." - TradeArabia News Service