Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator of Bahrain International Airport, and DHL Express signed a Letter of Intent to establish an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in the western apron of Bahrain International Airport. The signing took place during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2025, held from November 2–3.
The Letter of Intent was signed in the presence of Dr. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, and Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group, by Ahmed Janahi, Acting CEO of Bahrain Airport Company, and Abdulaziz Busbate, CEO of DHL Express for the Middle East and North Africa.
Under the agreement, Bahrain Airport Company will allocate a site on the western apron for DHL Express to construct a state-of-the-art MRO hangar serving the Middle East and North Africa. The facility will adhere to international technical standards and will enable DHL Express to expand its capacity to maintain its global fleet of B777 and B767 aircraft, provide maintenance services to other DHL airlines, including A-CHECK inspections, engine replacements, auxiliary power unit (APU) servicing, landing gear, and thrust reversers, and increase operational capacity to support its global operations from Bahrain, in line with the company’s strategy across its three global hubs.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasised that this strategic project represents a major step in developing Bahrain’s aviation sector and reflects a beneficial partnership between the public and private sectors, supporting sustainable economic growth. He highlighted that the signing of the Letter of Intent between Bahrain Airport Company and DHL Express during the forum demonstrates investor confidence in Bahrain’s advanced infrastructure and its attractive business environment, which fosters growth in aviation and related services.
Chairman of Gulf Air Group underlined the strategic importance of this partnership, noting that the new MRO facility will reinforce Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for air cargo and a global service centre.
The project is expected to attract further investment and skilled labour to the Kingdom, supporting Gulf Air Group’s vision to develop the aviation sector and diversify the national economy, he added.
Busbate described the facility as a key strategic milestone for the company’s network expansion, enhancing service quality both locally and regionally. He noted that the project will positively impact all stakeholders, consolidate Bahrain’s status as a leading regional air cargo hub, and provide opportunities to attract skilled professionals to contribute to the company’s continued success.
Last Updated Date: 04-11-2025
