Bahrain Airport Company signs MOU with Valo Aviation

LE BOURGET, PARIS – His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s continued commitment to the development of the business aviation sector as an integral part of the national air transport system, in line with regional and international advancements in the aviation industry. His Excellency stated that the support extended to business aviation falls within the framework of the Kingdom’s strategic direction to establish an advanced and competitive operational environment – enhancing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional hub, attracting international investments and operators, and contributing to the diversification and sustainability of the national economy. His Excellency further highlighted that providing dedicated infrastructure and advanced facilities for business aviation services constitutes a key pillar in reinforcing Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) status as a flexible and efficient hub for this segment. He emphasized that this new partnership reflects the growing confidence of specialized companies in the operational environment in the Kingdom of Bahrain and strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Gulf Air Group (GFG) to advance the Kingdom’s aviation sector across all fields.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications. It was signed by Jeffrey Goh, Chief Executive Officer of GFG, and Hanna Hakamo, Chief Executive Officer of Valo Aviation.

The MOU aims to enable Valo Aviation to develop a dedicated maintenance and repair hangar for business jets on a plot of land approximately 6,000 square meters in size, in accordance with approved technical standards and regulations. This initiative is part of Valo Aviation’s strategy to expand its presence in hangar and MRO services, supporting the long-term sustainability and efficiency of its operations in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Gulf Air Group Chairman, Khalid Hussain Taqi affirmed that this partnership aligns with the Group’s strategic vision to enhance the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for high-level specialized air services. He noted that supporting advanced aviation infrastructure is vital as part of the Group’s long-term plan, which aims to diversify air services and attract private sector investments. He welcomed Valo Aviation’s commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain, which demonstrates growing confidence from local and international operators and their trust in the Kingdom’s regulatory and operational environment. This partnership will strengthen efforts to build a sustainable aviation system, meet future needs, and balance operational efficiency with commercial appeal.

Jeffrey Goh highlighted that this memorandum of understanding with Valo Aviation represents an important milestone in the development of business aviation services at Bahrain International Airport. He pointed out that allocating the development requirements reflects BAC’s commitment to providing tailored infrastructure for our partners’ operational needs. This initiative aligns with the airport development plans, aiming to ensure continued attractiveness for business aviation providers. Enabling such facilities builds an integrated system, supporting operators and enhancing the Kingdom’s appeal for aviation investment. Ms. Hanna Hakamo praised the Kingdom of Bahrain’s strategic location and its plans for developing the aviation sector, adding that this project is not only an operational achievement for Valo Aviation but also a long-term investment in infrastructure that supports the broader growth of the business aviation sector in the Kingdom.

MoU with Texel Air sign to expand Aircraft MRO hangar capabilities at Bahrain International Airport

Also, His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to advancing its ambitious strategy for the development of the civil aviation sector and the enhancement of related infrastructure, in alignment with the highest international standards. His Excellency emphasized that Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) is a key pillar of this strategy, given the sector’s promising investment potential and its vital role in supporting Bahrain’s comprehensive aviation ecosystem. He further noted that the expansion of advanced maintenance services at Bahrain International Airport strengthens the Kingdom’s ability to attract high-quality investments and contributes meaningfully to the national economic diversification agenda. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah also highlighted the partnership with Texel Air as an exemplary model of public-private sector collaboration in developing aviation
services – reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a flexible and efficient regional logistics hub.

This statement follows the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), and Texel Air, a specialist in air cargo and aircraft maintenance. The MoU was signed during the Paris Air Show, held from June 16 to 22, 2025, and outlines plans for a major expansion of aircraft MRO hangar capabilities at the airport.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and was officiated by Jeffrey Goh, and George Chisholm, Executive Board Member of Texel Air.

Under the terms of the MoU, Texel Air’s operations at Bahrain International Airport will be expanded through the development of a new 7,000-square-meter Code C aircraft hangar, along with an additional 10,000 square meters of apron, maneuvering and taxiway area. The new facility is designed to accommodate up to three Code C aircraft or multiple ultra long-range business jets in a climate-controlled environment, providing specialized parking and maintenance conditions tailored to high-value private and corporate aviation. This substantial infrastructure investment will significantly elevate Bahrain International Airport’s capacity and standing as a premier regional aviation hub.

Khalid Hussain Taqi stated, “This MoU embodies the Group’s long-term vision of creating valuable and sustainable opportunities for private sector partners and investors. This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to supporting the national economy through strategic investment in the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure. Our partnership with Texel Air is crucial. It stands as a truly successful model of effective collaboration. As a Bahraini company with a prominent regional impact, Texel Air’s growth trajectory at Bahrain International Airport perfectly aligns with the Group’s vision to foster a flexible and attractive environment for air cargo and aircraft maintenance and repair activities.”

Jeffrey Goh commented, “BAC is committed to supporting investors at Bahrain International Airport and enabling their commercial expansion and business growth, a core part of BAC's strategy to enhance private aviation operation. Supporting the logistics sector is an urgent necessity for diversifying airport services and solidifying the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional aviation hub. Texel Air is a strategic partner that actively contributes to the air cargo and aviation ecosystem at Bahrain International Airport. Significantly, this expansion reflects investor confidence in the airport’s capability to support various services and operations.”

George Chisholm said, “This investment reflects Texel Air’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain as a strategic base for both commercial and corporate aviation. We’re proud to work alongside BAC to build infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of the region.”

The article Bahrain Airport Company signs MOU with Valo Aviation first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.