Don't often post in here but saw this and thought of you........
Airport hub for corporate jets
By SOMAN BABY
TRANSPORTATION Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa is to open the BD750,000 Bahrain Executive Air Services Company (Bexair) terminal at Bahrain International Airport today.
It will mark the launch of Bexair's executive aviation corporate jet services in the Gulf region.
The VIP terminal, designed by Mohammed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau and built by Chapo, is a small part of the $85 million (BD32.13m) investment envisaged for Bexair.
The Executive Aviation Terminal and Fixed Base Operations (FBO) facility has been built at a cost of BD750,000 and is part of the first phase of preparations for Bexair operations.
The terminal facilities include VIP lounges, meeting rooms and other FBO services as well as customs, security and immigration clearance facilities.
Bexair is a Bahrain registered company promoted by the Saudi-based Arabian Support and Services Company (ASASCO).
The operations will focus on providing VIP charter operations, aircraft management and related services.
Two types of aircraft, Cessna Citation Excel and Bombardier Challenger- 604 will be used for the initial operations.
"After extensive research, the company has selected Bahrain International Airport as the base for its operations. given the country's unique geographical location," said chairman and chief executive officer Mansour Al Tassan.
"Moreover, Bahrain is a financial centre and has a healthy and fast-growing corporate and multi-national sector.
"We are confident that this service will benefit busy executives because it gives them great flexibility in scheduling appointments and they will not have to rely on commercial airline schedules."
The new venture, said a spokesman, is seen as the result of Shaikh Ali's declaration on liberalisation and open skies policy in the Bahrain aviation sector.
"There has been overwhelming response to the company's announcement of its trial services with several companies booking its services in advance," he added.
"We have received immense interest, especially at the recent Dubai Air Show and are confident that the months ahead will see Bexair building on this interest despite the tensions in the aviation industry worldwide."