Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has signed a landmark agreement with Texel Air to significantly expand its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure.
Announced at the Paris Air Show, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paves the way for the construction of a new 7,000 square metre Code C aircraft hangar and an additional 10,000 square metres of apron, taxiway, and manoeuvring space.
The new facility will be capable of accommodating up to three Code C aircraft or multiple ultra long-range business jets in a climate-controlled environment, catering to the needs of high-value private and corporate aviation.
The agreement was signed by Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air Group on behalf of BAC, and George Chisholm, Executive Board Member of Texel Air, in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
Strengthening Bahrain’s Aviation Ecosystem
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah described the agreement as a vital step in advancing Bahrain’s national strategy for civil aviation development, aligning with global standards and enhancing the Kingdom’s appeal as a regional aviation and logistics hub.
“MRO is a key pillar of Bahrain’s aviation strategy,” he said. “It presents strong investment opportunities and plays a critical role in supporting the broader aviation ecosystem.”
He added that the expansion of advanced maintenance services at BIA would help attract high-quality investments and contribute to Bahrain’s economic diversification agenda. The partnership with Texel Air, he noted, serves as a model for successful public-private collaboration in enhancing national infrastructure and services.
Elevating Regional Aviation Capabilities
BAC said the new MRO facility will not only expand Bahrain International Airport’s operational capacity but will also bolster its standing as a premier destination for aviation services in the region. The hangar will offer specialised parking and servicing capabilities designed to meet the exacting standards of private and business jet operators.
Texel Air, which specialises in air cargo and aircraft maintenance, has operated in Bahrain since 2013 and has become a strategic asset in the country’s growing aviation sector.