Bahrain Airport Company, BBK sign strategic partnership to develop "Express Cargo Village"

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has secured a major boost for the development of its Express Cargo Village project. A 15-year loan agreement was signed with the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), marking a significant milestone in the development of Bahrain's logistics infrastructure.

The agreement, signed at the Awal Private Terminal at BIA, was officially endorsed by BAC's Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, and BBK's General Manager of Corporate Banking, Nadeem Al Kooheji. BBK was selected through a competitive tender process to provide financing for the project, which aims to enhance BIA's capacity and solidify Bahrain's position as a regional logistics hub.

Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah commented, “BBK has been a longstanding and trusted partner, and this collaboration builds on our previous successful partnerships. The Express Cargo Village is an essential part of Bahrain's national logistics strategy, which was launched in 2021, and will play a crucial role in achieving Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. This facility will significantly improve BIA’s logistics capabilities, ensuring that Bahrain remains a leading player in the region’s logistics sector.”

The Express Cargo Village will feature state-of-the-art warehouses, advanced aircraft service areas, and modern infrastructure, with the aim of increasing BIA's cargo capacity from 360,000 tons to 1.3 million tons annually. The project is set to streamline operations and cater to growing demand from express cargo customers. Phase 1 of the project, spanning 12,500 sq m, is already fully occupied, attracting foreign investors, including FedEx. Phase 2, which will expand the facility by 52,000 sq m, is set to further enhance its capacity.

Nadeem Al Kooheji, General Manager of Corporate Banking at BBK, emphasized the bank's role in supporting large-scale development projects. “This partnership with BAC to finance the Express Cargo Village is a key example of BBK’s commitment to financing transformative initiatives that contribute to the economic growth of Bahrain. We are proud to be part of such a significant project that will benefit the entire country’s logistics and aviation sectors.”

The project is aligned with Bahrain's Logistics Sector Strategy and is poised to create new job opportunities while strengthening the country’s economic infrastructure. The development is a clear reflection of Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to realizing its Vision 2030 and reinforcing its position as a hub for global trade and logistics.