BIA passes another test as D-day inches closer

Launch preparations of Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) new Passenger Terminal Building are progressing smoothly for the first quarter of 2020, said Transport Minister. Kamal Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chairman, said this follows a series of live aircraft trials to assess the readiness of aircraft parking stands.

In total, 10 BIA airside stakeholders participated in the trials to test the operational and technical aspects of the new Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS), including safety and operational procedures. The trials involved different sized aircraft from airlines and cargo companies operating out of BIA, including Gulf Air, DHL, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Fly Dubai.

One of the trials involved a Gulf Air B787 aircraft, which taxied to the new MARS Stand 16 and conducted a full turnaround operation, covering baggage handling and passenger boarding and de-boarding procedures. Also tested were Visual Docking Guidance System, which helps pilots to precisely park aircraft, and the Pre-conditioned Air System, which provides conditioned air to cool and ventilate the cabins of parked aircraft.

Minister said: “BAC conducted preliminary trials at Stand 16 ahead of the reception of aircraft and passengers at the new terminal’s runway, which also underwent special preparations.” “Thanks to the cooperation and continued support of its partners, BAC has made tremendous progress within a short period of time, however, even greater effort is required in the lead up to the new terminal’s inauguration in 2020.”

The trials covered 400Hz ground power, which supplies the aircraft with electricity and reduces its carbon emissions; the Passenger Loading Bridges; the new LED Flood Light Towers, which illuminate the new aircraft stands; and the new aircraft fuel hydrants, which provide fuel from the new fuel farm at BIA.

The trials are part of the national ORAT programme, which is designed to progressively test the new terminal’s functions, systems, and procedures to ensure they are ready for the transition phase. The ORAT process is split into three phases, pre-trials, basic trials, and advanced trials.