BAC and Bahrain Polytechnic launch joint research programme

Manama : Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Bahrain Polytechnic to establish the first in a long-term research initiative to engage students in research related to the aviation industry. 

The ultimate goal of the project is to establish a research and innovation platform centred around the diverse operations and disciplines at Bahrain International Airport through the exchange of creative ideas and concepts to serve the sector at large. BAC Chief Support Services Officer (CSSO), Gordon Stewart, and Polytechnic Bahrain Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky signed the agreement at a ceremony with senior officials from both organisations in attendance.   

Stewart said: “The research programme will set up an ecosystem conducive to encourage research and development in challenges faced by airport operations through the mobilization of research skills and knowledge of young university students and providing them with the necessary support and training. BAC will work collaboratively with Bahrain Polytechnic on students’ research to fulfil academic objectives as well as provide them with ideas and concepts to promote innovation and creativity. Under a joint supervisory framework, these students will now be able to unlock their full potentials, and be part of a platform targeting the enhancement of the aviation sector in the Kingdom.”

The initiative comes as the BIA undergoes a $1.1 billion Airport Modernisation Plan which will turn it into a world class boutique airport and help it play a stronger role in achieving the development goals of Bahrain’s Vision 2030.

Bahrain Polytechnic CEO, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky said: “Partnering with industry partners is crucial to ensure that our graduates gain the necessary 21st century skills. I would like to thank Bahrain Airport Company for signing this partnership with us, and we hope for a fruitful collaboration.”

The collaboration is the first in a series of agreements that BAC plans to sign with academic institutions to create a repository of aviation-related research information that can serve as a shared database and further improve the industry.