ARTICLES

A new platform is being developed that could revolutionise the private aviation industry. The platform, created by a company called LFS and Mega, is designed to reduce the cost of private jet travel by creating a unique schedule for operators that links multiple locations together. The platform will be completely digital and customers will be able to book flights for just $1.00 per click fee. This could be a game-changer for the aviation industry, and it will be interesting to see how it develops…. MEGA will specialise in the charter business, aiming to change the game of pricing. They have

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Aviation Bahrain, proudly produced by Hill & Lamb in collaboration with our esteemed partners. As we embark on this thrilling journey into the skies, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have been a part of this remarkable endeavor. Aviation Bahrain is more than just a publication; it’s a testament to the dynamic and burgeoning aviation industry in the heart of the Middle East. This annual publication is poised to become a beacon of knowledge and a bridge for connections in the aviation world. At its core, Aviation Bahrain serves a dual purpose:

Richard Gale / Vice President Aviation of DHL Bahrain In a candid conversation with Richard Gale, Vice President Aviation of DHL Bahrain, Aviation Bahrain explores DHL’s remarkable investments in Bahrain and its dedication to a sustainable and promising future in the aviation industry. Introduction to DHL Bahrain DHL, a global leader in express logistics services, has made significant strides in the aviation industry in Bahrain. The Middle East region has proven to be of strategic importance for DHL, and its operations here in Bahrain have been instrumental in fostering trade, supporting e-commerce growth, and contributing to the overall development of

Mark Angela, CEO of SSP SSP Group, a prominent provider of food and beverage services within the travel sector, holds a significant presence at Bahrain International Airport. Committed to providing top-notch customer experiences, SSP Group has firmly established itself as a key player in the airport’s culinary offerings. Since its inception in 1961, SSP Group has expanded its operations to encompass more than 2,800 outlets across over 30 countries worldwide. The company’s expertise lies in crafting distinctive dining concepts tailored to meet the diverse requirements of travellers. Within Bahrain International Airport, SSP Group expertly manages a variety of establishments, ranging

Location Flight Services Bahrain is a premier aviation services company based in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Established in 2005, Location Flight servivces has grown to become a leader in the aviation industry, offering a wide range of flight services, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, and aviation consulting to clients both domestically and internationally. With a strong commitment to safety, excellence, and customer satisfaction, Location Flight Services Bahrain continues to elevate the standards of aviation services in the region. Mission The mission of Location Flight Services Bahrain is to provide unparalleled aviation solutions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

Moritz Manzel and Andreas Pötzsch / Managing Directors As part of the DFS Group, DAS can rely on the expert knowledge, technical expertise and highest quality in standards. Could you give our readers some background on DFS Aviation Services as a global company? DFS Aviation Services GmbH (DAS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS), the German air navigation service provider (ANSP). DAS is a certified ANSP, provides air traffic services at regional airports in Germany and markets its ATM products and services worldwide. As part of the DFS Group, DAS can rely on the expert

Yousif Mahmoud / Director General of BIAS I started in the aviation industry in 1985 when the government initiated the recruitment program for Bahrani air traffic controllers, which saw us recruited straight out of high school and sent to college to study air traffic control. In 1988 we graduated from the Civil Aviation College in Doha and joined the Civil Aviation Affairs, which was the sole authority responsible for the entire aviation industry at the time. There were few private sector companies, it was predominantly managed by the government. In 1989, I began my 14-year career in air traffic control

Kashif Khalid / Regional Director Africa & Middle East for IATA For 70 years IATA has been the go-to partner for airlines with a mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry as a global organization that represents over 300 airlines across 117 countries. It continually develops standards and practices that help airlines to deliver safety and efficiency and is dedicated to promoting the interests of the airline industry with governments and other key organizations as well as providing training and education. Kashif Khalid, the Regional Director of Africa & Middle East for IATA’s Airports, Passenger, Cargo, Security &

Operated by The Gulf Hotels Group The Bahrain Airport Hotel (Airside) is a 83-key hotel located in the airside portion of the Bahrain International Airport. It is the only hotel in Bahrain that is located within the airport terminal, making it an ideal choice for passengers who have long layovers or who need to stay overnight before their flight. The hotel offers a variety of room types to choose from, including sleeping pods, compact rooms, standard rooms, and family rooms. Sleeping pods are a great option for passengers who need a quick nap or who are on a tight budget.

Captain Dhaffer Al Abbasi / CEO · Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA) Captain Dhaffer Al Abbasi is a name synonymous with excellence in aviation training. With a remarkable journey from the cockpit to the boardroom, Captain Al Abbasi is now approaching his 10 year anniversary as the CEO of Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA), a prominent institution in the Middle East aviation landscape. In this interview, we delve into his career milestones, vision for GAA, and the academy’s contributions to the aviation industry. GAA is agile, so we can move into non- aviation markets such as maritime and leadership programs What is

Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah / CEO · Bahrain International Airport (BIA) Bahrain International Airport (BIA), a shining jewel in the kingdom’s aviation crown, has not only soared to global recognition but also become a beacon of prosperity under the astute leadership of CEO Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah. The Bahrain Airport has made a huge impact globally – winning World’s Best New Airport at the Skytrax 2022. Itis at the epicentre of the aviation industry in the country. How do you believe that the airport can be at the epicentre of attracting new business and investments in the aviation cluster and

Captain Waleed Al Alawi / CEO · Gulf Air Gulf Air, the national Carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a subsidiary of Gulf Air Group Holding company under whose ownership Bahrain Airport Company and Gulf Aviation Academy. Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is the proud national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. As a pioneering airline in the Middle East region with more than 70 years of experience and expertise in flying people across continents, Gulf Air is today one of the most powerful brands and a name to reckon with in the global aviation industry. One of the

Jeffrey Goh / CEO · Gulf Air Group In this exclusive interview, Andrew Shameen speaks with Jeffrey Goh, the Group CEO of Gulf Air Group, shares insights into his vision for “Shaping Bahrain Aviation.” He elaborates on his strategies for the growth and development of the Gulf Air Group, including its subsidiaries’ impact on Bahrain’s aviation industry. What is the vision of the Gulf Air Group and the plans for growth? What are the top three priorities for the next 12 months? I am excited by the opportunity that the Gulf Air Group hasin shaping Bahrain aviation. Our vision is

Assistant Undersecretary for Aviation Safety and Security in the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications By Melissa Lamb, Founder and CEO of Aviation Bahrain In the world of aviation, where precision, safety, and excellence are paramount, women like Ebtesam Al- Shamlan have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for others to follow. As the Assistant Undersecretary of Air Transport and Aviation Safety and Security in Bahrain, Ebtesam AlShamlan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this exclusive interview, she shares her remarkable story and insights into her career in aviation. Melissa: Could you please tell us about your

Greetings. The development of Bahrain’s aviation sector is pivotal to our nation’s economic vision, which is encapsulated in the Bahrain Vision 2030. It is an honour to share with you the progress and milestones we have achieved as we near the end of 2023 and look ahead to the future contributions of our aviation industry. Bahrain Vision 2030: Our Guiding Vision Bahrain Vision 2030 serves as the guiding light for all ministries and sectors involved in our economic development. This visionary blueprint outlines our aspirations for sustainable economic growth and diversification, emphasising key sectors like aviation. At the Ministry of

The Kingdom of Bahrain, a tiny island nation in the Persian Gulf, might be small in size, but it’s making a big impact in the world of aviation. With a strategic location, a robust infrastructure, and a forward-thinking approach, Bahrain has become a hub for the aviation industry, attracting major logistics companies, and fostering a thriving environment for air travel. Strategic Location: A Game-Changer Bahrain’s strategic location in the heart of the Gulf region is a game-changer for its aviation industry. The kingdom serves as a vital connecting point between the East and the West, making it an attractive option