Bahrain formally launched marhaba services at the international airport, which will offer premium passenger handling services for people arriving and departing, including transfer and porter services.

The services also include accommodation and visa processing assistance as well as chauffeur services to and from the airport.

"The world-class services that we offer will soon also be expanded with the setting up of more lounges in the departures area," said marhaba executive vice-president Isamail Al Banna, whose company operates Meet and Assist services at Dubai International Airport.

"Our familiar teams of agents are already seen assisting passengers in the same way they have been doing at the Dubai International Airport for the last two decades."

Al Banna said the fact marhaba had expanded out of Dubai for the first time in its 20-year history was testimony to its confidence in Bahrain.

"We will provide the level of service here that will take this airport to new heights. Overall, the facilities here can only get better, with greatly enhanced passenger services," he said.
Al Banna was speaking during the formal launch of the marhaba operations at the airport.

"When several years ago Dubai airport was just a small facility, Bahrain was already one of the best," he said.

"The way it is going now with world-class development, the day is not far when it will regain that stature."

Al Banna said the planned 50 per cent expansion, together with support from the government, would ensure Bahrain could hold such lofty ambitions.

"The setting up of our services is a step in that direction," he said.

Al Banna said the new marhaba services, which have been operational for just over a month, had already drawn positive feedback from passengers.

"Currently with 35 staff, the majority of whom are Bahraini nationals, the operation is predicted to grow over the coming months and further recruitment locally in Bahrain is already taking place," he said.

Al Binfalah said the introduction of marhaba services was a major boost for Bahrain.

"Bringing an experienced company to operate our meet and greet services will raise our standard of services to an international level," he added. - TradeArabia News Service