Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) a has signed a deal with Aeroports de Paris Ingenierie (ADPi) to put together the airport development plan and infrastructure concept design at Bahrain International Airport.

ADPi, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Aeroports de Paris Group, comprises a team of specialised architects and engineers who handle entire large-scale projects.

It was formed specifically to take on international design activities, and currently ranks among the major architecture, engineering and planning companies in the world.

ADPi has been working since April. It is developing the Bahrain International Airport expansion master plan over two phases.

The first phase will be finished in two years and involves short-term solutions to improve the interim capacity of the existing terminal including upgrades to the current facilities such as the check-in area, arrival hall, departure gates, passenger transfer area and additional retail outlets.

The second phase will be a comprehensive long-term expansion master plan which will start in parallel with phase one.

It will address new terminal facilities, runway expansion, taxiway, aircraft maintenance hangars, cargo, general aviation and infrastructure.

This ultimate master plan is being made to be in line with the kingdom's Economic Vision 2030.

'We have added another internationally-renowned partner in this journey towards the future of a key icon of Bahrain,' said BAC chief executive officer Gordon Dewar.

'ADPi's role is vital to this journey, being the developers of the infrastructure which will forever change the airport as everyone knows it.

'We are committed to delivering our promise of creating a world-class global aviation hub that offers an unparalleled operating experience for our clients and tenants and a memorable travelling experience for our passengers,' he added.

'The expansion programme of Bahrain International Airport proves a good challenge for us, and gives us an opportunity to put into practice the work that we are known for,' said ADPi executive vice-president Philippe Delaplace.

'We have had successes in managing the development of airports in many countries in the world, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE,' he added.

ADPi will work under the guidance of project managers Hill International, a global leader in providing project management services and in managing construction risk, which began its partnership with Bahrain Airport Company earlier this year.

ADPi has more than 500 projects successfully realised in more than 80 countries, including development and operation of all Paris airports.

Some of the key projects ADPi has been involved in are Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali, King Abdulaziz International Airport and Eldorado International Airport. – TradeArabia News Service