The Kingdom of Bahrain, which has already established itself as a leading financial centre in the Middle East, is now also setting its eyes on becoming a key aircraft maintenance hub in the region.

In support of this aim, Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air today signed an agreement with Bahrain Real Estate Company (Edamah) to build a multi million dollar world-class hangar at the Bahrain International Airport as part of the airline's growth and expansion strategy.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Gulf Air by chief executive officer Bjorn Nof and Edamah CEO Ma'amoon Al Moayyed.

Edamah has already identified an international firm specialised in building hangars to design and construct the complex, which is slated for completion in 2011.

Construction will begin next year and once completed, the facility will be able to accommodate three modern wide-body aircrafts at any time.

'Gulf Air is pleased to partner with Edamah and the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) to build this state-of-the-art maintenance facility, which will make Bahrain a key aircraft maintenance hub in the region,' said Nof after the signing.

'This world-class maintenance facility will enable Gulf Air to continue maintaining the highest safety standards as well as keep our existing and future fleet in the best condition possible.'

'This is an important development not only for Gulf Air but for Business Friendly Bahrain and we are delighted to be able to make a contribution to the further development and diversification of the kingdom's economy.'

Edamah CEO Al Moayyed agreed saying this will raise the profile of the Kingdom as a key aviation hub in the region.

'Our engagement with the national airline, Gulf Air, is a natural partnership aimed at significantly contributing towards the growth and development of Bahrain.' 

Dr Osama Al Ali, CEO of the Bahrain Airport Company, said the growth and expansion of the national carrier will be a boon for the nation that has already established itself as the leading financial centre in the Middle East.
  
'BAC's main role is to spur economic development of the Kingdom of Bahrain and we are proud to support our national carrier in its development plans that will help bring the world to Bahrain and help promote the kingdom to the world.'  

Gulf Air accounts for more than 70 per cent of the traffic to and from Bahrain International Airport and the airline has been heavily involved in the design and construction of the new international airport with aims to make it the fastest connection hub in the world.

Gulf Air Deputy CEO Ismail Karimi hailed the joint effort by the three companies owned by the Bahrain Holding Company (Mumtalakat) to set up the hangar.

'We at Gulf Air are very pleased that the Mumtalakat companies are supporting the growth plans of the national carrier and we are looking forward to developing the maintenance hub together with them,' said Karimi. 'This is a win-win situation for all.'-Reuters