Signing a memorandum of understanding between “Bahrain Airport” with “French Artele” during the Paris Aviation Show 2025

Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Communications and Communications, stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain attaches great importance to developing the air traffic system and enhancing its operational readiness, in line with the best international practices and standards in the aviation sector. He indicated that the ministry is working to consolidate strategic partnerships with specialized international bodies with the aim of supporting the Kingdom’s plans to modernize and develop the aviation sector, ensure its sustainability and enhance its efficiency.

He added that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the French company Artilia represents an advanced step in the path of updating the operational infrastructure of Bahrain International Airport, and embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to adopting smart solutions and modern technologies to ensure the highest levels of safety and flow in operational operations. He also pointed out that this cooperation reflects Bahrain’s vision in being an advanced regional center in the field of aviation and logistical services.

This came on the occasion of the signing of the Bahrain Airport Company, the authority responsible for managing and operating Bahrain International Airport, and the French Liberal Airports Company, a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of the readiness of operational operations and the transportation of air traffic at the airport (OAR), and the enhancement of the advisory capabilities of both sides in the aviation sector, on the sidelines of the Paris Air Exhibition 2025 held during the period from 16 to 22 June 2025.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Communications and Communications, as signed by Mr. Jeffrey Joh, CEO of Gulf Air Group, and by the French Airlia Airports Company, Mr. Philip Martinier, the company’s executive director.

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to develop new business opportunities and cooperate in providing specialized consulting services in the field of operational readiness and airport transport at the airport (OAR), by integrating technical and operational expertise to both parties. It focuses on adopting an integrated approach that ensures the involvement of the parties concerned early, identifying and managing the risks, and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of operation, ensuring the airport’s readiness completely before starting operations.

On this occasion, Mr. Khaled Hussein Taqi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Air Group, welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which comes within the group’s strategy to enhance its presence at the international level as a pioneering provider of integrated solutions in the aviation sector. He added that cooperation with Arteleh is a model for strategic partnerships that the group is obligated to employ to enhance the competitiveness of its companies and support the Kingdom of Bahrain as a regional aviation center. He also stressed that this cooperation reflects the increasing confidence in the operational capabilities of the Bahrain Airport Company and its capabilities in providing high -value airports services to global markets, noting that this agreement represents a qualitative step within the group’s efforts to diversify its services, support regional infrastructure and effective contribution to developing the future of airports operating globally.

For his part, Mr. Jeffrey Joh, CEO of Gulf Air Group, expressed his pride in this cooperation, which comes within the company’s vision to expand the provision of consulting services related to the readiness of operational operations and the transportation of air traffic (OAR), noting that the partnership with Arteleh is an important intersection between the two assets of the foundations with extensive experience in operating and managing airports at the international level. He added that the memo will provide services based on an accurate operational approach aimed at improving efficiency levels and enhancing the reliability of performance, by involving the parties concerned since the early stages, and developing practical frameworks to identify and address operational risks, ensuring a smooth and safe transition towards full operation. He referred to the experience of Bahrain International Airport as a model to be followed in operational readiness and institutional integration, and the company’s position as a reliable source of advanced services in the air transport sector.

In turn, Mr. Philip Martinier, CEO of Arteleh, pointed out that the agreement reflects the commitment of the two parties to support the efficiency of airports operating globally, expressing his pride in this cooperation with the Bahrain Airport Company because of its distinguished record and wide experience in operating airports. He said that this partnership will contribute to providing high -quality services to Artelia partners in the aviation sector around the world, with a focus on sustainability, risk management and the maximum operational readiness, and Mr. Martinier emphasized that this partnership represents a starting relationship with the Bahrain Airport company aimed at providing operational services at a global level of the aviation sector, based on contracts of operational experience and technical knowledge, It contributes to laying new foundations for effective preparation for airports operating, and ensuring a smooth transition to the operating stage on time and with the highest levels of efficiency