Bahrain Airport Company signs MoU with Valo Aviation, at Paris Airshow 2025
Paris, June 16 (BNA): His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Bahrain Airport Company, the entity responsible for managing and operating Bahrain International Airport, and Valo Aviation, the private jet operator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, to develop dedicated maintenance, repair, and ground services facilities for business aviation at the airport, during the Paris Air Show 2025, held from June 16-22.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Jeffrey Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air Group, and Hanna Hakamo, Chief Executive Officer of Valo Aviation.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed emphasised that Bahrain continues its efforts to develop the business aviation sector as a vital component of the national air transport system, in line with regional and international market developments. He noted that support for business aviation comes within a strategic direction to create an advanced operational environment that enhances the Kingdom’s attractiveness to international investors and operators and contributes to the diversification of the national economy.
The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications indicated that providing dedicated infrastructure and advanced facilities for business aviation services is a fundamental pillar in strengthening Bahrain International Airport’s position as a flexible and efficient centre for such services. He confirmed that this new partnership reflects the growing confidence of specialised companies in Bahrain’s operational environment and enhances the integration between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Gulf Air Group in developing the aviation sector in its various fields.
The memorandum aims to enable Valo Aviation to develop a dedicated maintenance and repair hangar for VIP and business jets on a plot of land of approximately 6,000 square metres, in accordance with approved technical standards and regulations. This step is an initiative by Valo Aviation as part of its strategy to expand its business aviation activities and enhance the sustainability of its operational services in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
On this occasion, Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group, highlighted that this partnership aligns with the Group’s strategic vision to strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional centre for high-level specialised air services. He noted that supporting the development of advanced aviation infrastructure is a key element of the Group’s long-term plan to diversify air services and attract private sector investment. He welcomed Valo Aviation’s commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain, which reflects growing confidence from local and international operators in the Kingdom’s regulatory and operational environment. He considered that this partnership contributes to the development of a sustainable aviation system capable of meeting future needs and achieving a balance between operational efficiency and commercial appeal.
Jeffrey Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air Group, explained that this agreement represents an important milestone in the development of business aviation services at Bahrain International Airport. He pointed out that allocating a plot of land at the airport reflects the company’s commitment to supporting partners through infrastructure specifically designed for their operational needs. He confirmed that this initiative aligns with the airport’s development plans and aims to ensure Bahrain International Airport’s continued attractiveness to business aviation service providers. He added that enabling such facilities contributes to building an integrated system that supports business aviation operators and enhances Bahrain’s position as a preferred destination for aviation investment.
Hanna Hakamo, Chief Executive Officer of Valo Aviation, commended the Kingdom of Bahrain’s strategic location and its plans to develop the aviation sector, adding that this project is not only an operational achievement for Valo Aviation but also a long-term investment in infrastructure that supports the broader growth of the aviation sector in the Kingdom.
