Gulf Air, the flag carrier of Bahrain, has unveiled its plans to build a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport (BIA).
According to the latest Gulf Air statement released on July 21, 2024, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain will build the MRO complex. It will house a more than 20,000 square meter temperature-controlled hangar, stores, workshops, and a dedicated tarmac.
“This is the beginning of another exciting milestone for Bahrain’s aviation sector. For Gulf Air, it will be the first purpose-built MRO facility. The new facility will provide a great opportunity to enhance our aviation maintenance talents and capabilities. Bahrain International Airport, operated by Bahrain Airport Company will have the addition of another landmark facility,” Jeffrey Goh, the Gulf Air Group Chief Executive Officer, said in the statement.
In the new facility, Gulf Air will utilize the latest advancements in aircraft engineering and automation. The airline will also focus on sustainability and minimizing the environmental footprint. The hangar will primarily serve the in-house Gulf Air’s maintenance needs but will also be available for other airlines.
The airline flies a mixed fleet, which consists of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. According to the Planespotters.com data, the carrier currently operates eight Airbus A320-200s, six A320neos, four A321-200s, and 13 A321neos, as well as ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.