Bexair opens Bahrain terminal

Bahrain Executive Air Services Co (Bexair), the new airline in the Gulf, inaugurated its executive aviation terminal at Bahrain International Airport on Saturday. It was opened by Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation.

Bexair, the region's charter operator with a capital of $85 million, is fully insured, licensed and approved by the regional and international civil aviation authorities, said Mansour Al Tassan, chairman and CEO.

"We are the first Bahraini company to provide VIP charter flights, medical evacuation and specialised air cargo services. Bexair offers a unique service in the Middle East," he said.

Bexair now operates two aircraft, one wide-body long range Challenger 604 and the short and medium range Citation Excel. "We have ordered other aircraft to join the fleet to meet the fast growing demand. By the end of the year, we will have six aircraft in our fleet," Sandro Volpato told Gulf News.

The Executive Aviation Terminal and Fixed Base Operations (FBO) facility has been built at a cost of 750,000 dinars and is part of the first phase of preparations for Bexair's operations. It includes VIP lounges, meeting rooms as well as customs, security and immigration clearance facilities.

"After extensive research, the company has selected Bahrain International Airport as the base for its operations given the country's unique geographical location," Al Tassan said.

He added: "We are confident that this service will benefit busy executives because it gives them great flexibility in scheduling appointments and they will not have to rely on commercial airline schedules."

Bexair has signed 'several contracts' with GCC-based companies for its services, he said. Bexair was launched in November 2001 at the Dubai Air Show. The Bahrain-registered company is promoted by the Saudi-based Arabian Support and Services Co.