Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, attended the announcement ceremony of the strategic partnership with Capital A Berhad, held at the Arcapita building in Bahrain Bay. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of this partnership via AirAsia, marking a significant milestone in the development of Bahrain's aviation sector and reflecting mutual trust and shared ambitions to strengthen links between the Kingdom and regional and global markets.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Transportation Minister emphasized that this partnership represents a crucial phase in the evolution of the national aviation sector. Bahrain aims to expand its network of destinations from the current 70 to 100 in the coming years. With AirAsia's extensive network of about 140 destinations in Asia, the partnership enhances travel and tourism options for citizens and residents and promotes business and tourism exchanges.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah further noted that this development is also pivotal for AirAsia's goal of extending its network to Europe, especially to London. He stated that Bahrain will serve as a strategic bridge linking AirAsia's network in Asia with European markets. The cooperation goes beyond passenger transport services, including plans with Asia Digital Engineering to set up a maintenance facility in the region, supporting aircraft fleet growth and enhancing air connectivity operations, logistics, and engineering.
The Minister stressed that this initiative aligns with Bahrain's strategic directives to enhance international partnerships and sustain the aviation sector. It includes granting air transport rights under the fifth and seventh freedoms, which improve air connectivity and increase market competitiveness.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A Berhad, expressed that the day marks a great milestone for AirAsia. He emphasized pride in expanding partnerships to Europe and choosing Bahrain as the strategic link between its Asian network and European markets, building more connected long-haul flight networks through effective regional hubs.
The letter of intent (LOI) between the Ministry and Capital A Berhad was signed during the Gateway Gulf Forum 2025, as part of over 60 agreements and investment initiatives worth more than US$17 billion across various sectors. The LOI aims to establish Bahrain as a strategic hub for AirAsia's operations in the Middle East, connecting its network in Asia with new markets and supporting aviation and logistics infrastructure development.