Manama, February 11 (BNA): The strategic cooperation with Capital A Berhad was announced at the Arcapita building in Bahrain Bay, and Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, was present.
Transportation Minister attends announcement of strategic partnership with Capital A Berhad
According to Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed, the strategic alliance with Capital A Berhad through AirAsia marks a significant turning point in the growth of the aviation industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He continued by saying that it shows trust between the two parties as well as a common goal of fortifying ties between the Kingdom and regional and international markets.
The Transportation Minister noted that Bahrain has set a target to increase its network of destinations from roughly 70 to 100 in the upcoming years, emphasizing that this step constitutes an important stage in the development of the country’s aviation industry. Given AirAsia’s extensive network of around 140 locations throughout Asia, which increases travel and tourism options for citizens and residents and fosters business and tourism exchange, he said this agreement puts the Kingdom much closer to reaching this aim.
He added that this move is a significant step in realizing AirAsia’s goal of expanding its network throughout Europe, especially to London, the capital of Britain. He emphasized that Bahrain will serve as a vital link between the European market and the company’s vast Asian network. He emphasized that the partnership goes beyond simply starting passenger transport services; it also involves plans to build a 14-bay maintenance facility with Asia Digital Engineering to support the expansion of the region’s aircraft fleet. In addition, he said, it supports the aircraft maintenance system and technical services, strengthens the Kingdom’s position as an integrated regional hub in the aviation industry, and advances air connectivity operations, logistics, engineering, and the development of national capabilities through Teleport, the company’s logistics arm.
This action is in line with Bahrain’s strategic directives to strengthen international ties and promote the sustainability of the aviation industry, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed emphasized. These directives include granting air transport rights under the fifth freedom, which permits airlines to operate flights between Bahrain and another nation with the potential to transport passengers or cargo to a third nation, and the seventh freedom, which permits operating flights between two foreign nations without going through the airline’s country of registration. As a result, market competitiveness rises and air connectivity is improved.
According to Capital A Berhad CEO Tony Fernandes, this day marks a significant turning point for AirAsia. He took delight in the company’s decision to choose Bahrain as the strategic link between its vast network in Asia and European markets, as well as in expanding its partnerships to Europe. He went on to say that this move is in line with the company’s goal of creating a more interconnected long-haul flying network based on successful regional hubs outside of Southeast Asia. He praised the Kingdom’s advantageous location, the strength of its aviation industry, and the favorable climate it provides for growth and development.
Notably, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Capital A Berhad, the parent company of AirAsia, signed a letter of intent (LOI) during the Gateway Gulf Forum 2025. This was one of over 60 agreements and investment initiatives totaling over US$17 billion across multiple sectors. In addition to supporting the development of aviation and logistics infrastructure, including the potential establishment of advanced engineering maintenance facilities, the LOI seeks to investigate the possibility of making Bahrain a strategic hub for AirAsia’s aviation operations in the Middle East, linking the company’s extensive network in Asia with new markets.
