Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) signed a strategic agreement with Valo Aviation to grow the country’s private aviation sector. This signing follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Paris Air Show in June 2025.
The ceremony took place in late October and was overseen by Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Additionally, Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group; Hussain Ahmed Rashid Al Shuail, Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs; Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO of BAC; and Hanna Hakamo, CEO of Valo Aviation, attended.
The agreement supports Bahrain’s plan to develop its business aviation sector as part of the national air transport system. Therefore, strengthening private aviation infrastructure is key to positioning Bahrain International Airport as a hub for VIP services.
The deal includes a maintenance, repair, and ground service facility for private jets. Valo Aviation plans a 6,000 sqm VIP jet hangar. Moreover, this project aligns with the company’s strategy to expand hangar and MRO services while maintaining long-term efficiency and sustainability.
Hanna Hakamo, CEO of Valo Aviation, praised Bahrain’s strategic location. She added that the project reflects Valo’s long-term investment in the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure and the overall growth of private aviation.
Furthermore, the project is expected to attract more international private jet operators to Bahrain. By providing modern facilities and comprehensive services, BAC and Valo aim to make the Kingdom a preferred destination for VIP travelers and business aviation clients.
In addition, the development will support Bahrain’s economic diversification goals. It will encourage investment in aviation-related services, improve regional connectivity, and create new jobs across maintenance, operations, and ground support sectors.
Valo Aviation became Bahrain’s first business jet operator after Hakamo announced expansion plans at the 2024 Bahrain International Airshow. The new custom-designed hangar will allow Valo to operate as a full-service private aviation provider.
Finally, Hakamo emphasized that this agreement is a major step forward. She thanked the Ministry of Transportation and BAC for their support. She also highlighted that the partnership will create quality jobs and boost growth in Bahrain’s aviation sector.
