Bahrain Airport Services names ex-Gulf Air official as new CEO

Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), the official operator of ground services at the kingdom's airport, has appointed Engineer Mohamed Khalil Ahmed, a Bahraini national, as its new CEO.

 

He is primarily mandated with executing a very ambitious strategy, leading the company in this difficult time, strengthening its service offerings and positioning BAS on the regional aviation map.

 

An industry veteran, Ahmed has a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in various disciplines including aviation and airport strategic management, commercial negotiation and management, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, revenue creation and diversification, real estate development, design management and project, construction, and contract management.

 

Prior to this, he had worked as a Chief Business Development Officer at Gulf Air Group Holding (GFG) for close to 4 years, Chief Commercial Officer at Bahrain Airport Company for almost 5 years, in addition to holding several executive positions at GFH Real Estate, Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer), First Gulf Real Estate Company in Saudi Arabia and Technal Middle East. 

 

He was also a member of the boards of directors of several companies, including BAS, Bahrain Duty Free company, SSP Bahrain, BAC Jet Fuel Company among others.

 

Welcoming the appointment, Jalal Mohamed Jalal, the chairman of the board of directors at BAS, said: "This is a prime manifestation of how much we believe that the Bahraini cadre is capable of managing a company with a 43-year track record of service. Selecting a Bahraini national to lead this key aviation-sector contributor comes due to Ahmed's rich, diversified experience and unique skillset that made him standout among other local and international candidates."

 

"We believe that his extensive experience in the aviation and business sectors will contribute significantly to the development of the company's business by implementing an ambitious strategic plan and achieving the objectives set not only for BAS but to enhance Bahrain's position and leading role in the aviation industry regionally," he added.

 

Jalal said this appointment coincides with the opening of the new passenger terminal and the real challenge this brings to raise the quality of work and services. 

 

"BAS is keen to providing high quality services that are commensurate with the reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain as an aviation hub in the region, and conforms to the aspirations of the wise leadership of the country. We welcome Ahmed to our team and look forward to a new era of achievements, positive relationships with airlines and customers, and fruitful partnerships with aviation players to further flourish the aviation sector in Bahrain," he added.

 

On his appointment, Ahmed said: "I am honored and thrilled to take on the role as the new CEO of Bahrain Airport Services. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the chairman and distinguished members of the board of directors for their confidence and trust."

 

"I look forward to working closely with the management team and BAS’s talented employees to take the company to the next level," he added.

 

Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Bahrain and a Diploma in Airport Strategic Management from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), he is also a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) from National Association of Realtors, US.-TradeArabia News Service