AROUND 800 tonnes of equipment and Formula One cars have arrived in the country ahead of this weekend’s Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
The race will commence tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) Sakhir and will continue until March 20 – with a packed calendar of events lined up for sport enthusiasts and families.
The Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has handled nine F1 freighters and 107 trucks this month, BAS chief executive Mohammed Ahmed told the GDN.
Since the F1 was hosted in Bahrain in 2004, cargo-handling teams have honed their skills to reduce aircraft handling time to 60 minutes from arrival.
“Hundreds of tonnes of equipment arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) ahead of the eagerly anticipated event which takes place towards the end of the first quarter of every year,” Mr Ahmed said.
“This year, we have so far handled nine freighters which brought in the F1 cars and related equipment, with a total weight of approximately 800,000kg, while a total of 107 trucks were also managed.”
Currently, most teams use cargo planes chartered by the Formula One Management in partnership with DHL, the official logistics partner for F1.
The cars are stripped down to their last components before they can be transported. The engine and gearbox, along with the front and rear wings, mirrors and suspension parts are removed. Each of these parts is packed in its own foam-slotted box with the chassis sealed in their own custom-made covers.
“BAS uses modern and specialised ground support equipment, which is designed to move the essential cargo smoothly and safely following the rules and regulations set by the carrier and respective legislative bodies,” added Mr Ahmed.
“Our employees are also exceptionally experienced in managing specialised cargo movements on all types of aircraft.
“BAS has been keen on incorporating the highest safety standards, in line with guidelines set by the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus.”
He added that BAS staff held several meetings with organisers and airport stakeholders to streamline flight operations, bay allocation, fuelling and security.
“Close co-ordination with the relevant entities and the event’s organisers has enabled BAS to provide the expected services in a timely, efficient and safe manner thus contributing to a successful event,” added Mr Ahmed.
The excitement leading up to this weekend’s Grand Prix has reached fever pitch as the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) announced it has sold out its Main Grandstand and Turn One Grandstand seats.
A small number of tickets to the race weekend are still available for the Batelco Grandstand, University Grandstand and Victory Grandstand.
Tickets can be purchased online at the BIC’s official website, bahraingp.com, or by calling the BIC hotline on +973-17-450000. They are also available at the BIC stand in City Centre Bahrain.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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