Bapco Air Fueling, a subsidiary of Bapco Energies, celebrated 40 years of providing reliable, and uninterrupted aircraft fuelling operations at Bahrain International Airport, during a special ceremony held yesterday.
The event, which took place at the Awal Private Terminal, showcased four decades of the company’s strategic contributions to the kingdom’s aviation infrastructure and national economy, and was organised by Bapco Energies, the integrated group leading the energy transition in Bahrain.
“We are honoured to be celebrating this event here at Bahrain International Airport with our partners and stakeholders from all over the world, notably Chevron and BP,” Bapco Air Fueling chief executive Shaikh Ibrahim bin Khalid Al Khalifa told the GDN.
“After completing 40 years of our service in the airport, we are here today to celebrate this success story and to reflect on what makes us successful and distinctive.”
In a statement, the company noted that its journey has been guided by the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and under the direction of His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Bapco Energies chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The event took place in the presence of Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina, as well as Transportation and Telecommunication Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
Senior officials from government entities, Bapco Energies, partner organisations and representatives from Bahrain’s aviation sector also attended the celebration.
“It’s a proud moment to be here this afternoon, and we look forward to many more years to come – one of the major milestones that we look forward to achieving is to digitalise our operations at the airport,” Shaikh Ibrahim added.
The event highlighted the company’s commitment to international standards, operational excellence and national service.
“Bapco Air Fueling’s history extends beyond its formal establishment in 1985, with aviation fuelling activities dating back to 1932 through partnerships with global leaders British Petroleum (BP) and Chevron,” the company added.
“Today, Bapco Air Fueling continues to benefit from these strategic partnerships, strengthening governance, transferring best practices and reinforcing its position as a world-class fuelling operator.
“Safety remains central to Bapco Air Fueling’s operations, supported by certification to leading international standards including ISO 9001 and ISO 45001.”
Shaikh Ibrahim noted that ‘60 per cent of Bapco Air Fueling is owned by Bapco Energies, 27pc by Chevron, and 13pc by BP.’
The event featured remarks and speeches by Bapco Energies group chief executive Mark Thomas and Shaikh Ibrahim.
The speakers noted that the company has implemented several major infrastructure upgrades and continues to modernise its systems, including initiatives to digitalise refuelling operations and enhance operational efficiency.
They also highlighted how Bapco Air Fueling has prioritised national workforce development and the empowerment of Bahraini talent.
“We are proud to say that 99pc of our workforce is Bahraini, and since 2023, 10pc of our workforce has been women, which makes us all proud,” Shaikh Ibrahim added.
Shaikh Ibrahim, Dr Bin Daina and Dr Shaikh Abdulla also congratulated several employees, including Bahraini Azhar Al Majid, who became the first female aircraft fuelling operator in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The leadership team praised the dedication of Bapco Air Fueling’s employees, whose professionalism and commitment remain fundamental to the company’s success and reputation over the past four decades.
Looking ahead, the company reiterated its commitment to supporting the growth of Bahrain’s aviation sector, advancing sustainability initiatives and contributing to the kingdom’s long-term strategic objectives as part of the Bapco Energies Group.
Bapco Energies extended its appreciation to the Oil and Environment, as well as Transportation and Telecommunications Ministries, alongside strategic partners and stakeholders who have contributed to Bapco Air Fueling’s success and development over the years.
naman@gdnmedia.bh