Private Air Jet Travel Demand Doubles in Bahrain

Visitors to Bahrain, wishing to avoid the chaos and craziness found at the airports due to the Grand Prix race taking place at the Bahrain Formula One racetrack in Sakhir, are more than doubling the demand for charter helicopters and jets, according to Bahrain Executive Air Services (Bexair).
"Executive air charter jets have never been more in demand until now with the Gulf Air Grand Prix F1 race just around the corner and with individuals realizing the huge benefit of private air travel," says Mark Lawson, sales manager at Bexair.

A tidal wave of requests has been received from travelers wishing to avoid the traffic jams created by Grand Prix events. When Bexair announced that its passengers wouldl have the luxury of choosing a helicopter link directly to the event, the world responded in full force.

"We are the only private jet charter service in Bahrain and, as such, are working hard to meet the increased demand. Sports enthusiasts, businessmen and VIP travelers are requesting individually tailored trips to and from Bahrain as well as looking at the possibility of negotiating a number of jet travel hours on a contract basis," said Mansour I. Al Tassan, chairman, president and CEO of Bexair.
Mr. Al Tassan continued, "The Grand Prix probably has the largest number of fans of any sport world-wide and always attracts thousands of spectators. Hosting this event is a fantastic boost for Bahrain, and we are proud to be involved."

But talk about growing pains—pressure on Bahrain International Airport from the huge influx of Formula One race visitors--those traveling from neighboring Gulf countries--is about to increase more than one hundred-fold, according to commercial aviation sources.
"We are expecting to handle an average of 400 chartered flights a day as opposed to the present 25 to 30 a month on the terminal side," said Bexair's marketing support manager Sakeer Sheik.
"That represents about 100 aircraft and the bulk of these flights will be from nearby GCC countries such as the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Doha and Kuwait. Since the distance is short, there will be quick turnover and Bexair is looking at expanding its staff strength to cope with the pressure", Sheik continued.

Despite the reports that Bexair has recently been appointed as the official handling agent for all business jets and private aircraft using Bahrain International Airport, and it is also in the process of expanding its own aircraft fleet from three to five, Sheik could not specify the number of new staff estimated to be taken to meet this new demand.

"The Formula One stars and their entourage are used to very high standards, and we are in the process of planning and executing a work approach that will deliver this to them. We still need to work on the complex logistics that are required to satisfy a highly demanding clientele that the F1 will attract," Sheik added.
As this region reaps the benefits of its association with such a prestigious sport, it will position the local air charter industry to grow tremendously. Perhaps the leisure market for charter aircraft will outpace the current and primary use of Bexair’s charters—that is, business related flights. Time will tell.