Majid Taha, chief executive of DHL Express Bahrain, told ‘Akhbar Al‑Khalij’ that the company is investing $85.1 million to build its first regional aircraft maintenance facility at Bahrain International Airport. The centre will serve the Middle East and North Africa, supporting both DHL’s own fleet and third‑party operators.
The announcement came alongside the opening of a new direct cargo route linking Bahrain with Johannesburg in South Africa, a service that began roughly a month after the interview. Taha said the route responds to growing demand from customers seeking faster access to African markets.
“Strategic importance is measured by the ability to connect markets, not by land size,” Taha emphasized.
He highlighted Bahrain’s geographic advantage, modern infrastructure, and efficient procedures as key reasons the kingdom has become a focal point for DHL’s regional and international operations. The country’s proximity to major markets, a well‑developed international airport, and a skilled workforce enable the company to reach more than 220 countries and territories.
According to Taha, the new maintenance hub will handle over one million shipments annually, processing both inbound and outbound cargo that passes through Bahrain before being redirected to final destinations. He noted that a medical device from the United States recently reached a critical‑care patient in Bahrain, illustrating the high value of timely logistics beyond mere monetary worth.
The facility is being overseen by DHL’s internal aviation division, which manages aircraft operations and upkeep across the group. While exact completion dates and final staffing levels remain with the responsible department, Taha stressed that the scale of the project reflects DHL’s long‑term commitment to Bahrain’s future.
Beyond aviation, the new route and hub are expected to boost ancillary services, create technical jobs for Bahrainis, and strengthen the kingdom’s role as a logistics hub linking the Gulf with Europe, the United States, China and the United Kingdom.
“Bahrain acts as a central hub where shipments are received, processed and then redirected to their ultimate destinations,” Taha explained, adding that a container from the U.S. bound for Kuwait often transits through Bahrain first.
The expansion aligns with Bahrain’s broader network, which already connects the kingdom to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and other key international markets. Local small and medium‑sized enterprises have reportedly benefited from recent growth in trade activities.
Overall, DHL’s investment and the new Johannesburg line underscore Bahrain’s evolving position as a strategic partner in regional and global trade, offering more efficient options for businesses seeking to reach new markets.
Source: https://akhbar-alkhaleej.com/news/article/1456938
