OF FACILITY

at a controlled temperature of – 20, and adding two chillers to the previous chiller unit, which made the total area of the refrigeration units in the facility reach 222.7 sq m, with a cooling degree of up to 2 – 8 degrees Celsius.”

Through the development of BAS’ Cargo Cooling Facility, the ambition is to obtain CEIV (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) certification. This will “contribute to consolidating the Kingdom’s position on the map of logistics services and trade exchange, as a preferred destination for airfreight in the region,” said a statement.

Second phase of facility renovation

BAS has started the second phase of the Air Cargo Facility renovation with an effort to enhance the experience of customs visitors to the facility. In order to contribute to successful customs practices, BAS has collaborated with the Ministry of Interior, represented by Customs Affairs at Bahrain International Airport, to implement a project to revamp the customs clearance services centre.

The 500 sq m centre includes eight stands that provide customs clearance to visitors, in addition to administrative facilities and shared services for a number of relevant government entities such as the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture.

It will provide customs clearance services through the e-government portal and complete them at the centre. Among the most important of these services are the preparation of customs declarations for import and export, payment of customs duties and inspection and verification of goods.

Kanoo stated: “We conducted this project to establish a distinctive customer experience that represents the collaboration between BAS and Customs Affairs at Bahrain International Airport and to solidify the position to fulfill current demands and line with our future objectives. We did this out of our keen desire to realise the national objectives and plans for the growth of the logistics services industry.”

BAS aims to offer “top-notch products and services through this initiative” that support the implementation of efficient shipping and clearing procedures at the airport. Customs Affairs Colonel Rashid Al-Baker expressed his gratitude for the successful collaboration between Customs Affairs and Bahrain Airport Services BAS in revamping the customs clearance services centre. He also confirmed that the project to update the centre is in line with the goals of the “wise leadership to establish customs service centre in the Kingdom and the vision of the Ministry of the Interior to increase the operational effectiveness of customer service platforms by streamlining processes,” he said.

For UK-based HAE Group, the Middle East market may be thousands of kilometres from home but it remains “extremely important”, considers Andy Watson. regional director, UAE, Kenya and Egypt.

He says: “We have a very strategic, important footprint that we have invested in for many years. We have one of the largest presences for a global GSA company in the Middle East region and have built it over the past 15 years or so. It allows us to service and assist where required, both Middle East-based carriers but also our interline airline partners wishing to establish services in the region. Cross border trucking, local handling arrangements and all the aspects of carriers flying into the region, can avail of our assistance to ensure their services are successful.”

HAE Group inaugurated its presence in Dubai in 2007 to cater to the growing demands of its global clientele. Dubai, strategically located at the heart of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, proved to be an ideal hub for connecting the company’s expanding offices in the region. This move played a crucial role in the company’s regional development strategy.

For more than a decade, HAE Group has operated in Egypt on a sub-contracted basis, capitalising on the country’s well-established aviation sector. Egypt boasts a robust network of national and international airlines, facilitating regular flights to and from its airports. Recognising the need for a dedicated solution in Cairo, HAE Group took a significant step by establishing its own office in the capital city in 2021. This decision further solidified their commitment to serving clients from various parts of the world that rely on efficient logistics operations in Egypt.

Long-standing presence

HAE Group continuously strives to broaden its portfolio and maintain an extensive expertise in the Middle East/Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, notes Watson. This entails not only comprehending the business landscapes prevalent in the area but also respecting and appreciating the diverse cultures within it. Such understanding enables HAE Group to customise its services to meet the specific requirements of clients hailing from the region.

“We have a unique ability to connect general cargo to value added