AirAsia reaffirms long-term commitment to Bahrain, appoints AirAsia Bahrain Board
AirAsia reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain with the appointment of the AirAsia Bahrain Board of Directors, marking another milestone in establishing Bahrain as the Group’s strategic hub linking Asia with the Middle East, Europe and Australia.
AirAsia Bahrain Board Appointed
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AirAsia has appointed the AirAsia Bahrain Board of Directors, reaffirming its long-term commitment to Bahrain.
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Dr. Serra Kirdar appointed Chairperson.
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Dato' Fam Lee Ee appointed Vice Chairman.
Other board members:
- Dr. Faisal Khalid Kanoo, Nawaf Al Zayani, Akram Safa, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, and Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim.
Bahrain as Strategic Hub
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Bahrain will serve as AirAsia's strategic hub connecting:
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Asia
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Middle East
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Europe
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Australia
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Appointment follows:
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Letter of Intent signed with Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (Nov 2025).
AirAsia's announcement naming Bahrain as its Middle East hub (Feb 2026).
AirAsia's Expansion Plans
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AirAsia targets launching Bahrain flights by March 2027, subject to regional conditions.
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The airline reiterated its long-term presence in the Kingdom despite geopolitical challenges.
Aviation & Logistics Development
Asia Digital Engineering (ADE)
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Plans to establish MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) capabilities in Bahrain.
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Expected to create engineering jobs and strengthen local aviation expertise.
Teleport Logistics
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Operating twice-weekly freighter services to Bahrain since February 2026.
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Expanding cargo capacity with larger freighter aircraft.
Government Support
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AirAsia thanked the Government of Bahrain for its support.
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The company has been awarded Bahrain's Golden License, reflecting confidence in its investment plans.
Key Quotes
Tony Fernandes, CEO, Capital A
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Described Bahrain as a strategic gateway connecting ASEAN with the Middle East and Europe.
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Said the newly appointed board demonstrates AirAsia's long-term commitment to the Kingdom.
Dr. Serra Kirdar, Chairperson, AirAsia Bahrain
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Highlighted opportunities to boost tourism, trade, job creation, and talent development.
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Said AirAsia can replicate its success in making air travel more accessible across Asia in the Gulf region.
