Bahrain International Airport extends F&B and entertainment offer with R12 sports lounge opening

BAHRAIN. Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has extended its food & beverage portfolio with the launch of sports lounge Runway (R)12. The opening is a partnership with SSP Bahrain, a joint venture between SSP Group, Buhindi Group and Gulf Air Group Holding.

Located airside, R12 shows live sports day and night on multiple screens of different sizes. It can accommodate 148 guests at a time and features interiors with an industrial, vintage look. It also houses a smoking room. Passengers can watch the latest sporting action and enjoy a range of F&B options in a setting with views over the airfield.

Senior officials from Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and SSP inaugurate the new R12 sports lounge. They were led by BAC CEO Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah (fourth from right) and SSP Eastern Europe and Middle East CEO Mark Angela (fourth from left). Other representatives included (from left) BAC VP Non-Aeronautical George Martin Moore, BAC VP Airport Operations Ahmed Janahi, BAC Chief Development and Technical Officer Abdulla Janahi, BAC Chief Commercial Officer Ayman Zainal, SSP Managing Director Eastern Europe & Middle East George Antoniou, Buhindi Group CEO Ahmed Yaqoob and SSP Bahrain General Manager Tomas de Prat Gay.

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah inaugurated the venue alongside SSP Eastern Europe and Middle East CEO and Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer Mark Angela; SSP Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Middle East George Antoniou; Buhindi Group CEO Ahmed Yaqoob; SSP Bahrain General Manager Tomas de Prat Gay and SSP Group Business Development & Strategy Manager Mark Knowlden.

Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah said: “R12 is the latest venue to open at BIA as part of our partnership with SSP Group, a leading operator of F&B outlets in travel locations worldwide. We look forward to working together to continue delivering a memorable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. We have a carefully considered mix of F&B and entertainment offerings to cater to the needs of travellers from around the world. With the opening of R12, passengers have an even wider variety to choose from.”

Mark Angela said: “We’re proud to be working with BAC and the R12 is a further example of that collaboration designed to create a memorable airport experience in the region. We have an innovative range of concepts among the 17 units and brands, many of which are firsts to Bahrain.

“We have introduced a strong range of bespoke, local and international brands with progressive design. That, in combination with our understanding of the needs of international and local passengers, has, we believe, allowed us to create an environment that captures the true spirit of hospitality and heritage that is so much a part of Bahrain culture. This new concept once again will strengthen the offer and complement what is an outstanding airport.”

In 2018, SSP Bahrain won a ten-year contract to open 17 F&B units at Bahrain Airport’s new terminal. ✈

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining. Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

The company also hosts The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards, which will take place on 12-13 September in Bangkok, Thailand after a four-year COVID-driven absence. Notably, FAB’s remit has been extended this year to feature wider airport hospitality services, including hotels and lounges.

For all partnership, speaker, content and other enquiries please contact Jeannie Wong, The Moodie Davitt Report Asia Bureau Chief and Head of Marketing & Events at Jeannie@MoodieDavittReport.com

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine