Valo Aviation, a Bahrain-based business aviation operator, has registered its first Dassault Falcon 8X with Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs.

The announcement was made in the presence of Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, reflecting the Kingdom of Bahrain's high-level support for the growth of business aviation. This milestone marks both Dassault Aviation's growing presence in the Gulf region and Bahrain's commitment to growing its aviation sector, particularly in the expanding field of business aviation.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and our ambition to build a world-class AOC fleet operated from Bahrain,” comments Hanna Hakamo, CEO of Valo Aviation. “We are proud to expand our fleet with a leading aircraft type and to contribute to Bahrain's strategic vision for developing its growing business aviation sector.”

The Falcon 8X adds efficient, quiet and comfortable ultra-long-range capability for the Valo Aviation fleet. The fly-by-wire business jet can fly 6,450 nm and for more than 13 hours, delivering clients non-stop from Bahrain to destinations such as London City, Tokyo and Cape Town.

Meanwhile, Valo and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding confirming their collaboration on a business aviation hangar to be developed by Valo Aviation at Bahrain International airport.

Under the memorandum of understanding, BAC will allocate a prime airside land parcel for lease to Valo Aviation, who will design and construct the facility. The hangar is tailored to support the needs of today's most advanced long-range business jets and is planned to become operational by the end of 2026.

The planned 6,000 sqm facility will accommodate aircraft such as the Gulfstream G700, Dassault Falcon 10X and all business jets up to the size of Airbus ACJ A320. It will feature full climate control, specialised maintenance tooling, integrated workshops,and 24/7 support for both scheduled and AOG maintenance.

“We believe in Bahrain's strategic location and its strong commitment to developing aviation sector. This hangar is not only an operational milestone for Valo Aviation, it's an investment in long-term infrastructure that supports the broader growth of the business aviation sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” concludes Hakamo.