At first glance, you might not think that RDU and the tiny Persian Gulf nation of Bahrain have much in common. However, after a group of officials from Bahrain International Airport visited RDU last week, it’s clear that we have much more in common than first meets the eye. 

The island nation of Bahrain is home to 1.2 million citizens and is an emerging financial center for the Persian Gulf region. As a result, Bahrain International Airport is set to begin a period of significant development and change. To prepare, officials set out on a tour of four world-class airports in the U.S.

One of those airports: RDU.

Recently, our Information Services and Operations teams hosted the Bahraini delegation for a day-long visit of the airport’s facilities and technology. Tour stops included:

• The Airport Operations Center. The AOC is a central building at RDU that houses our police, security systems, parking, information services and other critical functions tasked with the day-to-day operation of the airport. 

• Airport Communications Center. This facility is similar to a 911-dispatch center, staffed 24/7, to coordinate the activities of airport police, fire-rescue, parking, operations, maintenance and other key departments. 

• Emergency Operations Center. Hopefully, this area will never be used for an actual emergency, but it’s a specially-designed center that allows for close-coordination and emergency response if ever needed. 

• Bag Control Room. This high-tech hub of activity deep inside Terminal 2 manages the flow of checked-luggage on the terminal’s in-line bag system. 

• Ramp Tower. High above Terminal 2, the ramp tower controls aircraft movements on the terminal ramp as well as information on the digital signage inside the terminals. 

• Primary Computer Facility.  The brains and central nervous system of all of the technology that runs Terminal 2. 

In addition to the tour, the delegation had a very informative question-and-answer session with airport officials. They also discussed support functions such as data storage and other high-tech innovations used at RDU.  Discussions also focused on our use of common-use technology, which allows us to easily reassign ticket counters, gates and bag claims quickly to accommodate needs. 

Being world-class is in our mission statement and having an international delegation choose to visit us because of our facilities and technology means we’re on target. It also says a lot about two of our organization’s core values, leadership and excellence.

We really enjoyed our guests and making new global friendships that will last for years to come. And our newfound friends really enjoyed their time here at RDU. Their favorite part of the day? Lunch at Five Guys.