More than 180 companies, 100 delegations and around 100 aircraft will take part in the Bahrain International Airshow’s sixth edition, which took off today.

 

Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) in its sixth edition celebrates a decade of distinction, with an exciting programme of new features, industry-leading content, and a first-class networking experience with key regional decision-makers.

 

Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and under the supervision of Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee, the major aviation event runs till November 11 at the Sakhir Airbase.

 

Organised by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Airforce in association with Farnborough International, BIAS has been designed to reflect aerospace and defence industry demands and will harness global expertise to provide crucial thought leadership.

 

The airshow is a true platform that showcases the Kingdom’s ideal position as a gateway to the Gulf region and beyond, says Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, HE Mohamed bin Thamer AlKaabi, in an interview with our sister publication Arabian Knight.

 

“This is a milestone year for BIAS, celebrating a decade of distinction since launching the airshow in 2010, and the show’s continued success is evidenced by the large number of international companies that return for each show,” says AlKaabi.

 

Due to the nature of the show, which is designed as a boutique meeting place that brings together senior aerospace executives from the Gulf region and international companies, BIAS is a true platform to showcase Bahrain’s ideal position as a gateway to the Gulf region and beyond, AlKaabi explains.

 

With major companies expected to exhibit across the defence, space, business and aviation sectors, the boutique aerospace event offers visitors the opportunity to strengthen existing business connections and meet with key global senior decision makers and stakeholders of aerospace businesses.

 

Offering one of the most internationally renowned aircraft displays on the airshow circuit, BIAS will also host an impressive static showcase and daily flying displays featuring the latest in both military jets and commercial aircraft. 

 

The airshow will be a perfect showcase for the Kingdom’s growing capabilities and facilities that position it as a leading regional transport and logistics hub, says Minister AlKaabi. 

 

The show directly aims to support the growth and development of the Kingdom’s transportation industry in general, and its aviation sector specifically. 

 

Spanning an area of 14,000 sq m, the exhibition hall repurposes the hangar at the Sakhir Air Base into a showcase of the latest products and technologies in the aviation industry, serving as a marketplace where buyers and sellers can come together.  This hall also includes several country pavilions, such that visitors can conveniently meet numerous industry players who operate in the respective countries. 

 

The show has an engaging and interactive three-day calendar of events lined up. There will be strong opportunities for networking and business development, a one-of-a-kind exhibition showcasing the latest aircraft, technologies, and innovation from across the global aerospace industry, as well as a two-day forum programme that will feature a series of high-level discussions with global experts talking about key industry trends in Airports and Airlines, Cargo and Logistics, Women in Aerospace and Space.

 

Also, for the first time this year, a dedicated Education Hub is set up in the exhibition hall for universities and students, giving them exposure to the global industry and enabling them to showcase their qualifications and build networks with future employers.

 

The world-famous Red Arrows will also be flying at the show for the first time, so we have a lot of exciting new features on offer this year.  

 

More than 54,000 trade visitors are expected at the event.

 

The three-day event will also include a daily family area from 10am to 6pm, featuring street performers, children’s entertainment, mascots, face painting and more.

 

At 10am, musical acts will be entertaining visitors, with three DJs designated for each of the days – DJ Isa today, DJ Wanasa tomorrow and DJ Sara on Friday.

 

These will be followed every day by a flying display from 1pm to 4.30pm. The Red Arrows, Fursan Al Emarat, The Saudi Hawks, Global Stars, US Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force, Pakistan Air Force, UAE Air Force, RBAF, DHL and Gulf Air will be staging displays throughout the three days of BIAS 2022.