Bahrain's premier aviation show has featured more than 100 different aircraft, including those used in the military, in its past five editions.
The Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) this year is expected to attract a larger footfall and interest from the global aviation industry, it has been revealed.
The three-day event will be held from November 18 to 20 at the Sakhir Air Base under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.
Several of the world’s leading aerospace companies have confirmed their participation.
“BIAS is an established event in the aerospace calendar, already seven of the world’s top 10 aerospace businesses have confirmed their presence at the 2020 show,” the BIAS website said.
“More than 80 per cent of chalets are either sold or committed and there is high interest in exhibition hall availability.”
A statement posted by the organisers on the website said that work is currently underway on facilities across the site at the airbase to upgrade the show’s infrastructure with the aim of maintaining its five-star offering to clients.
“This includes reconfiguring the exhibition hall to increase footfall and provide greater exposure for the wealth leading aerospace companies exhibiting in this part of the show as well as a refurbishment of all the business chalets,” it added.
The biennial show is organised by the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry and the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) in association with Farnborough International.
This year’s show focuses on urban air, space and counter-drone technology as Bahrain looks to focus on the exciting technological advancements within these aerospace sub-sectors.
The organisers said, for the first time a ‘Drone Village’ will be set up to host companies as they feature anti-drone technology specialists, drone flying, and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.
Agreement
The high-profile event will feature key decision-makers from both civil and military sectors, who will take part in the Women in Aviation Conference, Third Manama Air Power Symposium and BIAS Farnborough International News Network (FINN) briefings and seminars.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) was yesterday announced as the official ground handler for the show this year.
The BIAS Supreme Organising Committee is led by His Majesty King Hamad’s personal representative Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Committee deputy chairman and Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed signed an agreement with BAS chief executive Salman Al Mahmeed.
“The sixth edition of the Bahrain International Airshow is an important milestone as it celebrates 10 years of success,” said Mr Ahmed.
“It reflects the success of Bahrain’s economic vision and we are proud of the participation of local companies working in the aviation sector.”
The 2018 Bahrain International Airshow saw more than $5 billion of aerospace orders and commitments, and $93.4 million of Bahrain aviation industry investments were announced.
The show also saw unprecedented growth, with 100 per cent expansion of the exhibition hall, and over 200 civil and military delegations, attracting 11 of the top global aerospace companies.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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