The sixth edition of Bahrain’s premier aviation show has been cancelled due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The organisers of the Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS) 2020 announced that they had decided to cancel this year’s event which was slated to be held in November for the sake of everyone’s health and safety.
A cancellation notice on the show’s website added that it would return in 2022.
The biennial show is organised by the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry and the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International.
“Due to the ongoing challenges and travel restrictions around the world caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS) has taken the decision to cancel the 2020 show which was to be held from 18th to the 20th of November 2020,” said the cancellation notice.
“Upon careful consideration of all factors and after consultation with our partners around the world, we believe this is in the best interest of all delegates, participants and partners, and we look forward to working together to come back stronger in 2022,” it added.
The GDN previously reported that this year’s show was supposed to focus on urban air, space and counter-drone technology as Bahrain looks to focus on the exciting technological advancements within these aerospace sub-sectors.
There were also plans for a ‘Drone Village’ to be set up to host companies as they feature anti-drone technology specialists, drone flying, and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology.
The show would have featured a comprehensive international Delegations Programme with decision makers from the civil and military sectors, the second Women In Aviation Conference and an Aerospace Conference focusing on issues of current importance.
It would have also featured the third Manama Air Power Symposium with senior military officials from around the world, as well as briefings and seminars as part of the BIAS Farnborough International News Network.
The 2018 Bahrain International Air Show attracted 54,000 visitors, 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, 100 aircraft across the static and flying displays, and more than 200 civil and military delegations, attracting 11 of the top global aerospace companies.
ghazi@gdn.com.bh
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