Bahrain received a significant boost with the news that 75% of space at next year's Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) is already sold out.

Organizers at Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) and Farnborough International Limited (FIL) announced that industry leaders BAE Systems, Bell Helicopter, Boeing and GE Aviation had committed to attend the 3-day event.

The second biennial BIAS will take place under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad at the Sakhir Airbase from 19-21 January 2012.

Bahrain-based aircraft management and charter services provider Comlux Middle East has also signed up, adding to a list that already included TAG Aeronautics, Gulfstream, Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), Gulf Air, MENA Aerospace and Lockheed Martin.

“BIAS has secured commitment from a number of high profile, international participants and we are looking forward to welcoming the global aerospace community to Bahrain in January 2012,” said CAA Undersecretary and BIAS Supreme Organizing Committee Deputy Chairman Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud.

The news comes less than 3 weeks before a final decision will be taken on whether this year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead.

Political unrest in Bahrain has led to the cancellation of several top events including the Bahrain International Motor Show, Bahrain Boat Show International, Middle East Oil Show, and others.