His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King, chaired the Supreme Organising Committee meeting for the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS 2024).
BIAS is set to take place under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Sakhir Air Base on November 13-15. The event is organised by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Air Force, in collaboration with Farnborough International.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah emphasised that the continuation of the show into its seventh edition, marking 14 years since its establishment in 2010, reflects the esteemed royal directives and the strategic vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The unwavering support from His Majesty has played a significant role in fostering achievements and successes across various sectors.
His Highness acknowledged the ongoing support and attention from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He emphasised His Highness’s directives to utilise all available resources and encourage collaboration among all ministries, institutions, and government agencies to ensure the success of this significant event in our beloved Kingdom.
His Highness stressed that the ongoing successes of the Bahrain International Airshow reflect the Kingdom’s significant achievements. Bahrain is currently experiencing a substantial cultural and developmental renaissance, particularly through the hosting of international exhibitions and conferences, especially within the fields of aviation, research, technology, and space sciences.
His Highness further underscored the importance of further organising international exhibitions related to the aviation industry and enhancing initiatives aimed at its development and sustainability. These efforts are vital for positioning the aviation sector as a promising contributor to the national economy, while also creating increased opportunities for young professionals to advance in various innovative and development-focused disciplines.
His Highness held a meeting with members of the Supreme Organising Committee for the Airshow. Attendees included Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Bahussain Al Musallam, Commander of Sakhir Airbase and Head of the Military Committees, as well as senior officials from Farnborough International and the Ministry of Transport & Telecommunications. The meeting focused on the preparations, plans, and programs for hosting the Airshow, which has consistently achieved success and gained a distinguished reputation both regionally and globally. His Highness emphasised the importance of leveraging all available resources and efforts to ensure the successful launch of this significant international event in the Kingdom.
His Highness emphasised the significance of engaging all sectors of society to maximise the benefits of participating in the Airshow, allowing them to gain valuable experience and enhance their capabilities alongside industry counterparts.
International companies will take part in the Airshow, including attending conferences and workshops organised alongside the event. These initiatives aim to promote awareness, elevate standards, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge in scientific, engineering, technological, space science, and emerging disciplines within both military and civilian sectors. An esteemed group of speakers from various sectors will contribute to these discussions.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa has directed the involvement of universities in the exhibition hall dedicated to science, computing, and artificial intelligence, emphasising their vital role in elevating educational standards as recognised by international companies. Additionally, His Highness has instructed the invitation of 5,000 students from both public and private schools to explore the family-oriented entertainment area, where they can observe daily flying displays and engage in educational programs and workshops tailored for primary and secondary school students. This initiative aims to enhance their skills and awareness of future scientific fields while broadening their horizons in the aviation sector, fostering their development in this dynamic global industry.
His Highness emphasised the significance of international companies engaging in the Airshow by offering incentives and facilities to encourage their participation in the Airshow. This is especially important considering the strong competition in the region for similar international exhibitions. Effective marketing and promotional campaigns are crucial to ensuring the Airshow’s sustainability in the years ahead.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow, announced that this year’s Airshow will feature the participation of prominent international companies specialising in both civil and military aviation. Notable participants include from the United States, aerospace leaders Lockheed Martin for the manufacturer of military aircraft, Boeing, Gulfstream (for business jet aircraft) and Bell Helicopter, from the United Kingdom BAE Systems and Rolls Royce manufacturers of aircraft engines, French companies CFM (manufacturers of engines) and Thales, European aerospace company Airbus, Spanish company Indra, Brazilian company Embraer which manufactures both civil and military aircraft, Italian company Leonardo and many other esteemed companies.
For the first time thirteen European, American, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai companies, all specialising in airport ground handling services, are participating at the Airshow. In addition, international institutions dedicated to the study of aviation are participating, providing visitors with expanded options for pursuing aviation education in various fields.
His Highness highlighted that the Bahrain International Airshow 2024 is distinguished by the participation of new aircraft, including the impressive B52, F35, RSAF Typhoon, F16 and Mirage 2000. The event will also feature the Saudi Hawks Flying Display Team and a selection of civilian aircraft, such as the B787 Dreamliner. Approximately 100 static aircraft of diverse models and sizes will be showcased, representing airlines, business and private jets, air cargo, logistical support, and small aircraft for enthusiasts, reflecting the growing demand in the region.
His Highness emphasised that the successful organisation of an international exhibition of this magnitude relies heavily on the collaboration of various state institutions. Their contributions are essential in providing support, assistance, and facilities for participating companies, official delegations, and guests from around the globe. His Highness expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications for its organisation of the Airshow, as well as to the Bahrain Defence Force and its various sectors and subsidiaries. Additionally, he acknowledged the Royal Bahraini Air Force, which is coordinating the Manama Air Power Symposium scheduled for the day before the Airshow.
His Highness also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its critical role in extending official invitations to delegations from allied and friendly nations, highlighting the importance of Bahraini diplomacy in enhancing international relations. Further, appreciation was extended to the Ministry of Interior and its sectors and subsidiaries, the National Guard, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy for their unwavering support, as well as the Ministries of Information, Tourism, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and Health for their involvement in organising the event.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the sponsors of this year’s Airshow. He specifically acknowledged Beyon Group Bahrain, the headline sponsor and contributor to the family entertainment area; City “Neon” Singapore, the official contractors for the exhibition hall; Bapco Energies, the official aviation fuel suppliers; Gulf Air, the official carrier of the Airshow; Alba, the official flying display sponsor; Bahrain Duty Free; Bahrain Airport Services Company, the official provider of ground handling services; First Motors Genesis, responsible for the transportation of official delegations; DHL, the official sponsor of air cargo logistics services; Tamkeen, the official supporter of national companies’ participation.
His Highness extended his thanks to Al Salam Bank who signed a bronze sponsorship agreement for the Bahrain International Airshow on Wednesday. Establishing its headquarters in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2006, Al Salam Bank (Al Salam Bank) has since cemented its reputation as the fastest growing bank in the Kingdom and a highly influential force in the Islamic banking industry on a regional level. Leveraging on its robust financial standing as the industry’s strongest in asset capital, the Bank has a proven track record in risk mitigation and effectively shifting to market dynamics, through its agile and aggressive growth strategy.
