His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), chaired a meeting of the Committee at Sakhir Air Base.
His Highness confirmed the readiness of all preparations for the upcoming seventh edition of BIAS, scheduled to take place at Sakhir Air Base on 13-15 November 2024, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
The international event will bring together local, Gulf, and global stakeholders, featuring leading civil and military aviation manufacturers, along with key figures from the transport, research, telecommunications, and space sectors.
Reflecting on 14 years since the first edition of BIAS in 2010, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad highlighted that its success aligns with the strategic vision and directives of His Majesty the King, which have been instrumental in advancing various domains. His Highness valued the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose directives and support across all governmental entities have ensured the event's success in past editions.
His Highness reviewed logistical plans with senior officials, including Air Vice-Marshal Mohammed bin BaHussain Al Musallam, Commander of Sakhir Air Base and Head of Military Committees; officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the British event organisers Farnborough International. Discussions included finalising preparations, event activities, and ensuring the continuation of BIAS’s growing regional and international reputation.
HH Shaikh Abdullah noted that BIAS’s continued success underscores Bahrain’s growth as a host for international events. His Highness emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to organise specialised aviation events, which contributes to consolidating the role of the aviation sector as an economic growth driver and creating opportunities for youth in innovation and development.
HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad called on all Bahraini sectors to leverage the international expertise showcased at BIAS, where side events and workshops will focus on advancing skills in science, engineering, and technology.
His Highness was also briefed on the progress of initiatives involving citizens, residents, and visitors, including a dedicated pavilion for science, computing, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, 5,000 students from public and private schools have been invited to the family-friendly entertainment zone to enjoy daily air displays, educational programmes, and workshops, aimed at broadening students’ interest in future sciences and aviation careers.
This year’s Bahrain International Airshow will feature leading global companies in civil and military aviation, including Boeing, Gulfstream, BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, CFM International, Lockheed Martin, Thales Group, Indra Sistemas, Embraer, Leonardo S.p.A, Bell Helicopter, among others. For the first time, 13 companies from Europe, the USA, China, Malaysia, and Thailand specialising in airport ground services will participate, alongside international aviation institutes offering educational opportunities for visitors.
The 2024 edition will also showcase new aircraft in aerial displays, including the B52, F35, Typhoon, F16, Mirage 2000, the Saudi Hawks and the Boeing commercial airplane 787 Dreamliner. Nearly 100 aircraft, ranging from commercial and business jets to cargo and small planes, will be on static display.
HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad expressed appreciation to the event sponsors: Beyon Bahrain, the main sponsor; Cityneon Holdings from Singapore, Bapco Energies, Gulf Air, Alba, Bahrain Duty Free, Bahrain Airport Services, First Motors-Genesis, DHL, Tamkeen, and Al Salam Bank.
He commended the role of private sector companies in supporting the airshow and encouraged businesses and investors to seize opportunities to network and secure deals during the event.
The event is open to all interested business leaders, large and small business owners, and investors, offering a platform to make deals, establish bilateral agreements, and connect with global company representatives.
