The Saudi Aviation Club has postponed the second edition of the Saudi International Airshow, amid the resurgence of a second wave of COVID-19 in a number of countries.
Previously scheduled to take place at Riyadh’s Al-Thimama airport early 2021, the organizers cited their keeness on the safety of participants and visitors, coupled with the recent lockdowns of international borders, in some European and American continents, leading to a worldwide recession in the industry in addition to negative impact on the global transport traffic and economy in general and the aviation sector in particular, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Club had received confirmation of as many as 500 local and external exhibitors. However, some companies have expressed reservation on holding the event amid the second outbreak of the pandemic as well as the difficulty of transport and financial impact on those companies, the report said.
The Airshow’s Website said: “Despite Saudi Arabia’s positive restart in economic growth and the resumption of international flights to the Kingdom, the resurgence of the pandemic coupled with the recent lockdowns in several countries within Europe and in the American continent, and the effect of COVID-19 on aviation leading to a worldwide recession in the industry, continue to affect and hinder the safety conditions required to host a successful Saudi International Airshow 2021.
The objective of the Saudi International Airshow is to remain a truly international event, whilst offering an equal opportunity to attend to our partners throughout the world.
The economic impact of this situation makes it impossible to hold the event on the proposed dates of 16-18 February 2021. Consequently, the Saudi International Airshow 2021 will be postponed until further notice.
This difficult decision has been made in the interest of everyone involved. The organization committee will only proceed with giving you the best of Saudi International Airshow when it is absolutely safe to do so and can ensure the health, safety and security of all attendees and participants.
The organization committee was convinced until recently that it would be able to overcome the challenge, we’re all facing with Covid-19 and believed Saudi International Airshow 2021, with the participation of around 500 registered exhibitors, would be able to be held. But, in recent days, some cancellations and warning signs from our exhibitors/partners and potential visitors have been received, making it impossible to hold the event next February.
The exhibitors, visitors, and partners involved are currently being informed about the postponement.
The new dates have not yet been determined; however, we will keep you informed.
We understand it will be an enormous disappointment to all our exhibitors, partners, visitors and suppliers, as it is for us. We now need to take this serious step together and we are currently working with our partners to examine the best options.
We listened to our exhibitors and partners who contributed to the success of the first Saudi International Airshow, and we want to thank our 500 exhibitors and partners who wish to participate in the second edition.
Rest assured, we will ensure the Saudi International Airshow returns stronger than ever.”
