Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), which started in 2010, has set new benchmark being one of the unique aviation industries shows globally.
The seventh edition of BIAS 2024, which officially opened on Wednesday at Shaikh Isa Airbase in Al Sakhir, expected to be yet another record-breaking event since its launch a decade ago.
“Bahrain embarked on this incredible journey of success and excellence almost 14 years ago and we expect BIAS 2024 as the biggest show, in terms of participation of major aviation industry players who have already arrived from all over the world,” Yousif Mohammed Mahmoud, Director General of BIAS at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications in an interview said.
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee, the BIAS attracts o is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain over 125 different types of aircraft will be showcased, providing visitors the opportunity to experience them close, before a curated flying display of assets and aerobatic teams takes to the sky to demonstrate the latest innovations and technologies in the industry.
“This airshow is different from other airshows, as it has the new branding and the quality of events, the participants will witness over the three days, as well as prestigious names in the aviation industry are attending,” Mahmoud, said.
“BIAS offers unique packages to all participants by offering a to z work carried out by us, while in other airshows from logistics to exhibition stalls, catering and everything has to be done by the participants,” he said.
“We worked hard on improving the event this year, for example, the new look of show site, the number of 40 chalets and the space of the exhibition is sprawling over 14,000 square meters is the same as previous years, but the 2024 airshow is an added value because we have some of the most advanced technology on display including aircrafts, products, and services of global aviation industry,” he added, “there is a big number of the companies taking part in the exhibition with the advanced technology.
“BIAS is a platform where leaders of aviation industry come together and networking for business. We have seen from our previous shows that they have benefited from our last editions and therefore, we ensured that this airshow has a different flavor.
“We have fifty-six countries participating in this edition and visitors can see flags of the participating countries hoisted outside the venue. This is a clear indication how Bahrain is positioning itself on the world map and has a certified recognition of business-friendly environment and this event is a continuation of many such successes.”
Mahmoud remained upbeat about the possible deals during this event, saying the last show had seen $1.82 billion dollars’ worth of deals and financial commitments.
“We are expecting some business deals during this edition between the companies based in Bahrain with global leaders participating in the event.
In terms of footfall during the event he said last year 45,000 people visited and there are projections of even higher number of visitors.
“We are expecting a record-breaking footfall of people from all social classes. We are looking forward to welcoming all businesses and all those who have a passion for aircraft, aviation industry, from civil and military background.
“There are impressive expectations from this show as aviation sector remained one of the key economic sectors in global economy. According to IATA the aviation sector currently employs more than thirty million people. In general, the aviation industry has a substantial impact on the global economy as it contributes over 8 per cent of the global GDP.
“Bahrain is proud to be hosting this event over the 14-years and it has become a meeting point for all the leaders of the industry to come together.”
