COMMERCIAL space launches in the Middle East, technological innovation and future workforce challenges are among the key topics that will be discussed by industry heavyweights at Bahrain’s premier air show later this year.
The Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2024 will be held from November 13 to 15 at the Sakhir Air Base, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, and under the supervision of his Personal Representative and BIAS Supreme Organising Committee chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The air show will once again be organised by the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry and the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF), in association with Farnborough International.
“With a momentum that perhaps has never been as high, we are planning a show that builds on a successful track record while giving impetus to the industry’s recovery and renewal,” said Shaikh Abdulla.
“Our show is at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace markets; with a surge of aviation infrastructure investment having taken place in recent years.
“This, coupled with our location as the gateway to the Gulf, makes the Bahrain International Airshow a strategic event on the aerospace calendar.”
This year the air show is bigger as it sets a new high for aerospace leaders with the participation of some of the biggest players in the world arriving in the kingdom.
Details and preparations of the event were exclusively shared with the GDN by BIAS 2024 director general Yousif Mahmoud.
“Following the resounding success of the 2022 air show, which saw more than 30 countries present, 186 participating companies across the display, exhibition hall and chalets, and 200 civilian and military delegations taking part, the 2024 show under the directives of Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, we aim to engage, retain, and grow its world-class delegation programme, providing visitors with an opportunity to network with high-level VIP decision-makers,” he said.
“We continue to attract the industry’s leading players and the regional pioneers of aerospace, so we are confident that BIAS will exceed expectations. This year for the first time we managed to attract new companies from China, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Egypt, Türkiye, Brazil in addition to the GCC countries, Europe and the US.”
Mr Mahmoud added that the organisers were thrilled to be welcoming leaders from across the world to Bahrain again this year, including Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Thales, Leonardo, CFM, DHL, Indra, BAE System, Otokar, DFS Aviation JARAMCO, Alpha Star, Mukamala Aviation, DHL Worldwide and Gulf Air within 40 luxury chalets and an expanded exhibition hall.
“In addition to our international exhibitors, we have seen a huge amount of support and interest from many regional businesses to get involved in the show once again,” he said.
“The continued investment from key international and regional aerospace leaders in the air show demonstrates the supportive role BIAS plays in the industry and our need to support organisations in driving business and sharing knowledge.”
Furthermore, Mr Mahmoud explained they are currently in the process of curating the 2024 programme, which is focused on key challenges and opportunities in the industry, in partnership with Manama Air Power Symposium (MAPS), Kallman Worldwide and other key partners, including the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), INJAZ Bahrain, Airbus Little Engineer Programme and Boeing Sustainability programme.
“Across two days of content, the programme will feature four forums: Airlines and Airports, Space, Defence and Diversity and Inclusion and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workshops.”
“Topics will include sustainability and technological innovation, advancements around sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) emerging in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, demand for investment in infrastructure, international collaboration for sustainable space operations such as active debris removal, commercial space launches in the Middle East, accelerating gender equality in the sector and the contribution to future workforce challenges.
“Each afternoon the skies above Sakhir Air Base will be filled with the world’s most renowned air display teams and aircraft, and we are excited to announce more details in the coming months.”
Business deals worth $1.85 billion were signed at the BIAS 2022, with more than 50,000 people attending the show over three days featuring more than 200 military and civil delegations and 186 companies from more than 50 countries. A total of 100 aircraft were on display at the show and among the participants were members of the British Royal Air Force’s globally-acclaimed aerobatic team The Red Arrows, who dazzled everyone with their aerobatics show.
The 2022 event also featured performances by the UAE’s Fursan Al Emarat, the Saudi Hawks, Global Stars, the US Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force, Pakistan Air Force, UAE Air Force, RBAF, DHL and Gulf Air.
The first RBAF Bell AH-1Z Viper was also showcased amongst the static display at the event in 2022.
“As a strategic hub for the aviation industry, Bahrain has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering regional growth and innovation, positioning itself at the heart of the international aerospace sector,” added Mr Mahmoud.
“Since the 2022 air show, the country continues to prosper, with multiple new partnerships signed, millions in investments announced and achieving a GDP growth of 4.9 per cent, the highest rate since 2013.
“With this increase since our show was established in 2010, we have cemented BIAS’ presence in both the aerospace market and the overall region as a world-class business event.
“While we are a significant air show in the calendar, our unique selling point is that our event has been specifically designed to do business in the region with the rest of the world.”
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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