EXCITEMENT is growing over the coming Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2024 as plans for the three-day event were outlined at a Press conference yesterday, writes Avinash Saxena.
A total of 120 aircraft is expected to participate and, for the first time, and the commercial area will be open to the public offering a variety of activities, including workshops, simulations and cultural experiences, with tickets priced at BD10.
“We have developed a new experience for visitors to the family area. Get ready to embark on a journey of aerospace from boarding the event and exploring the futuristic airport and aviation exhibitions to carnival games and watching the world-class flying display,” said director general of Bahrain International Airshow Yousif Mahmoud.
As many as 5,000 students from public and private schools have been invited to visit the entertainment area designated for families to watch the daily flying display and participate in educational programmes and workshops.
The airshow, from November 13 to 15, will feature dynamic flying displays, including the JF-17 Solo Display by the Pakistan Air Force, the Global Stars Display Team with their Extra 330SC aircraft, the Saudi Hawks Aerobatic Display Team flying Hawk MK65s, and a Typhoon display by the Royal Saudi Air Force. Additionally, a Boeing 787-9 flypast by Gulf Air will grace the skies.
Static displays will highlight a variety of aircraft, ranging from the formidable F-15SA to the biggest passenger plane in the world, the Airbus A380 flown in by Emirates. Other notable aircraft on display include the Cessna C510, Autogyro, AgustaWestland AW139, Tecnam P2002 Sierra, Airbus H145, Piper Cherokee, Aeropilot Lightsport Legend 600, Blackhawk, Cobra, and Mirage 2000-9.
Displays
The airshow will also feature workshops involving Bahraini universities to showcase the exceptional talent and high-quality STEM education available in the country to a global audience.
Additionally, Kallman Worldwide, a key organiser of US participation in international airshows, will be present at BIAS 2024 to award the Endeavour Scholarship to a group of Bahraini students, offering them an extraordinary opportunity to participate in a hands-on astronaut training experience at the renowned US Space and Rocket Centre’s Space Camp in Huntsville.
The BIAS 2024 conference programme will focus on key industry challenges and opportunities. The schedule includes the Airlines and Airports Forum, Defence Forum and the Endeavour Scholarship ceremony on Thursday, November 14, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum and Space Forum on Friday, November 15.
Key topics that will be covered include sustainability, technological innovation, space exploration, plus diversity and inclusion.
Renowned CEOs from leading airlines and esteemed aviation experts, including Kamil Al Awadhi from IATA and Murdo Morrison from FlightGlobal, will be among the speakers.
Mr Mahmoud added that the airshow organisers had been successful in securing sponsorship from leading companies, contributing to increased attendance and economic benefits for the country.
“An economic impact study done earlier found that each edition generates $70 million of economic output for Bahrain,” he said. “We’re confident that we will offer a platform for companies to conclude deals and a showcase for innovators to exhibit their latest products and services.”
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