Manama : Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), launched in 2014, has emerged as a flagship event in the global aviation industry as well as a unique branding for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
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, BIAS, held at the Shaikh Isa Air Base in al Sakhir during November 13-15, showcases over 125 different types of aircraft. providing visitors the opportunity to experience them close, before a curated flying displays of assets and aerobatic teams taking to the sky to demonstrate the latest innovations and technologies in the industry.
“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 told the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
“This airshow is different from previous editions, 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.
“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 the aviation industry come together and network 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 56 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 a 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.
In terms of footfall during the event he said last year 45,000 people visited and there are projections of an even higher number of visitors.
“We are expecting a record-breaking footfall. 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 the aviation sector remains one of the key economic sectors in the global economy. According to IATA the aviation sector currently employs more than 30 million people. In general, the aviation industry has a substantial impact on the global economy as it contributes over 8 per cent to 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.”
BIAS 2024 will feature contributions from over 20 government and semi-government entities and support from 11 sponsoring companies, alongside the participation of 223 civilian and military delegations from more than 56 countries, as well as 60 regional and international companies. More than 135 companies will showcase in the exhibition hall, airfield, chalets, and five international pavilions.
This year’s event will welcome, for the first time, 12 international ground handling companies from the EU, Asia, and the US, alongside VoltAero, a leading aviation development company.
With a 14,000-square-metre exhibition hall located at the royal hangar, the show will provide a platform for displaying the latest aviation products and technologies, along with conference and seminar facilities. The 86,000-square-metre static display area will feature over 120 aircraft, showcasing modern models in both static and aerial displays.
Countries with dedicated pavilions this year include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, and the US, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore each nation’s contributions to the aviation industry.
The exhibition will also introduce a new identity, incorporating a logo inspired by runway markings symbolising partnerships, innovation, and global trade.
