Manama: The third edition of Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS 2014) has ended with record deals that reached almost $3 billion (Dh11 billion), organisers have said.
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King’s Personal Representative and Head of the Supreme Organising Committee, said that the show, launched in 2010, had tripled in size and in the volume of deals on the total in 2012, in an indication of its growing strength.
With over 100 international and domestic companies present at the show, the increase was seen as a real reflection of the biennial event’s importance to the Middle Eastern aviation market. According to organisers, meetings and networking were also a key feature of the show with over 130 delegations from 32 countries participating in a programmed series of meetings and events.
Aircraft participation also increased with 89 aircraft on the static display and 106 aircraft took part in the show. Visitors’ numbers reached record highs with over 30,000 visitors attending the trade show and over 20,000 attending the public event, they said.
In addition to the announcements from local businesses, Gulf Air, Batelco and the Bahrain Airport Company, the show saw significant deals from regional companies including the sale of 16 Bombardier CS300 aircraft to new airline Saudi Gulf Airlines and a new agreement regarding the construction of Khartoum International Airport.
“It has been a successful three days here at the Bahrain International Air Show,” Kamal Bin Ahmad Mohammad, the Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board, said as he spoke about the deals at the end of show wrap-up press conference.
“We are delighted that regional and international companies are choosing Bahrain to make their announcements and conduct their business. We hope to build on this for future air shows, as the event plays a key role in supporting our attributes as a hub for business in the region.”
Amanda Stainer, Farnborough International Ltd’s Commercial Director, said that they had “some extremely positive feedback from participants and visitors to the show”.
“The quality of the delegates, the international clientele, the new exhibition pavilion as well as the exclusive networking environment have all contributed to the events success,” she said. Bahrain International Air Show 2016 is scheduled to be held on January 21-23.
