Yousif Mohammed Mahmoud, Head of BIAS Group, met with journalists and media representatives to discuss the regional and international participation expected for the seventh edition of Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS).
The 2024 event, set to take place on November 13-15 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is expected to have significant regional and international participation, he said.
The BIAS Head emphasised the strong regional and international interest in the event, which operates under the follow-up of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the BIAS’s Supreme Organising Committee. Mahmoud described BIAS as a distinguished platform in the region, consistently attracting top global aviation companies since its launch in 2010.
Organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, the Royal Bahraini Air Force, and UK-based aviation event organiser Farnborough International Ltd, 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.
The exhibition will also introduce a new identity, incorporating a logo inspired by runway markings symbolising partnerships, innovation, and global trade. Mahmoud explained that BIAS places a strong focus on facilitating business meetings, offering new opportunities for participants through a digital guide on the recently launched platform, accessible via www.airshow.bh.
“BIAS allows companies to showcase aircraft directly from their chalets with a view of the aerial displays an exclusive feature unavailable at other air shows,” he added.
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. Mahmoud highlighted that the show offers a comprehensive programme for civilian and military delegations, facilitating connections with industry leaders, further reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a prominent aviation hub.
He underscored that BIAS serves as a knowledge-sharing and thought-leadership platform, hosting panel discussions with top government and private sector figures from Bahrain and beyond. The programme includes specialised workshops aimed at Bahraini youth, one of which, in collaboration with Airbus, is titled “The Young Engineer,” intended to inspire future innovators in the aviation field.
Mahmoud affirmed BIAS’s commitment to encouraging young talent in aviation by partnering with universities and institutes through the Higher Education Council, allowing students to network with prominent companies, showcase their skills, and explore career opportunities within the sector.
The public can expect thrilling aerial performances, including shows by the Saudi Hawks, Global Stars, Sarang Helicopters, and displays of Typhoon, F-16, and commercial aircraft.
BIAS will further support Bahraini startups, offering opportunities for local companies in entertainment, catering, and hospitality within a family zone dedicated to food trucks and vendors. Mahmoud noted that BIAS underscores Bahrain’s entrepreneurial potential, giving startups a platform to present their products and services, expand their reach, and establish connections with investors and potential partners.
BNA(R)
