Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) announces its sponsorship of the third biannual Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), which opens this week at the Sakhir Air Base, Kingdom of Bahrain, from 16 to 18 January 2014.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Transportation and Royal Bahrain Air Force, under supervision of HM the King’s Personal Representative and Head of the Supreme Organising Committee of BIAS, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is set to be the biggest yet, offering a combination of exclusive networking and investment opportunities for global and regional businesses and exciting sights for families and aviation enthusiasts.
Commenting ahead of the event, HE Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB, said: “The Bahrain International Airshow is one of the most important events in the Kingdom’s calendar that reflects Bahrain’s position as a leading business and financial hub at the heart of the Gulf.
Amongst the high level industry participants confirmed to attend BIAS are leading manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft. Other international companies participating include Qatar Airways; BAE Systems; Thales Group; Sukhoi Civil Aircraft from Russia; France’s Morpho (Safron); Lufthansa Technic from Germany; India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO); Tawazun Holding from Abu Dhabi; TAG Aeronautics and Saudi Airlines from Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain is widely regarded as the historical centre of aviation in the Gulf. The Kingdom launched the region’s first international carrier, Gulf Air, and was the first to open an international airport. In 2012, 8.5 million passengers travelled through Bahrain International Airport, 8.8% more than in 2011, with this number set to rise substantially following planned airport modernisation projects. Together with the Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) and Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ), Bahrain offers investors the shortest travel time between seaport, airport and logistics processing zones anywhere in the Gulf.
Transport and communications has been one of the most dynamic sectors of the Bahraini economy with an annual growth rate of 9.8% in 2000 – 2012. Overall, the Bahraini economy is set to come in at close to 5% in 2013, increasing from 3.4% in 2012.