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Airshow set for take-off

January 11 - 17, 2012
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Gulf Weekly Airshow set for take-off

Gulf Weekly Mai Al Khatib-Camille
By Mai Al Khatib-Camille

THE second Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) is all set to take-off on January 19 at the Sakhir Airbase with a prestigious list of participants lined-up for this year’s event.

The exclusive three-day festival of flight is being organised by UK-based Farnborough International Ltd (FIL)in partnership with the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs (BCAA).

Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud, Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs, said: “The Bahrain International Airshow has already established itself on the international circuit of air shows and the response from our participating companies confirms this position.
 
“We are looking forward to welcoming companies from the UK, USA, Russia, Italy and France – to name but a few.

“In 2010 the BIAS boasted sales announcements totaling $1 billion and we hope to match, or better this figure at the forthcoming edition.”

BIAS has sold all 40 luxury chalet units and attracted major companies in the aviation industry such as Bell Helicopter, Boeing, GE Aviation, Airbus, as well as Bahrain-based Comlux Middle East which provides solutions for VIP chartered services and aircraft management.

Amanda Stainer, Farnborough International Ltd’s director of events and exhibitions, said: “Our client feedback was full of praise for the first Bahrain International Airshow in 2010 and this year we are building on the success of that event to strengthen our brand and continue the growth and future development of the airshow. 

“Already we have confirmed dates for January 2014 and are expecting the show to continue to go from strength to strength.”

A spectacular show aims to thrill the crowds with star-studded flying and static aircraft displays of aeronautic aerobatics. A heritage village will also be erected to highlight traditional Bahraini arts and crafts featuring weaving, henna tattoos, ceramic paintings with a Bahraini band providing musical entertainment.

Families and children can enjoy a‘Mad Science AIR LAB’ transporting attendees into a world of interactive fun. There will be daily shows, a Fantastic Flier Fun Station, a Bubbling Potions Station and ‘Where’s the Air’ activity area.  Children will be able to make their own airplanes at the flier station and test them out. Meanwhile, scientists will demonstrate some experiments as well as challenge visitors to blast off at the Air Blaster Rocket Wall, to step into the Giant Air Bubble and to take part in a life-size Forces of Flight board game.

BIAS will also boast a retail village, a food court and other attractions including a wind tunnel known as the aerodium. Also on hand are flight simulators and large bouncy castles.

The Kuwait Flying Club will be showcasing its flying skills with small radio control aircrafts while the Qatar Flying Club will be providing a number of microlights, weight-shift aircrafts, as well as Gyrocopters. The event will end with a four-hour flying display and a classical musical finale timed to fireworks. Headline sponsors of the five-star event are Gulf Air and Batelco. BMW also signed up as Official Vehicle Provider through Euro Motors and petrochemical company, GPIC, has come on board as a gold-level sponsor.

For any further information visit www.bahraininternationalairshow.com







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