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The Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) has tripled its business dealings at this year’s show with the kingdom’s aviation sector celebrating huge new investments.
The Ministry of Transportation and the Royal Bahrain Air Force, in partnership with Farnborough International, announced that the third edition of the three-day event ended with deals reaching up to $3 billion (BD1.1 billion).
With over 100 international and domestic companies present at the show, it was noted that the increase was a real reflection of the bi-annual event’s importance to the Middle Eastern aviation market.
Meetings and networking was also a key feature of the show with more than 130 delegations from 32 countries participating in a programmed series of meetings and events.
The Minister of Transportation and acting chief executive of the Economic Development Board, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, said: “It’s been a successful three days. 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.”
The Bahrain Royal Air Force is planning to buy Turkey’s T-129 attack helicopter. The Transportation Ministry signed a BD6.9 million contract with Hill International to provide project management consultancy service for the airport modernisation programme. The signing ceremony was held on the side-lines of the BIAS.
The Ministry and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) have developed the project to elevate the airports infrastructure and services. Once the programme is complete, the newly-modernised and expanded Bahrain International Airport will have increased capacity of 50 per cent to take a total of 13.5 million passengers per year.
Mr Mohammed, added: “The agreements made by BAC are a significant move to expedite the airport modernisation programme, which will herald an airport that fully matches the demands of Bahrain’s economy.”
Gulf Air, the kingdom’s national carrier, signed a five year agreement to extend Rolls-Royce Totalcare support for its fleet of six A330 aircraft powered by Trent 700 engines. The agreement worth just over $100m extends the previous five-year agreement that was signed in 2008.
There was also a signing of a commercial agreement between the Sudan Airport Holding Company and China Harbour Engineering Company for the Phase 2 development of the Khartoum New International Airport.
MENA Aerospace Enterprises, WLL (MENA) and Tempus Jet Centers, LLC (Tempus Jets) also announced that they have entered into a Joint Venture Agreement which is a synergistic approach to private aviation that will enhance both organisations ability to deliver exceptional and diverse aviation product to the Middle Eastern region. The Joint Venture, known as MENA Tempus, will be based at the airport.
Mr Mohammed said: “This agreement provides an excellent opportunity for MENA Tempus to take advantage of fast growth in the GCC and increasing demand for both business and personal jet services.
“As an established logistics hub, Bahrain is the ideal base from which the new joint venture can expand across the region.”
Visitors’ numbers also reached record highs and on day three, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty’s Personal Representative and Head of the Supreme Organising Committee, Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa were present.
Farnborough International Ltd’s commercial director, Amanda Stainer said: “We have had some extremely positive feedback from participants and visitors to the show.
“The quality of the delegates, the international clientele, the new exhibition pavilion and the exclusive networking environment has all contributed to the events success.”
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