Excitement soars as Bahrain International Airshow 2022 takes off
EXCITEMENT soared as one of the kingdom’s flagship events of the year – the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2022 – took off yesterday.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, launched the prestigious air show at Sakhir Airbase on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad.
Numerous agencies and businesses, both local and global, have touched down in the kingdom and are showcasing their exhibits across the show’s three days.
The sky’s the limit as to the number of industry sector deals that will be struck and enthusiasts will be entertained by the expected all-action, gravity-defying aerobatic aristocrats of aviation.
Opening the show, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to further developing promising sectors that contribute to the kingdom’s national development, in line with His Majesty’s vision.
He noted the kingdom’s attractive business and investment environment and commended Bahrainis for their creativity, innovation, and wide-ranging achievements.
HRH Prince Salman emphasised that the kingdom has attracted major global events through its established presence in the exhibition and conference industry.
He affirmed that Bahrain’s hosting of specialised international exhibitions, conferences and broad international participation cements its position as a global destination for events.
He commended the success achieved by the BIAS over the last 10 years, adding that it has become a prominent event within the aviation industry.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister attributed the event’s success to the efforts of the King’s personal representative and Higher Organising Committee chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
HRH Prince Salman toured the exhibition and visited the pavilions of participating countries, during which he was briefed on the latest technology in the world of military and civil aviation from various countries.
He also visited the UAE national pavilion and was briefed on its interests in the aviation industry. HRH Prince Salman commended the development of Bahraini-UAE relations and added that the UAE’s commitment to participating in this exhibition and other events held in the kingdom reflected the strength of the bilateral partnership.
He thanked all the ministries and government agencies that contributed to organising the exhibition.
More than 180 companies, 160 delegations and 30 countries have a presence at the air show.
More than 54,000 trade visitors are expected at the event, which has been organised by the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry and the Royal Bahrain Air Force.
In excess of 100 aircraft, ranging from cargo and passenger planes to military aircraft, are present at the show.
The event also includes a daily family area from 10am to 6pm, featuring street performers, children’s entertainment, mascots, face painting and more.
Family area visitors without parking passes can park at the Bahrain International Circuit, from where they can board shuttles directly to the area.
Adult tickets for the family zone for those aged 12 and above are priced at BD5 per day, while entry will be free for children under the age of 12. Tickets can be purchased and used for one of the three days of the air show. They are sold at all Bahrain Post outlets, and can also be purchased directly from the event site at Sakhir.