HOW HAS THE VISION FOR THE BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW EVOLVED SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2010, AND WHAT ARE THE KEY OBJECTIVES FOR THE 2024 EDITION?
Following our decade of distinction, we are now focusing on the next 10 years and beyond for not only the airshow, but also Bahrain’s position in the international aviation sector. To reaffirm the key values of the show and to illustrate the clear progress of both the event and the Bahrain region, we unveiled a new identity for the airshow ahead of the 2024 edition. A declaration of our unrelenting commitment to excellence, the new branding is a representation of the airshow’s role as a prestige feature of the aerospace industry calendar, attracting elite business, military, and political leaders from across the globe to Bahrain. The continued growth, prosperity and success of the show is due to the collaboration between the Supreme Organizing Committee, the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahrani Air Force, in partnership with our long-standing organizing and delivery partners Farnborough International. As the organizers of the world’s most pioneering and respected aerospace and aviation events which connect the global aerospace and defense communities, Farnborough International has supported us in strengthening the position of BIAS as a principal platform for international organizations in the Middle East. Our vision is to be the world’s leading boutique airshow, offering an unrivalled platform for developing allyship, driving innovation and facilitating international trade creating enduring prosperity for Bahrain and its partners who attend the show.
COULD YOU ELABORATE ON THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS THAT THE AIRSHOW BRINGS TO BAHRAIN AND HOW IT SUPPORTS THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND AVIATION SECTOR?
The airshow provides Bahrain and wider GCC aviation, cargo and defence businesses a cost- effective way to meet, network with and do business with leading international organisations without having to leave the country. Our event attracts high-level professionals from industry titans, who travel in from all around the world, including the UK, USA, China, France, Cyprus, Egypt and Malaysia. The international nature of the airshow results in our travel and hospitality sectors experience an increase in inbound flights, booked hotel rooms, restaurant reservations and car bookings for the duration of the event. The event is also a valuable platform for Bahrain’s next generation and future workforce to find out more about the international aerospace industry and the career prospects available in Bahrain’s growing sector. In addition, we provide local students with roles during the airshow to support them in building their work experience for future employment.
WHAT ROLE DOES INNOVATION AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PLAY IN THE 2024 AIRSHOW, AND HOW IS IT SHOWCASED TO PARTICIPANTS AND ATTENDEES?
The Bahrain International Airshow has been designed to reflect aerospace and defense industry needs by harnessing global expertise, showcasing innovation and providing crucial thought leadership where it matters most. We encourage our exhibitors and partners to highlight the latest developments within their organization, whether that’s new technology, products or services during their time at the show, which is vital to the success of their participation.
HOW HAS THE INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN THE AIRSHOW GROWN OVER THE YEARS, AND WHICH NEW COUNTRIES OR COMPANIES WILL BE MAKING THEIR DEBUT IN 2024?
Our international positioning has continued to grow and grow within the market. We are thrilled to be welcoming leaders from across the world to Bahrain again, including Lockheed Martin, Rolls- Royce, Thales, Leonardo, CFM, DHL, Indra, BAE System, Otokar, DFS Aviation JARAMCO, Alpha Star, Mukamala Aviation, DHL Worldwide and Gulf Air, within our 40 luxury chalets and increased exhibition hall The continued investment from the key international and regional aerospace leaders into the airshow demonstrates the supportive role BIAS plays in the industry and our need to support organizations in driving business and sharing knowledge.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT GLOBAL TRENDS IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY THAT WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED AT THE AIRSHOW?
The Supreme Organizing Committee is currently in the process of curating the 2024 program, which is focused on key challenges and opportunities in the industry, in partnership with Manama Air Power Symposium, Kallman Worldwide and other key partners, including NSSA, Injaz, Airbus little Engendering and Boeing Sustainability program. Across two days of content, the program will feature four forums: 1) Airlines & Airports, 2) Space, 3) Defiance, 4) Diversity & Inclusion and STEM workshops. Topics will include sustainability and technological innovation, advancements around SAF emerging in the EMEA region, demand for investment in infrastructure, international collaboration for sustainable space operations such as active debris removal, commercial space launches in the Middle East, accelerating gender equality in the sector and the contribution to future workforce challenges.
CAN YOU DISCUSS ANY SIGNIFICANT PARTNERSHIPS OR COLLABORATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT?
In addition to our international exhibitors, we have seen a huge amount of support and interest from many regional businesses to get involved in the show once again. We are incredibly excited to have the likes of Beyond, Gulf Air Group, Cityneon ME, Alba, Bapco Energies, Bahrain Duty Free, Bahrain Airport Services and Al Salam Bank on-board as sponsors and partners of the show.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES THE AIRSHOW HAS FACED OVER THE YEARS, AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DOES THE 2024 EVENT PRESENT?
One of the biggest challenges is the increase of aerospace events in the market and ensuring Bahrain is positioned as a champion of the global aerospace industry. However, this is also an opportunity for us as a country. As a strategic hub for the aviation industry, Bahrain has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering regional growth and innovation, positioning itself at the heart of the international aerospace sector. Since the 2022 airshow, the country continues to prosper, with multiple new partnerships signed, millions in investments announced and achieving a GDP growth of 4.9%, the highest rate since 2013. With this increase since our show was established in 2010, we have cemented BIAS’ presence in the both the aerospace market, and the overall region as a world-class business event. While we are a significant airshow in the calendar, our unique selling point is that our event has been specifically designed to do business in the region with the rest of the world in a personal, boutique manner.
WITH GLOBAL EVENTS, SECURITY IS PARAMOUNT. WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS?
Safety and security of our visitors, exhibitors and partners is of paramount importance to the Supreme Organizing Committee. The venue of the Bahrain International Airshow, Sakhir Air Base, is a secure air base that is governed by Bahrain Defense Force. The airshow organizing team operates a vetting process and review for everyone on-site.
HOW DOES THE AIRSHOW INCORPORATE BAHRAIN’S CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CONTRIBUTE TO EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN AVIATION?
The event features a Heritage Village in the Family Area, where attendees can experience Bahrain’s rich cultural traditions through displays of local cuisine, crafts, and other cultural activities. This provides a unique blend of entertainment and education, connecting the community with its heritage while enjoying the airshow. Additionally, the airshow offers numerous educational opportunities, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Entertainment spaces are dedicated to STEM activities that emphasize innovation, technology, and the 75-year history of aviation in Bahrain. These activities are designed to inspire school students, families, and aspiring aviators, giving them hands-on experience and exposure to the field of aviation. Exhibitors at the airshow are also encouraged to engage with the next generation, and college and university students are invited to attend the event, where they can explore future career paths in aviation. The trade area of the airshow features a Skills Hub and a thought leadership conference program, providing a platform for students and young professionals to develop essential skills and knowledge in the aviation industry.
THE AIRSHOW IS A HUB FOR NETWORKING. HOW DO YOU FACILITATE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS AMONG INDUSTRY LEADERS, GOVERNMENTS, AND BUSINESSES?
As a boutique, first-class event, we take great pride in offering our exhibitors, partners and attendees valuable opportunities to connect with the wider aerospace industry, in addition to government representatives and media. Our features are each developed to spark conversations, collaboration and innovation across each of the sectors. Our delegations program ensures that hand-invited government, civil and military guests receive dedicated schedules and itineraries to reach their objectives for attending the show, while exhibitors have the opportunity to request meetings with key attendees to highlight their products and services. Our luxurious purpose-built chalets enable businesses to entertain guests and host meetings in a private and tranquil setting, and our exhibition hall and static aircraft display provides an opportunity for industry peers to network openly in the show. We also support our exhibitors and partners in organizing and hosting workshops throughout the event, to ensure they meet their desired audience.
LOOKING FORWARD, WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW BEYOND 2024?
Our mission for Bahrain International Airshow is to provide a prestige, world-class aviation event that acts as a platform for showcasing innovation and driving business opportunities for elite businesses, military, and political leaders from across the world. We are committed to supporting the regional aerospace, aviation and defense businesses of all sizes in connecting with and doing business with the rest of the world.
