Final preparations are underway to host the third Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) at the Sakhir Air Base next month.

The three-day event, from January 16 until 18, is expected to attract up to 20,000 trade visitors from more than 25 countries, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It is being organised by the Transportation Ministry, Civil Aviation Affairs Authority and international industry consultants Farnborough International.

BIAS Supreme Organising Committee head Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday confirmed the participation of some of Bahrain's leading businesses and government organisations, including Royal Bahrain Air Force, the Economic Development Board, Alba, Bapco, Batelco, Bahrain Airport Company and Gulf Air.

"We are very proud of the level of support being shown by Bahraini organisations for the kingdom's air show in 2014," said Transportation Minister Kamal Ahmed.

"It demonstrates how, thanks to the leadership's vision, Bahrain's economy continues to diversify and grow, not only in the aviation sector, but across the board.

"We also thank our GCC neighbours for their role in ensuring the air show's continued success."

In addition to the military and civil delegations from across the Gulf's estimated $1.5 trillion aerospace market, other participants will include Tag Aeronautic from Saudi Arabia, Abu-Dhabi-based strategic investment company Tawazun Holding, Qatar Airways and Saudi Airlines.

The show, open to the public, will also feature flying displays courtesy of aerobatic display teams such as the Breitling Wingwalkers and Saudi Hawks as well as military aircraft like the Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor and Dassault Mirage 2000.

Planned side attractions in the public showground area include a heritage village, operated in conjunction with the Social Development Ministry, a space zone exhibit run by the UK's National Space Centre, 3D street art, vertical wind tunnels, mad science workshops and arts and crafts. - TradeArabia News Service