More than 55,000 visitors are expected to attend the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), which gets underway today (January 16) and is expected to be the biggest and best yet.

Tickets have been selling fast for the three-day event, which runs at the Sakhir Airbase until Saturday, with upwards of 20,000 trade visitors already confirmed and all corporate chalets sold out, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publicaion.

Transportation Minister Kamal Ahmed said the number of participating companies had unexpectedly doubled to reach 120 as he toured the venue to officially inspect preparations for the show.

"We are hoping for a really good public turnout," said a spokeswoman for show organisers UK-based Farnborough International.

"There are 29 military delegations from 18 countries, 23 civil delegations and 120 participating companies. It's going to be a great show."

In addition to a breathtaking five-hour aerial display each day by military jets and stunt pilots, there will also be aircraft simulators and a vertical wind tunnel where people can simulate skydiving. Pilots from the UAE's Al Fursan Aerobatic Team, the Russian Knights (Russian Air Force display team), the Saudi Hawks and the Breitling Wingwalkers are among those who will show off their impressive flying skills.

Ahmed said a host of companies would be attending for the first time, including eight Turkish businesses, the Indian Military Research Organisation, the Italian Fine-Mechanics company, two French companies and the German Lufthansa Technic company.

BIAS 2014 will showcase more than 100 aircraft in total including the Turkish Aerospace Industries T129 Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter and a US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules from the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Southwest Asia.

Other US military aircraft on display include a F-15E Strike Eagle, F-18EE/F Hornet, MV-22 Osprey, UH-1Y Huey Venom and the Ah-1Z Viper and MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. The US Air Force will also have a B-1B Lancer and F-22 Raptor flyby. Approximately 150 US military personnel are expected to attend.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Post has issued special commemorative stamps to mark the air show, alongside its series celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition.

The stamps are available in 200 fils (five cents), 300 fils and 400 fils denominations from all Bahrain Post branches.

Alba also announced its platinum sponsorship of BIAS yesterday, which includes a dedicated luxury hospitality chalet for the company to host meetings with present and potential clients. - TradeArabia News Service