The Bahrain International Airshow has soared to new heights with $2 billion worth of business deals being confirmed by the end of day two.

Transportation Minister and Economic Development Board acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed said yesterday's agreements came in the wake of a landmark deal on the first day.

Dammam-based Al Qahtani Group and Bombardier Aerospace signed a deal, valued at around $1.21 billion, which includes the purchase of 16 CS 300 aircraft with options for 10 more, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

A major deal on the second day was one between the Sudan Airport Holding Company and China Harbour Engineering Company for building phase two of Khartoum's new international airport.

Four deals for the modernisation and maintenance of the Bahrain International Airport, totalling $58 million, were also sealed.

Several business meetings were held by major companies, including French companies Safran and Thales, Italian giant Finmeccanica and US manufacturer Boeing.

Central to yesterday's events was a nearly five-hour long flying display including the death-defying Breitling Wingwalkers, the aerobatic Saudi Hawks and the brightly-lit night-time antics of the Huawei Twister Duo.

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the show and toured the pavilions. He met the UAE acrobatic team Al Fursan.

He was accompanied by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The three-day event concludes at the Sakhir Airbase today.-TradeArabia  News Service