The fifth biennial Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS 2018), which will take off on November 14 for three days, is set to be the biggest and most successful yet, a report said.

Held under the patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the supervision of HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the BIAS Organising Committee, BIAS has already established its position on the global aerospace calendar, bringing some of the world’s leading and most influential organisations to the Sakhir Airbase, local news agency BNA reported.

Although one of the Middle East’s youngest shows, in just eight years BIAS has seen major expansion making it the fastest-growing show in the region:  

• Exhibitor numbers for 2018 are up by 70 per cent compared with the previous show
• The Exhibition Hall has doubled in size
• Some of the largest regional companies in the sector are all set to participate, with the largest ever participation from Saudi Arabia and UAE
• Eleven out of the world’s top 15 aerospace companies are participating
• More than 110 aircraft flying and on static display

Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, minister of transportation and telecommunication, said: "BIAS brings together international business and senior government figures from across the region in one location, offering unprecedented business networking opportunities via its three-day military and commercial delegations programme, a focused conference programme covering civil and military topics, and an exhibition hall situated in the hanger at Sakhir Airbase."

"We have succeeded in attracting these global companies to Bahrain largely due to the guidance and supervision of HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, whose support has been instrumental in positioning the show to where it is today."

"The regional aviation industry is growing fast and Bahrain is better positioned than ever to provide opportunities to leverage this. From our investment in airport and aviation-related infrastructure and technologies, to being a regional leader in regulations and human talent development, the aviation industry’s contribution to economic development is at new heights."

BIAS capitalises on Bahrain’s strategically important location as a gateway to the Gulf and underscores the kingdom’s internationally recognised reputation as being a pro-business environment, the report said. Some of this year’s highlights include:

• Air Display: The Bahrain Airshow always delivers one of the most exciting and varied air displays on the circuit. From fast jets through to the very latest in business and civil aviation; the sky above the Sakhir Airbase will be a focus for one of the world’s best aviation showcases, and this year it is expected to host some first time flying teams and aircraft that will make the lineup this year even more impressive.    

• Conferences: On November 13, the Royal Bahraini Air Force hosts the second Manana Air Power Symposium, bringing together air force chiefs and leading experts from across the region to address emerging issues.

BIAS again unites aerospace and infrastructure with a conference titled "Into the Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Gulf Region Airports and Airlines", inviting industry leaders and experts to share experience and expertise. This conference continues a theme started in 2016 when the show served as the backdrop to around $1.1 billion in contracts being signed as part of the kingdom’s Airport Modernisation Programme which aims at significantly upgrading Bahrain International Airport’s infrastructure and services.    

A Women in Aviation conference on the third day of the show will serve as a valuable forum for women across the industry to discuss seizing opportunities for career development in the aviation field.  

The BIAS FINN Sessions are a free-to-attend programme of conferences located in a theatre in the heart of the exhibition hall.

• Space: Space is a major focus for BIAS 2018, a dedicated exhibition has attracted a number of space research centres and organisations including the UAE Space Agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), Roscosmos and Information Satellite Systems. This presents a valuable knowledge-sharing opportunity particularly for the Bahrain Space Team who will be presenting their latest work on nanosatellite technology.