Bahrain International Airshow closes with resounding success

Thousands of aerospace and defence professionals from over 30 countries around the world connected at the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2022.

Officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Bahrain International Airshow, is organised by the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Airforce in association with Farnborough International.

The three-day event, which took place 9-11 November 2022, saw 186 participating companies across the display, exhibition hall and chalets and 200 civilian and military delegations taking part. The airshow followed on from Manama Air Power Symposium 2022, which brought together a high-caliber audience of over 300 air force commanders and operators, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 25 countries for the most important regional air power conference in 2022.

New deals and partnerships worth over USD 1.8 billion were announced at the show including the purchase of 30 of the latest-generation, single-aisle aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines by Royal Jordanian Airlines (“Royal Jordanian”), a strategic partnership between MAE Aircraft Management and Asia Cargo Network Singapore and Texel Air Bahrain and Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) new alliance.

Two dedicated conference theatres offered a thought exchange platform, where senior aerospace executives from the Gulf region and international companies collaborated to bring issues of mutual interest to the fore. The programme included panels and keynotes on four key themes: Airports and Airlines, Cargo and Logistics, Women in Aerospace and Space.

Each afternoon saw the skies above Sakhir Air Base filled with the world’s most renowned air display teams and aircraft, with showcases of the Gulf Air 787, RBAF, JF-17, Fursan Al Emarat, UAE Mirage 2000, RSAF Typhoon, USAF F-16 demo team, Global Stars, Red Arrows, DHL B767-300 Flypast, UAE F16, Saudi Hawks and P-8 flypast.

On the closing of BIAS 2022, His Excellency the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Mohamed bin Thamer AlKaabi, said: “The sixth edition of the event has built on the Show’s previous successes and strengthened BIAS’s position as a unique platform for business development, engagement and the showcasing of the latest technological innovations in the aerospace industry. It continues to generate new opportunities in the aviation sector and the commercial and military aircraft markets. BIAS provides the right environment for deal-making and cooperation agreements.

“The event has witnessed fruitful visits and meetings, and we are looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the deals concluded by the firms during the airshow. We would also like to thank the sponsors, supporters, and all participants from delegations and companies for their trust in the airshow, and we look forward to seeing them again at the next Bahrain International Airshow.”

The Bahrain International Airshow will return 13-15 November 2024.