viva bahrain

>Farnborough International Ltd (FIL) has confirmed that it is once again to partner with Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) for the Kingdom of Bahrain to organise the next Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) and has announced dates for the show as 19-21 January 2012. This announcement comes just a few months after the culmination of the highly successful launch event which took place in a permanent, purpose-built five star facility at Sakhir in Bahrain in January this year.

During the inaugural event, several major deals were announced. These included Yemenia’s (Yemen’s national carrier) purchase of ten A320 planes from Airbus; Bahrain’s purchase of nine Blackhawk-M helicopters from US manufacturer, Sikorsky; Gulf Air’s preliminary agreement to lease two Embraer 170 jets; Selex’s award of $15 million contract by the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority for a primary surveillance radar and two Mode-S secondary surveillance radars at the Bahrain International Airport; Bahrain’s talks to purchase two Airbus aircraft and Boeing’s announcement to deliver 1,700 aircraft in the next 20 years to the Middle East.

Since the conclusion of the launch event, FIL and CAA have held extensive discussions around BIAS 2010 including the review of feedback received from participants. Following the confirmation of dates for the second event is a series of planning meetings between FIL and CAA to decide on which developments and new initiatives will be introduced in order to add further value for participants and visitors.

Speaking ahead of EBACE 2010 in Geneva, FIL Chief Executive, Shaun Ormrod said: “It is with great excitement that we confirm our intention to collaborate once again with CAA on the Bahrain International Airshow 2012 and announce the dates of the show. The launch earlier this year was a resounding success for all concerned – organisers, participants and contractors alike. Without doubt, there will be developments for 2012’s event, exactly what these will comprise at this stage is still under discussion however it is very likely that there will be greater opportunity for demonstrating aircraft in extended flying displays, a more structured civil and military delegations programme and further opportunities for engagement with Royal Bahraini delegations and ministers.”

Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud, Undersecretary for Bahrain’s CAA echoed this saying: “CAA was highly delighted with the outcome of the inaugural BIAS in January and I have received the highest praise for the organising committee and the event from His Highness Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It is our wish that the Airshow should grow in stature with more iconic international companies to be invited and to improve the facilities and offerings of the show even further.”

Via {C-V}