The fourth Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS) ended on a high note with record-breaking participation and deals being signed at the three-day event.
The total value of orders at the show reached $9 billion, more than triple the 2014 figure. This included aircraft orders for national carrier Gulf Air and a number of contracts to support Bahrain’s airport modernisation programme, according to Bahrain News Agency (BNA).Declaring the show a resounding success, the organisers said a record 30,000 visitors turned out at both the public and trade days of the event, which was held in January.As well as the record deals, the organisers confirmed that participation was also at an all-time high with more than 135 companies taking part."The total deals signed during the fourth edition of the Bahrain International Airshow is a reflection of the event’s success and growth prospects which we have seen over the years in the total number of visitors, delegations, companies, and countries’ representation," remarked Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and deputy chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of BIAS."With each edition of the show, we continue to see new participation as well as returning participants which include some of the biggest names in the aviation industry worldwide. We are delighted to see the participants choosing BIAS to make their announcements and conduct their business and we look forward to creating further new opportunities in the next edition," he added.Adam Thomas, UK Spokesman for Defence and Security Exports, UKTI, said: "BIAS16 is a unique opportunity for both the UK Government and business to network with senior Bahrainis and other Gulf states."