Bahrain airshow marks record $3 billion deals

Manama: Arab News

The strength of the Bahrain International Airshow as a major business event for the MENA region was confirmed on Saturday with the Ministry of Transportation stating that deals at the show had reached almost $3 billion.
The announcement was made at the close of the third edition of the event by show organizers, the Ministry of Transportation and the Royal Bahrain Air Force in partnership with Farnborough International Ltd.
Day three of the airshow saw a visit from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and personal representative and head of the Supreme Organizing Committee, Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
Organizers confirmed that business agreements generated at the show were almost three times up on the total in 2012. With over 100 international and domestic companies present at the show, it was noted that the increase was a real reflection of the event’s importance to the Middle Eastern aviation market. Meetings and networking were also a key feature of the show with over 130 delegations from 32 countries participating in a programmed series of meetings and events.
Aircraft participation also increased with 89 aircraft on the static display and a total of 106 aircraft participating in the show. Visitors numbers reached record highs with over 30,000 visitors attending the trade show and over 20,000 attending the public event.
As well as announcements from local businesses, Gulf Air, Batelco and the Bahrain Airport Company, the show also saw significant deals from regional companies, including the sale of 16 Bombardier CS300 aircraft to new airline Saudi Gulf Airlines and a new agreement regarding the construction of Khartoum International Airport.
Speaking about the deals at the end of show wrap-up press conference, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed said: “It’s been a successful three days here at the Bahrain International Airshow. We are delighted that regional and international companies are choosing Bahrain to make their announcements and conduct their business. We hope to build on this for future airshows, as the event plays a key role in supporting our attributes as a hub for business in the region.”
Farnborough International Ltd.’s Commercial Director Amanda Stainer said: “We have had some extremely positive feedback from participants and visitors to the show. The quality of the delegates, the international clientele, the new exhibition pavilion and the exclusive networking environment, have all contributed to the events success.”