January 2016 35 www.bahrainthismonth.com the speed and action of the spectacular sixhour flying display from the comfort of grandstand seating right on the flight line,” Ahmed says. “Some of the aerobatic teams flying include the Saudi Hawks, UAE’s Al Fursan, the Russian Knights, Mark Jefferies solo aerobatics and the SWIP Twister display team with their amazing evening display.” The public area entertainment will start at 10am and run until 6pm during the airshow from January 21-23. Entry to the public area can be accessed via Bahrain International Circuit and tickets are being sold at all Batelco outlets. BIAS is a commercially focused airshow that seeks to give aerospace businesses a personalised experience, offering access to high-level delegations within the aerospace community, all within a dedicated arena. Established in 2010, the event is renowned for its world-class facilities; providing an opportunity to meet with industry peers and customers as well as participate in the civil and military delegations programme. With these different elements all in place, ample networking opportunities for all trade delegates are provided, and the evidence of its success is in the number of international companies that return with each edition. “I would like that all trade visitors who come to this edition of the show feel a real added benefit to their business from the number of increased networking opportunities that we are providing,” Ahmed explains. “From the public’s perspective, I hope that families visiting the public area have a great day out and enjoy the music, the recreational activities and the spectacular flying displays that we have lined up for them. “And, of course, for Bahrain, I hope that we achieve an ever more successful show that further solidifies Bahrain’s importance as a centre for aviation events and business.” BIAS16 will see its largest international participation to date with representation from the US, UK, France, India, Kuwait, Russia, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Turkey. The Saudi presence is expected to be significantly larger this year, with Saudi Arabian Airlines, for example, participating for the first time, as well as a number of other Saudi companies who will be brought together by the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority. Multi-national organisations will include Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Finmeccanica, Lockheed Martin, Turkish Aerospace Industries and Thales Group. Ahmed says: “The exhibition features hall has also allowed smaller business to attend the show, with national pavilions from India, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and the UK. Due to the popularity of the hall, which was introduced at the last show in 2014, we are doubling the size of the hall this year, allowing more companies to participate.” On the commercial side Qatar Airways will bring its Airbus A380 and A350, Gulf Air will have an A320 on display and Kuwait Airways will also bring an A350 and its recently delivered A320, equipped with Sharklets. There will also be a host of business aircraft from Embrear, Gulf Stream and TAG Aeronautics. Military aircraft include a T129 ATAK helicopter from Turkish Aircraft Industries, a Eurofighter Typhoon from the RAF and a number of aircraft of the US Airforce and US Navy. Ahmed says that whilst BIAS is about facilitating business, it is no mean feat putting on such an event. “The BIAS Supreme Organising Committee is chaired by His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative to His Majesty the King, and comprises a core team from, MTT, Royal Bahraini Air Force, Farnborough International, organisers of the world famous Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, and other relevant stakeholders. “It meets regularly over the two-year show cycle to plan and organise all elements of the event. From an operational point of view, every element of the show must be considered to ensure the participant experience is a good as possible. From electricity, water supply and Internet connectivity to site security, everything must be just right.” Demonstrations at the previous Airshow
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