Bahrain: FIGHTER jets, stunt pilots and parachute display teams took to the skies for a spectacular opening to Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS) 2016 yesterday.
The fourth and the largest edition of the biennial event features 111 aircraft on display, with a record 139 aviation companies and 75 delegations from 34 countries.
His Majesty King Hamad’s personal representative and chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of BIAS 2016 Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa officially opened the show at Sakhir Airbase.
Milestone
The three-day show, being held under the patronage of His Majesty, is being organised by the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry in co-operation with the Royal Bahraini Air Force and Farnborough International Limited.
Shaikh Abdulla was welcomed by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, the son of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, senior military and civilian state officials, heads of the participating delegations and guests.
Shaikh Abdulla described the event as a milestone achievement that adds to the accomplishments attained by the kingdom during His Majesty’s prosperous era.
“The show contributes to meeting Bahrain’s aspirations in spurring its economy through investing in the exhibitions industry and aviation.”
Shaikh Abdulla stressed that the exhibitions industry is among the sectors that support the economy, explaining that the show revitalises many sectors, such as economic activities and tourism as the event attracts lovers of recreational activities and shows from all age categories.
“Aviation is a crucial pillar of our development and we are investing significantly in numerous enhancements across infrastructure, regulations, training and international standards,” said Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed as he delivered the opening speech.
“As for the future, our biggest infrastructure project, the Airport Modernisation Programme, is now well underway which will help us handle around 15 million passengers and ensure that we are future-proofed for the next 15 years.”
Central to the day’s events was the impressive four-hour flying programme comprising displays from the official aerobatic teams of the Saudi and UAE Air Forces as well as the Russian and Indian teams.
Also included were further aircraft displays from the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) and US Air Force.
This was supported by a remarkable line-up of both commercial and military jets on static display.
The day concluded with a gala dinner hosted by the Bahrain Airport Company for visiting delegates at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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