MANAMA: The Bahrain International Airshow 2024 is poised to elevate Bahrain’s position as a leader in the global aerospace industry, foster economic growth, and forge vital industry partnerships.
Under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the seventh biennial event will take place from Nov. 13 to 15 at Sakhir Air Base, attracting key players from the world’s aviation, defense, and space sectors.
The airshow will be graced by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, along with prominent international thought leaders and industry experts.
The event will feature discussions on critical topics such as sustainability in aviation, cutting-edge technological innovations, infrastructure investment, space operations, gender equality in aerospace, and the future workforce challenges facing the industry.
With the participation of both civil and military aviation manufacturers, along with representatives from the fields of transportation, telecommunications, research, and space exploration, BIAS 2024 will serve as a major platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The airshow will also showcase Bahrain’s role as a hub for international aerospace events and its growing influence in driving regional growth and innovation.
The event will be hosted across a vast 14,000-sq. meter exhibition hall, 40 luxury chalets, and an 86,000-square-meter static aircraft display area. Major international exhibitors, including Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Thales, DHL, Indra Spain, Otokar, Defense Technology Equipment, and UAE’s Tawazan, will present the latest in aerospace and defense technologies. These displays will provide attendees with a firsthand look at the most advanced technologies shaping the future of aviation and defense.
Bahrain’s role as a strategic player in the aerospace sector has been reinforced in recent years through significant investments and partnerships that have propelled the country’s economic growth.
According to the event’s organizing committee, Bahrain’s gross domestic product grew by 4.9 percent in 2023, the highest rate since 2013. This growth is further supported by an increase in the performance of the non-oil sectors, which expanded by 1.3 percent year on year, reaching 3.7 billion Bahraini dinars ($9.8 billion) in the second quarter of 2024. These figures reflect the ongoing success of Bahrain’s economic diversification strategy, with the non-oil sector contributing more than 85 percent to the overall GDP.
For the first time, 13 companies from Europe, the US, China, Malaysia, and Thailand specializing in airport ground services will participate in BIAS 2024. This marks an expansion of the airshow’s scope, introducing new players and expertise to the event. Additionally, international aviation institutes will offer educational opportunities for attendees, further enhancing the event’s value by inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Key features
The airshow will also feature a series of impressive aerial displays. These include performances by the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s Copra Zolo by Bell, the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Typhoon and Saudi Hawks aerobatic display teams, as well as the Global Stars, Boeing 787-9, and the Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter team. These high-flying performances will showcase the technical capabilities of both military and civilian aircraft, captivating audiences and demonstrating the precision and skill of the world’s top aviators.
Since its launch in 2010, BIAS has grown significantly in both scale and prestige. Traditionally held in January, the event was moved to November in 2018 to better accommodate the needs of participants and the broader aerospace community. The 2022 edition attracted over 46,000 visitors from nearly 60 countries, with 186 companies participating and deals totaling $1.85 billion. The event also featured 100 aircraft on static display and was supported by 18 sponsors.
The final preparations for BIAS 2024 were reviewed in a meeting held two weeks ago, with Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, personal representative of King Hamad and chairman of the BIAS supreme organizing committee, confirming that everything is in place for the event.
Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the ongoing success of BIAS reflects Bahrain’s growing role as a premier host for international events and highlighted the importance of continuing to organize specialized aviation affairs. These events not only help solidify the aviation sector’s role as a key economic growth driver but also create valuable opportunities for the youth in innovation and development.
As part of its commitment to engaging the next generation, BIAS 2024 will host approximately 5,000 students from public and private schools. These students will have access to the entertainment zone, where they can enjoy daily air displays and participate in educational programs and workshops. These initiatives are designed to spark interest in aviation, science, and technology, inspiring future careers in these fields.
The Supreme Organizing Committee for the event is chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and includes key figures such as Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Bahrain’s newly appointed minister of transportation and telecommunications; Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Musalam, commander of Sakhir Air Base and head of the military committee; and Yousif Mahmoud, director general of BIAS.
