More major orders on BIAS 2018 Day Two

Manama, Nov. 15 (BNA): Day two of the Bahrain International Air Show saw His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in attendance hosting further meetings with chalet holders, senior international government figures and touring the exhibition hall. Aircraft and engine orders came from Saudi Gulf Airlines for 10 Airbus A320neo with an option for a further 10 plus valued at $2.1bn and 45 CFM LEAP 1A engines valued at $1bn. At a signing ceremony with MG Major General Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, RBAF Commander and LTG Charles Hooper, DSCA (Defence Security Cooperation Agency) Director, the Royal Bahraini Air Force also confirmed the purchase of 12 Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters valued at $912m. The day also saw further investments in Bahrain’s aerospace infrastructure by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications including the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Centre, supply of air navigation equipment from Leonardo and a two-year contract with DFS Aviation Services for the provision of manpower for air navigation services. Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) also confirmed the appointment of French engineering company Egis as a consultant to provide design and supervision services for Bahrain International Airport’s new Cargo Area, a state-of-the-art facility that will help turn logistics and air cargo into one of Bahrain’s primary industries. Minister for Transportation and Telecommunication and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of BIAS, Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed said: “It’s been a productive day of high-level meetings for our show participants. The feedback from participants in the exhibition hall and chalets has been extremely positive. “The aviation investments announced today will boost Bahrain’s status as a transportation hub and once completed add significant value to Bahrain’s economic prosperity.” Farnborough International’s Commercial Director, Amanda Stainer, added, “We’ve worked with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications since the airshow’s inception and we are delighted by how the show has grown. Participation is up by 35% with 187 companies either exhibiting or taking a chalet in the show. The Saudi Gulf Airlines order announcement today is further endorsement of the show as a platform for business.”