BIAS 2018 attracts record number of GCC companies

Manama, Oct. 24 (BNA): The 5th Edition of the Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS 2018), held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of HM the King, and Chairman of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee, has attracted the highest ever number of companies from the GCC, namely Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Building on the long-established brotherly relationships between the countries, the much anticipated biennial event, which will take place from the 14th to 16th of November 2018, will provide aviation companies from the region with the opportunity to meet potential clients and suppliers participating in the show from the global aviation industry.  KSA’s participation at the BIAS 2018 follows that of the UAE, with committed presence from six  significant Saudi entities specialized in aviation, engineering and military manufacturing, namely the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), Adams Advanced Aero Technology, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI), Sky Prime Aviation Services and ARAMCO. The UAE will be represented at the event with a total of 14 entities, comprising local government bodies as well as specialised companies in the aviation and engineering of military industrial machinery and equipment.  Participants include Abu Dhabi Aviation, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI), Advanced Military Maintenance Repair Overhaul Center (AMMROC), UAE Company for Industrial Machinery and Equipment, Emirates Advanced Research Advanced Research and Technology Holding LLC, Emirates Technology & Innovation Center (ETIC), Global Aerospace Logistics LLC (GAL) an Abu Dhabi based subsidiary of the Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC), Air Navigation Services, Maximus Air Cargo, Nation Shield Military and Strategic Journal, Royal Jet, Tawazun Economic Council, UAE Space Agency and Etihad Airways Engineering.  Kuwait will also be participating with Kuwait Airways taking part in the static display as well as the Exhibition Hall.  This strong regional representation stems from the long-standing economic, commercial and social ties and common benefits that  are shared amongst the Gulf countries, and further solidifies economic cooperation between them.   The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of BIAS, His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed said, "I am very proud that we have seen such a strong response from our neighboring countries for the Airshow, reflecting the efforts of the Gulf leaders to support investment attraction to the region.  BIAS aims to attract international companies to Bahrain and to the region, providing a custom platform for high-level B2B exchange. The top executives from the public and private sectors in the region can meet with the global aviation industry leaders in one place, and with 11 out of the top 15 global aviation companies expected to be in attendance at the show, including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Boeing and more, new trade relations and international ties can be facilitated".