Preparations for BIAS 2018 reviewed

Manama, Nov. 11 (BNA): HM the King’s Personal Representative and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS 2018), HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has extended sincere thanks and appreciation to all parties that are exerting tremendous efforts ahead of the official opening of BIAS 2108, due to be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on November 14-16, at the Al-Sakhir Air Base.   HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad stressed that BIAS will continue its success and attract more effective participants and new companies from brotherly and friendly countries.   The continuous success of the event, thanks to HM the King’s unlimited support and sound directives and forward-looking strategic vision, has contributed to strengthening Bahrain’s status as a host of airshows in the region, he said.   While chairing, at the Al-Sakhir Air Base today, the meeting of the Supreme Organising Committee of the fifth edition of BIAS, HH Shaikh Abdulla stressed that the efforts of those in charge of BIAS, particularly the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, have contributed to the kingdom’s success in gaining international fame and trust of world aviation companies.   HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad extended sincere thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for the efforts of the government to ensure the success of BIAS 2018.   He also paid similar tribute to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for his support for BIAS.   HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad also lauded the distinguished cooperation and coordination with the Bahrain Defence Force and the Royal Bahraini Air Force, which, he said, has always contributed to BIAS success and removed all obstacles.   He also expressed thanks to ministries and state departments for their cooperation and efforts, noting that the ultimate goal of all the exerted tremendous efforts is ensure the success of the event and boost the Bahrain economy.   He asserted that this year’s edition will feature the participation of the latest and most modern military and civil aircraft, in addition to conferences, and recreational programmes for families, visitors and participants.   HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad discussed with the members of the Supreme Organising Committee the preparations for the official opening of BIAS according to schedule, stressing the importance of harnessing all potentials to ensure the event’s success.   He was also listened to the committee members’ remarks on the preparations for the airshow.   Earlier, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad arrived at the Al-Sakhir Air Base, where he was welcomed by Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Sakhir Air Base Commander, Air Vice-Marshal Mohammed bin Ba- HUssain Al-Musallam, organising committee members and officials.   The Transportation Minister, who also the Deputy Chairman of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee, said that BIAS 2018, held under HM the King’s patronage and the supervision of HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad, will bring about a giant qualitative leap and build on the success of the previous four editions.