Manama, Jan. 10 (BNA): HM the King’s Personal representative and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS) HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa has affirmed that the success of the previous editions of BIAS will increase Bahrain’s desire to ensure BIAS 2016 reaches the highest levels.
Held His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s patronage, BIAS has become a Bahraini landmark that attracts those interested in the civil and military aviation regionally and internationally.
Chairing at Al Sakhir Air Base today the meeting of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee, in the presence of the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication Kamal bin Ahmed, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad underscored the kingdom keenness on increasing economic growth and investments through hosting specialised exhibitions, such as BIAS.
On arrival at the Sakhir Air Base, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad was welcomed by the Transportation and Telecommunication Minister, Commander of the Sakhir Air Base Air Vice-Marshal Mohammed bin Ba-Hussain Al-Musallam, organising committee members and officials.
HH Shaikh Abdulla was briefed by the minister and the latest preparations for BIAS 2016, set to be held from January 21 to 23, 2016, at the Sakhir Air Base, including the events and programmes to be held on its sidelines.
He was also informed by members of the Supreme Organising Committee on the arrangements to hold the world aviation event, as well as the programmes put forward for participants and visitors.
HH Shaikh Abulla bin Hamad expressed satisfaction at the on-going preparations, and the tremendous efforts being exerted in this regard, calling on organisers, ministries and companies to provide all what is necessary to ensure the success of the event.
Transportation and Telecommunication Minister explained that BIAS has become a major tributary to the national economy, given the important economic, investment and development opportunities it provides for the kingdom.
He highlighted the determination of the Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry, the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) and Farnborough International, the organisers of the event, to develop the event in every edition, noting that participation in this year’s air show increased by 30%.
More than 128 companies specialised in aviation and air industries, representing 34 countries, will take part in BIAS 2016. They include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Sudan, USA, Russia, Turkey, Germany, France, India, China, South Africa, Brazil and Canada, he said.
On the sidelines of BIAS 2016, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will hold a seminar on its new programme to evaluate the safety standards, based on its Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which is the benchmark for global safety management in airlines.
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BNA 1611 GMT 2016/01/10