Information Affairs Authority, Manama, 22 January 2012: The Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2012 - 19-21 January 2012 - has come to a close with $850 million in deals signed and bookings reserved for the next edition of Bahrain International Airshow in 2014 looking extremely healthy. The deals included ones between Bombardier, PrivateAir, Gulf Technics, EDB, Gulf Aviation Academy, and Tamkeen.

The Undersecretary of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Abdulrahman Al-Gaoud, stated that the Bahrain International Airshow exhibition saw a large turnout by companies, decision-makers, and specialists in the world of aviation and support services, with over 22,000 public attendees.

The three-day Bahrain International Airshow 2012 hosted 37 companies including international and regional major players such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, GE, Gulf Air, Lockheed Martin, SELEX Sistemi Integrati TAG Aviation, Red Wings and United Aircraft Corporation. 35 countries in total were represented and 700 international media were accredited to attend and report on the event. Over 20,000 trade visitors attended over the three days and huge numbers turned out for the public event which took place in an arena close to the airbase. The number of attendees doubled from the last Bahrain International Airshow exhibition in 2010.

Static and flying displays were a big hot with attendees, and included the Sukhoi Superjet; a rare appearance by the Russian Knights, a SU-27 formation team; as well as the Al Fursan Aerobatic team which made their first appearance outside of the UAE, and only their second ever at an Airshow. Arguably the highlight of the flying display was the all-Bahraini formation flight of a Gulf Air A330 flanked by four Royal Bahraini Air Force F-5s and four F-16s. Static aircraft displays included a Typhoon from Saudi Arabia, Rafale and a group from the US Navy.

Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) show organizers said the feedback they have received from participants and visitors alike has been extremely positive. Many participants praised the Bahrain International Airshow shows and the networking opportunities, which provides the opportunity to meet customers and strengthen ties.

Former Commander of US 5th Fleet and Lockheed Martin's Regional President for the Middle East and Africa Vice Admiral Charles W. Moore noted that with this year's successful outcome Bahrain International Airshow has established itself as a unique and significant addition to the international Airshow calendar.

The press release above has been issued by Information Affairs Authority, P.O. Box 253, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 872 556 / Fax: (+973) 17 682 777.
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Picture credit: Bahrain International Airshow