“The BIAS is definitely a great event that has made a significant impact for both Bahrain and Gulf Air,” said Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali. “The success of the event proves once again Bahrain’s dynamic and progressive outlook. The convergence of several multinational aviation companies, the business deals concluded during the event and the thousands of audience, who had travelled from far and near to witness the show, are just a few examples to prove the enormous potential for business and tourism in Bahrain.”

“For Gulf Air, the BIAS has served another great opportunity to be an ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain with the strong presence of its “Golden Falcon” on the ground and in the air. More particularly, it presented us a significant business platform, where we could conclude some key agreements that would bring potential benefits for the airline and its people.”

Mr. Majali continued, “The Kingdom of Bahrain is already a well known destination for the annual global motor racing event, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, for which Gulf Air is the proud title sponsor and the official carrier; now BIAS has shown that it is also an event of the same size and caliber that has added one more feather to our cap.

“On behalf of the national carrier I would like to convey my congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Head of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Bahrain International Air Show for the grand success of the event and thanks for bringing the Show to the country,” concluded Mr. Majali

On the inaugural day, Gulf Air signed a preliminary agreement to lease two EMBRAER 170 Advanced Range (AR) jets for three years with provision to extend for a further five years, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s new strategic direction.

On the second day of the show, Gulf Air signed an agreement with Tamkeen – an independent body created by the government to support Bahrainis – providing career opportunities for Bahrainis, particularly females, in the national carrier in key customer-facing positions such as cabin crew.

Taking the carnival atmosphere of the event to greater heights was the flypast of Gulf Air’s A340 aircraft. On the inaugural day, the Gulf Air flypast was joined by eight colourful jets from France – the Patrouille de France. Flying at an altitude of just 200ft at the speed of 140 knots, the aircraft flew over the BIAS’s Sakhir event-ground to the thunderous applause of thousands of audience. On other two days, the flypast sorties did not fail to entertain the audience.

Last but not the least, Gulf Air put a personal touch to the event by bringing around 20 orphan children to the Show - an opportunity of a life time for the kids. The children were taken on a tour of the Royal Force aircraft that they have never seen in their life. The children also had a great time enjoying the various entertainments and shows lined up on the Show grounds.

Over 500 people visited the Gulf Air Chalet at the BIAS event ground that included representatives of the Royal family, several multinational companies from the aviation and related industries, senior government officials, members of the media and public.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 27-Jan-10