The seventh edition of the three-day Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), which is being held at Sakhir Air Base under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was inaugurated by the Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on behalf of His Majesty.

A slew of announcements from several businesses marked the opening day of the eagerly awaited event.

Valo Aviation announced that it has become the Kingdom’s first business jet operator after receiving its Bahraini Air Operators Certificate (AOC), and aims to manage 15 aircraft within the next two years from its home base of Manama.

IronNet, the AI-based collective defense cybersecurity company, and Asterion, a leader in Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology, announced a partnership on the protection of critical infrastructure through the integration of AI-based cybersecurity and Counter-UAS solutions.

More than 125 different types of aircraft are being displayed at the event, providing visitors the opportunity to see them up close, before a curated flying display of assets and aerobatic teams takes to the sky to demonstrate the latest innovations and technologies in the industry.

Aiming to be its busiest and most spectacular instalment yet, BIAS has also seen debuts from the USDOD B-52H Stratofortress and flydubai in its static display.

The afternoon saw the skies above Sakhir Air Base filled with the world’s most renowned air display teams and aircraft, with showcases of the RBAF F-16, RSAF Saudi Hawks, RSAF Typhoon, US DOD F-16, Gulf Air B787-9, US DOD P-8 Poseidon, PAF JF-17, IAF Sarang Helicopter Team and The Global Stars.

The Bahrain International Airshow is held under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee.

GO: Visit www.airshow.bh for more information.