Bahrain International Airshow open for business
November 13, 2024
As the military might of the Royal Bahrain Air Force roared above the skies of Sakhir Air Base, the 2024 Bahrain International Airshow opened its doors for business. With the world’s media and esteemed delegates observing, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa officially inaugurated the event – before the delegation toured the exhibition hall and stopped by Gulfstream.
In a formation led by the first of three of the RBAF’s latest F-16 Block 70 fighters – delivered in March this year – three Northrop F-5s and three BAE Systems Hawks were joined by Gulf Air’s 787-9 and the aerobatic Extras of the civilian Global Stars team (the only international entry in the opening flypast).
The venue is ideally positioned to host the event, offering unimpeded airspace and extensive operational expertise. Although during quieter times the base is home to the Royal Bahrain Air Force’s transport wing, the next few days will see the 7th Transport Squadron’s two C-130Js joined by a myriad of aircraft from around the world.
Aircraft in attendance are as varied in nationality as they are in type. From the USAF’s B-52H strategic bomber touching down yesterday afternoon – the first time the mighty ‘BUFF’ has landed at Sakhir – the static line is festooned with aircraft representing a multitude of missions. A notable highlight is one of the RBAF’s new Bell 505 training helicopters, making the type’s debut at the show.
From the eyecatching yellow and black liveries of the Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA and Eurofighter Typhoon to the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17, military heavy metal is in full force – albeit the much-anticipated RBAF F-16 Block 70s not making an appearance on the static line. However, fans of the B-52 will be pleased to know that two US Department of Defense examples will be making no less than three flypasts today.
From business jets to airlines – from the G700 to the Emirates A380 – civilian aircraft of all shapes and sizes are represented; the Royal Jordanian Embraer E295 nestled alongside the Aloula Aviation Air Tractor. It’s also gratifying to see the scores of smaller light aircraft of three flying clubs in attendance, albeit lacking the firepower personified by the USAF A-10.
Although French electric aircraft developer VoltAero was forced to take the “difficult decision” to step back from its Bahrain debut – citing irrevocable issues encountered by shipping company DHL in delivering its Cassio 330 aircraft mockup on time – sustainability will form a key theme of the conference programme’s panel discussions. Away from the flightline, the exhibition hall and the string of chalets, this curated conference programme across two stages will be focused around four key pillars: airlines and airports, space, defence, and diversity, equality and inclusion.
