Over the course of three days, the sixth edition of the Bahrain International Airshow 2022 has successfully concluded with approximately 100 exhibitors, over 50,000 global visitors, and several business deals amicably closed. Let’s look at some of the more significant highlights from the airshow.
Kicking off with a new codeshare agreement
During the first day of the airshow, Emirates and Gulf Air kicked things off with a rare official signing of a codeshare agreement between two Middle Eastern carriers. The new codeshare agreement will allow passengers flying on Gulf Air to connect to various Emirates destinations across Africa, the Far East, Europe, and South America, with a convenient stop via Dubai International Airport.
With Gulf Air soon to place its marketing code ‘GF’ on Emirates-operated flights beyond Dubai in December, the unique agreement would also see passengers flying with Gulf Air being given the beneficial convenience. These include combined ticketing and check-in, a unified policy and seamless transfers for baggage, and competitive single fares on a multi-airline journey when connecting with Emirates.
Showing off newly retrofitted superjumbos
While the first day of the airshow was already encouraging with the codeshare agreement, the positivities continued as Emirates made a relatively big splash by showcasing its newly retrofitted four-class Airbus A380. It was the third time that Emirates brought the world’s largest commercial aircraft to the Bahrain Airshow, and this year, the airline was highlighting its new Premium Economy Class product.
Offering 56 seats in a neat 2-4-2 configuration, the Premium Economy cabin was highly anticipated by passengers since the cabin class was only slowly introduced last year. The Airbus superjumbo also showcased a refreshed OnBoard Lounge and Shower Spa exclusively for First Class passengers. With these aircraft attractions sitting at the Bahrain Airshow, the Emirates Airbus A380 alone drew in approximately 8,000 visitors.
Establishing a new chapter for women in aviation
And as airlines were taking center stage with their products and business deals, Bahrain Airport Company made the headlines by unveiling the establishment of the Women in Aviation Bahrain Chapter. The Chapter will provide a collaborative platform aimed at helping to raise awareness of women’s contributions to the aviation sector, celebrate career moments, and promote gender equality.
Currently, the board includes men and women from various aviation organizations who were temporarily appointed to help establish the Chapter. A new president and board members will soon be elected, with membership open to both men and women in the aviation industry – as Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Airport Company, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah emphasized:
“Establishing the Women in Aviation Bahrain Chapter is a significant milestone for our industry. Women continue to play a crucial role in the development of aviation in the Kingdom. We look forward to working with the Chapter to further its goals, which align with the Supreme Council for Women’s 2013-22 National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women.”
Once the Chapter is completed, all members can attend Annual General Meetings to share their expertise and insights and even to vote on all matters presented during these meetings. Members will also be given a chance to attend relevant conferences, become speakers at significant events, apply for educational scholarships, and enter industry awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Bottom line
Despite lasting only three days, the Bahrain International Airshow 2022 certainly concluded with monumental success after a two-year suspension, with the participation of aviation organizations from over 30 countries. And since Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has renewed its long-standing partnerships with event organizer Farnborough International, the Bahrain International Airshow is now being prepared for its 2024 edition.
Source: Zawya, Routesonline