Bahrain International Airshow 2018, which concluded on Friday, has witnessed sealing deals worth USD5.1 billion. Deals of the Saudi Gulf Airlines were the greatest, up to USD3 billion, while other deals were signed in the field of developing airports’ infrastructure and systems.
Saudi firms' deals represented 75 percent of total deals, plus that Aramco inked a deal to purchase helicopters worth USD700 million
Kamal bin Ahmad, Bahrain's Transportation and Telecommunications Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow, stated that the exhibition has witnessed huge turnout and the signing of several fruitful agreements was announced.
According to the minister, this would contribute to cementing the position of Bahrain as a pioneering platform for generating business and hosting world-class events.
During the second day, Al-Qahtani Aviation, owner of SaudiGulf Airlines, has signed three agreements - one of them is to purchase 10 A320neo family-aircraft.
Also, Gulf Air has agreed on a sale-and-leaseback deal with SMBC Aviation Capital for the initial six of its 12 Airbus A320neos on order.
In another context, the minister inaugurated a conference titled “Into the Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Gulf Region Airports and Airlines”.
The conference shed light on the main challenges facing airports in the Gulf and the long-term impact of cheap-cost companies on Gulf airlines in addition to the influence of digital technology on airports. It also discussed how the Middle East region has become a gate for Africa in addition to possible means to develop the region to make it a global tourist destination.
