Bahraini king receives participants in BIAS 2014

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at the Sakhir Airbase, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the delegations participating the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS 2014), opened here earlier today.HM the King welcomed the kingdom's guests from brotherly and friendly countries, and expressed delight at their participation in the third edition of BIAS.HM the King underscored the remarkable success of such a vital show which attracts mega world aviation and space companies, and reflects the kingdom's interest in the aviation sector, air navigation and investment in them.He noted that the success of the show also reflected Bahrain's keenness to cope with cutting-edge technology, as well as its cadres' outstanding capabilities and desire to excel in various fields.He pointed out that many countries were competing to take advantage of the outer space in order to apply various scientific, technical and trade applications through optimal use of satellites.He said that that Bahrain was resolved to bring about more achievements at all levels, and revealed that that an agency concerned with space sciences would be announced in Bahrain in the coming days, through which the kingdom would usher a new phase in which it takes optimum advantage of the outer space in a way that meets its development needs and benefit it in various fields.HM the King noted that according to history, Bahrain was the oldest aviation centre in the region thanks to its pioneering position in various fields, as well distinguished strategic location and skilled national cadres, explaining that the first ever-recorded flight landed in Bahrain in 1918 and the first charter flight of pearl traders from Bahrain to Europe was in 1927.He added that British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) chose Bahrain when it operated its first regular flights in 1932 in its London-Bahrain-Delhi route.He affirmed that the air transport industry in Bahrain had received a further boost in 1950 when the Gulf Aviation Company, which then became Gulf Air, was established in cooperation with the BOAC, adding that in 1976, the Bahrain International Airport became the first airport in the Middle East region to receive a Concord flight.HM the King expressed delight that BIAS 2014 concurred with the biennial anniversary of the long-standing friendly Bahraini-British relations, expressing sincere thanks to the British Administration for its cooperation and contributions to the success of the show.HM King Hamad thanked the kingdom's guests for their constructive participation in BIAS 2014, affirming that their presence in Bahrain reflects the solid deep-rooted friendly ties bonding the kingdom and their countries in various fields.HM the King added that Bahrain would remain a meeting hub of civilisations, religions, cultures and communication with peoples of the world, and its hand is always stretched out to all for peace and love.HM King Hamad commended efforts made to ensure the success of BIAS 2014, paying special tribute to HM's Personal Representative and Chairman of the BIAS High Organising Committee Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his efforts in this regard.HM the King hosted a luncheon in honour of the participants in BIAS and the kingdom's guests.