BIAS signs Kallman as US agent
It was announced today that Kallman Worldwide will represent one of the GCC region's fastest-growing industry events, the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS),in the United States, beginning with the 2018 edition.
The announcement was formalised at a signing ceremony in Manama by His Excellency, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed and Kallman President and CEO, Tom Kallman.
“We are pleased to be signing this agreement which will positively contribute to enhancing the services, products and specialties showcased in the airshow’s exhibition feature hall, and we look forward to maximising this opportunity to further increase US companies’ participation and presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain and MENA region,” said His Excellency the Minister.
Under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Chairman of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee and personal representative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the well-established event - launched in January 2010 and organised by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications [MTT] and the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International - is shifting to a November date in 2018 and diversifying its programme, networking and exhibition offerings to further capitalise on the Kingdom’s own growing investment in aviation and aerospace.
Amanda Stainer, Commercial Director for Farnborough International, commented: “It’s great news that Kallman Worldwide will be supporting BIAS in the US Farnborough International has worked with the MTT closely in delivering and developing the Bahrain International Airshow since its inception. We are looking forward to working with Kallman in bringing a US Pavilion to the show.”
Also representing the US at the signing were Aimee Cutrona, Chargés d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Manama, and American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham) Board VP H. Delano Roosevelt and AmCham Staff Business Development Consultant Mary McGinnis.
“The US Embassy extends its congratulations on the signing of this MoU in preparation for the 2018 Bahrain International Airshow, which will help fortify the extraordinary relationship between our two countries,” said Cutrona. “The Embassy looks forward to working with H.E. the Minister, the American Chamber of Commerce, Kallman Worldwide and others to use this unique show to further expand our bilateral trade and investment.”
The centrepiece of the American presence at BIAS 2018 will be the USA Partnership Pavilion, organised by Kallman in cooperation with US government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense and State. The Pavilion will serve as America’s headquarters at the show: a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet more US suppliers, an on-site business centre for US exhibitors looking to maximise their exposure and time at the event, and a forum for all to share ideas and insights.
“As a robust commercial crossroads and strategic military base, Bahrain is a vital US trade and defence partner in the MENA region,” said Kallman. “We are proud to lead the coordinated US public- and private-sector participation in the fast-growing Bahrain International Airshow to demonstrate our nation’s commitment to our allies here, and because we believe American suppliers are uniquely suited to help Bahrain develop and diversify as a full-service aerospace business and operations hub.”
In its most recent edition in 2016, BIAS reported $9 billion in orders — three times the total booked in 2014 — and hosted 30,000 trade visitors from 34 countries. Looking ahead to the 2018 show, AmCham Bahrain’s Roosevelt, commented: "We are pleased to support this important opportunity to bring more US aerospace companies to Bahrain, where their vast experience and high quality products can be leveraged to further grow and diversify the Kingdom’s aerospace industry. We look forward to working with the MTT, the US Embassy and Kallman Worldwide as part of AmCham’s broader efforts to strengthen trade and commerce between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States."
In addition to organising the national Pavilion, Kallman Worldwide will promote US exhibitors and invite attendees to visit them at BIAS with its 'Ask America' advocacy campaign.