Bahrain Airshow 2010 Thursday 21st January 2010 Kevin Perry
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The inaugural Bahrain Airshow was much anticipated, with a lot of interest in how it would work and what aircraft would participate. Being organised by the Farnborough Airshow people, it was expected to be a well organised event (though more on that later!), with promises of a 'unique airshow experience', which was to include the first flying displays by UAV's. I don't know if that was indeed a worldwide 'first' (I don't think so), but forgive me if I concentrate on the 'real' manned aircraft!
After the show was first announced, there was much speculation as to exactly where it was being held! After some initial confusion, with most people thinking it was being held at the Isa Airbase (on the Southeast tip of Bahrain), it then became apparent it was infact at a newly constructed airfield adjoining the BIC motor racing circuit (Bahrain International Circuit). The name Sakhir Airbase, then became common knowledge, with people now understanding where and what it was! Infact, as well as being built to host the airshow every two years, Sakhir is actually the new base for the Bahrain Royal Flight fleet of VIP aircraft (ranging from choppers up to Gulfstream's and B747's, with a soon to arrive B767-400), most of which currently spend their time at the main Bahrain Airport (BAH). With the main runway, ramps and hangars at Sakhir now only just completed, it's expected the Royal Flight will now all re-locate here, which will probably be a relief for BAH, with no more hold up's on the roads (and for aircraft!) with the royal family coming and going.
Keeping an eye on the official website leading up to the show, it was apparent (to some!) that the event was being sold as a separate public and trade show, with separate areas of the airfield allocated for public/families and aviation industry visitors. As such there was no trade days and public days, as at other shows, with everyone welcome for all three days, though in the separated areas. However, it was not exactly made clear what was to happen on the day, with these separated areas, which lead to some disappointment and anger for some visitors (including quite a few enthusiasts!). Those that purchased public tickets were only able to access the public/family area, which consisted of a grandstand, two helicopters on show and other family-related things to do, with the trade/static aircraft area about half a mile away, and not visible! Attempts to get to the static aircraft area then being denied, without the necessary trade pass (only/mainly available to those working in the industry). I'm told this affected quite a few enthusiasts, including a group of Dutch spotters!
Even with a trade pass, there was still quite a few hassles, with the organisation being somewhat confused. A few of the Farnborough organisers were trying their best, up against some of the local officials (not always easy, for those that know this part of the world!). Upon arriving at the show, the few that turned up first thing, were denied access as we didn't have our trade pass in-hand. Infact, the confirmation e-mail was all that was needed upon arriving at the show (at the racing circuit car park), with the pass later being printed at check-in style machines at the trade area entrance building, following the shuttle bus ride around to the airfield side. Eventually we were allowed to board the shuttle bus and proceeded around to the show side, but were then dropped off at the public area! (no complaints though, as I was able to photograph the two helicopters there!). After more hassle we then boarded another shuttle bus that was to take us to the trade area, but were then stopped from driving along the airside road, as we still didn't have the trade passes! Eventually we drove out onto the public road and got to the trade entrance building, and were soon out to the static area. Finally!
After the show I've heard differing opinions about the quality of the aircraft present, and if it was worth the effort going. My opinion is still quite favourable, with certainly plenty of aircraft present that have never been seen at any show before, and are otherwise very difficult to see (and certainly photograph), obviously including the Bahrain military stuff. Maybe reading the reviews and list of aircraft present, most enthusiasts would not bother going to the trouble and expense of getting to Bahrain, which is fair enough, it being a lot easier for myself, being 'lucky enough' to be located only an hours drive away in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Dealing with the static first, it's always good to see large airliners present, and although the billed IL-76 and Bahrain Royal Flight B747-400 didn't make it, there was still plenty of others that did. The IL-76 was thought to be support for the Su-27, and may of positioned out while the show was on, while the King's B747 was said to be busy. Of the other airliners then, the predicted Gulf Air A320 in the special Airshow colours was present, along with a local-rival Bahrain Air A320, which also gave a good flying display! The anonymous all-white Airbus operated A321 was a curious visitor, with not much known about its use and intended future customer. The DHL A300F is an interesting airshow visitor, while the Iraqi CRJ would have been even more welcome with a colour scheme on it! It was also interesting to see two of the Comlux A318CJ's present, but most attention was on the brand-new Gulf Air ERJ-170. Now this is one aircraft that is causing a stir! Only a rumoured addition to the Gulf Air fleet prior to the show, it was good to see that it had actually arrived, though it is certainly a major talking point among the airline's staff. Aside from the fact that the paint job on the aircraft is terrible, with the new style font used for the titles very un-stylish, while the logo on the fin seems to be the same size as that used on the A320, so that the eagles head is actually on the fuselage (leading to 'headless chicken' comments!), the choice of an aircraft of this size is mystifying some people! The airline has said they will be evaluating this (and other regional types) on low-density routes, before going ahead with an order for up to ten regional aircraft. To some, this doesn't make sense... Bahrain has no domestic services, and up to now, they (and other regional airlines) have mostly operated aircraft of at least A320/B737 size on international flights within the Middle East, so what are the routes that Gulf Air now only need such a small aircraft for, and what kind of profit can be expected by using less seats? Time will tell I guess, but many are sceptical, and questioning why they haven't gone for a bigger type such as the ERJ-195 or the new C-Series (maybe they will after evaluation?). Of course, these aircraft are then getting into the A320 size, which the troubled airline is currently building on for their future. Interesting times at Gulf Air!
Of the other aircraft present, the military included a good selection of Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) types, and Royal Flight aircraft, including the unexpected S-92A A9C-KOB (King Of Bahrain), which has been little known about and seen since delivery over a year ago (as it's based at Sakhir). Talking with the crew and the Sikorsky guy (who's paid a fortune to look after it!), I commented on the similarity with the Jordanian Government colour scheme (coincidence apparently). Also with the Royal Flight, an even more 'shocking' colour scheme present, was chosen for the new Gulfstream 550, also here in the static. Of the other military present, the Team Viper Strikemasters had made a big effort to get over from the UK (for this and the Al Ain show shortly after, in the UAE). However, by Day 1 of the show, only two had arrived, with the other two only making it as far as Riyadh, including the one in RSAF colours, which may have raised some eyebrows there! For some reason, the French had decided to make a big effort for the show and sent quite a few aircraft, although the PdF (lead by a female pilot for the first time) only gave a very basic shortened display, being 'out of season' (which lead to 'why bother then?' comments from some). Infact, out of all the flying displays, many thought the Saudi Hawks were the best. This, despite the fact the team doesn't exactly get much show experience, normally only displaying at Al Ain once a year (with the visit to Waddington Airshow last year not happening). The Saudi's certainly displayed for the longest, though I would say the shorter, but amazing F-18 routine was best. The Hornet was one of three present, along with the two very welcome (and unexpected) 'Lobo' F-16's, all taken from the US detachments in the region.
The US military, and in particular the US Navy, has a big presence in Bahrain, with the Fifth Fleet being based here on rotational detachment (currently the USS Nimitz). Previously, P-3 Orions were also detached at BAH and Sheikh Isa Airbase, though these days there are just the Seahawk's, Sea Stallions and UC-12's based at BAH. In addition, C-2A's are regular visitors (on 'COD' flights), as are regular supply/'trooping' flights using C-9, C-40 & C-130's (in addition to civil-operated Reach flights). The US alliance with Bahrain is also reflected in the choice of RBAF aircraft, with the F-16 and 'modernized' F-5 at the head, while the historical and current British influence shows in the choice of BAe Hawk & Slingsby T-67 aircraft in the RBAF (as well as the BDF RJ's). There are no RAF fighter detachments in Bahrain though, with the 32(TR) Squadron BAe125's based at BAH indicating a more diplomatic presence and assistance.
Overall then, mixed opinions and experiences on the first Bahrain Airshow. I would certainly say the static was 'good enough', but from a photographers point of view, the flying display was 'difficult'. With the North-South runway, the sun was on the wrong side of the runway for the afternoon flying display, though speaking with one of the organisers, he said they would try and set up a West-side viewing area for photographers for the next show in two years time... we'll see! It'll also be interesting to see how they learn and improve on other aspects of the show for next time. For this time though, one day was enough for me (despite having a two-day pass), after deciding to quit while I was ahead, and had got all the best shots that could be had, in one day. The aircraft present then...
A6-XAK Aeroprakt 22LS Jazirah Aviation Club
A6-XAL Aeroprakt Allegro Jazirah Aviation Club (No reg on exterior)
A6-XJA Aeroprakt 22L Jazirah Aviation Club (No reg on exterior)
A6-XTT Aeroprakt 22L Jazirah Aviation Club
A7-CEB CL605 Qatar Executive
A7-FZB Cessna 310 Gulf States Civil Aviation College
A7-RZB Hawker 900XP Rizon Jets (ex A6-RZB)
A9C-AD A320-200 Gulf Air (Special Bahrain Airshow colours)
A9C-AWL BAe RJ-100 BDF/Royal Flight
A9C-BAU A320-200 Bahrain Air: Static & Flying Display!
A9C-BRN Gulfstream 550 Bahrain Royal Flight (New aircraft, overall pale blue!)
A9C-KOB S-92A Bahrain Royal Flight
D-AVZP/4067 A321-200 Airbus Industries (All white, no titles, with D-ANJB taped over)
HB-JFO Challenger 300 TAG Aviation
HB-JGE Global Express TAG Aviation
N3UY Cessna LC-41 Corvalis Cessna Aircraft Co
N6UE Cessna 208B Cessna Aircraft Co
N86LF Hawker 1000 Hawker Beechcraft Corp
N92CX Cessna 750 Cessna Aircraft Co
N246CZ Cessna 525B Cessna Aircraft Co
N450GD Gulfstream 450 Idaho Associates LLC
N510KZ Cessna 510 KZS Aircraft LLC
N6405K Hawker 750 Hawker Beechcraft Corp
N9661S Cessna 680 Cessna Aircraft Co
N60125 Beech 350 Hawker Beechcraft Corp
VP-BCO Gulfstream 550 Consolidated Contractors Co
VP-CEP Gulfstream 150 B2 Management
YI-AQC CRJ-900ER Iraqi Airways (All white, no titles, delivered 22/12/09)
9H-AFL A318-100CJ Comlux Aviation
9H-AFM A318-100CJ Comlux Aviation
425/(G-SOAF) Strikemaster Mk82A Viper Display Team (Oman AF colours): Flying
311/G-MXPH Strikemaster Mk84 Viper Display Team (Singapore AF colours): Flying
BPS-8 Bell 412 Bahrain Police Service
113/90-0034 F-16C RBAF
201/98-2012 F-16C RBAF: Flying
305 Bell 212 RBAF: Between Public & Trade Areas
322 Bell 212 RBAF: Public Show Area
1063 Bo105C RBAF: Public Show Area
106/113-HG Rafale C French AF EC01.007: Flying
108/113-HS Rafale C French AF EC01.007 'SPA77' (with 10 mission 'bomb' markings on left nose)
R207/64-GG C-160R French AF ET00.064
5153/61-PJ C-130H-30 French AF ET02.061
133 Falcon 10MER French Navy 57S
305 Su-27SM Russian AF (With '371' Paris Airshow code): Flying
74-1667 C-130H USAF 39AS/317AG 'Dyess'
84-0118 C-21A USAF 457AS 'AMC'
85-1448 F-16C USAF 175FS/114FW South Dakota ANG 'Lobos'
86-1254 F-16C USAF 175FS/114FW South Dakota ANG 'Lobos'
94-0067 C-17A USAF 437AW 'Charleston'
166434/NH-200 F-18E USNavy VFA-14 'Fightin Fourteen' ('USS Nimitz')
166842/NH-100 F-18F USNavy VFA-41 'Black Aces' ('USS Nimitz'): Flying
166846/NH-103 F-18F USNavy VFA-41 ('USS Nimitz')
Also among the flying were the 8X Hawk Mk65A RSAF 'Saudi Hawks': 8805 (Spare), 8806, 8807, 8808 (Static), 8810, 8811, 8813 & 8814, along with the 8X Alpha Jet E French AF PdF and 4X Extra 300L Royal Jordanian Falcons. While flying only were formations of RBAF aircraft which made one pass, including F-16C's 207 & 210, and Hawk Mk129's 501, 502 & 506. Similarly, an Ellsworth B-1B from the Qatar detachment made one high speed pass, while Gulf Air A340-300 A9C-LE (soon for the scrapyard?) performed two flypasts.