Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The second edition of the Saudi International Airshow, which was scheduled to take place at Riyadh-based Al-Thimama airport in mid-February next year, has been postponed in the wake of the global outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Making an announcement about the postponement, the Saudi Aviation Club cited the organizer’s keenness on the safety of participants and visitors amid the resurgence of the second wave of coronavirus COVID-19 in a number of countries.

Additionally, the recent lockdowns of international borders, in some European and American continents, have led to a worldwide recession in the aviation industry, the club added in the statement.

The club also said it has received confirmation of its invitation from as many as 500 local and external exhibitors. However, some companies have expressed reservations about holding the event amid the second outbreak of the pandemic as well as the difficulty of transport and financial impact on those companies.

The second edition of the airshow will take place at the backdrop and the unprecedented turnout achieved at the first version which was held early 2019, in the attendance of more than 20,000 persons, and participation of more than 80 aircraft and 267 local and international companies. The event also witnessed the signing of 15 memoranda of understanding while the number of participating countries in the expo amounted to 57.

The second version is set to disclose new areas of discussion and conferences: space, satellites, drones, robots, and aviation training.