Next February the Gulf sheikhdom of Bahrain will host a three-day event billed as the Arab Aviation Conference and Exhibition. Sponsored by the Bahrain CAA and the Arab Air Carriers Organisation, it will confine its scope to commercial aviation. Prime topics for discussion and concern are the global alliances formed by the leading airlines which are seen as marginalizing smaller carriers, particularly in the Arab world. "There is now an urgent need for Arab airlines, airports and authorities to form alliances, cooperative ventures and to mutually support each other to counter the threat of globalization," said Bahrain Transport Minister Sheikh Ali Bin Khalifa.

Next February the Gulf sheikhdom of Bahrain will host a three-day event billed as the Arab Aviation Conference and Exhibition. Sponsored by the Bahrain CAA and the Arab Air Carriers Organisation, it will confine its scope to commercial aviation. Prime topics for discussion and concern are the global alliances formed by the leading airlines which are seen as marginalizing smaller carriers, particularly in the Arab world. "There is now an urgent need for Arab airlines, airports and authorities to form alliances, cooperative ventures and to mutually support each other to counter the threat of globalization," said Bahrain Transport Minister Sheikh Ali Bin Khalifa.