Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the club, said: “This achievement demonstrates the Kingdom’s ambition to lead in the global aviation sector.
The Saudi Aviation Club achieved a groundbreaking milestone at the General Aviation Airshow “Sand & Fun,” setting a new Guinness World Record for the most fireworks launched while suspended from a helicopter.
The achievement took place on Thursday at Al-Thumamah Airport in Riyadh using a modified Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BP 105 P1M helicopter.
The aircraft was equipped with a custom-engineered pyrotechnic platform that launched hundreds of fireworks during flight.
This world-first spectacle was developed in collaboration with international partners Aeropact from Poland and Flash Art from the UAE, combining advanced aviation engineering with creative show technology.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the club, said: “This achievement demonstrates the Kingdom’s ambition to lead in the global aviation sector. We are establishing new international standards from the heart of Riyadh, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
The airshow, concluding on Saturday, attracted more than 200,000 visitors and featured over 90 aerial displays. Its diverse offerings included static aircraft exhibits, the “Hangar Talks” forum on eVTOL and artificial intelligence technologies, the technology-focused “Terminal X” zone, and a dedicated “Kids Zone” for young aviation enthusiasts.
The business aspect of the airshow featured more than 150 exhibitors and attracted more than 3,000 VIP visitors and international delegations.
Capt. Farres Moneer, board member and general executive manager at the club, said that the show is confirming its status as the largest and most dynamic general aviation platform in the Middle East.
Moneer added: “We successfully surpassed our targets, welcoming over 200,000 visitors this year, including participants and delegates from more than 90 countries.”
This level of attendance underscores the transformation of general aviation from a niche hobby into a major cultural and economic force, he added.
Moneer noted that the airshow is a vital economic engine supporting the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
He said the high level of engagement translated into tangible value, with 18 strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the airshow, generating an economic impact exceeding SR250 million ($67 million), specifically targeting technology transfer and the localization of advanced aviation industries.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)