The countdown has started for the forthcoming Al Ain Aerobatic Show, due to be held in the United Arab Emirates’ ‘Oasis City’ from 27th until the 30th January 2010, with an impressive line-up of the world’s leading aeronautical teams.Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s oldest desert oasis settlements, next month’s air spectacular – which is held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and which is jointly organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the UAE Air Force – is the world’s only aerobatic extravaganza that combines military and civil aircraft, stunt displays and competitions.
The 2010 show will see pilots competing over the four-days from countries as diverse as Croatia, Hungary, Italy South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the USA.
Faisal Al Sheikh, Head of ADTA’s Major Events Division explained that each day there will be a spectacular mix of both civil and military aerobatic aircraft. “They will form a unique combination of jet and propeller planes, as well as helicopters; and there will be both solo and formation flying displays. If previous years are anything to go by, there are likely to be huge crowds flocking to Al Ain for what will be an amazing spectacle for the entire family,” he said. “We fully expect the 2010 event to eclipse previous years’ records in terms of size, aircraft on display and spectator numbers.”
A newcomer to the Al Ain line-up is Italy’s ‘Wefly!’ Team from Venetia. The world’s only aerobatic display team, Wefly will present a 10 minute display with Voltige Aerial Manoeuvres, which it describes as a kind of synchronized dance of three planes. The team takes part in worldwide events specifically to show that although its members are disabled=”disabled” and are wheelchair-bound when not in the air, they carry out all their pre-flight checks, refuel and manage their aircraft by themselves.
Other teams due in Al Ain include the ‘Vipers’ from the UK, Hungary’s ‘Zoltan Veres Team’, and Croatia’s ‘Drazen Wingsuit’. Aircraft such as a Hawker Hunter and Pilatus will be put through their paces; whilst individual pilots including Jacquie Warda of the USA and Ali Ozturk from Turkey will show off their breath-taking skills. There will also be a daily flying display of radio controlled model aircraft.
Following the huge success of the 2009 centrepiece challenge – the Middle Eastern debut of the Aero GP Air Race, regarded as the Formula One of air racing – the show organisers have confirmed that the air race will return to the UAE’s Oasis City for its second showing.
Aero GP is the only international air racing series with multiple airplanes simultaneously competing against one another, in a combination of three highly difficult disciplines: air racing, in which up to six aircraft compete in a circuit-based competition; air combat, which pits two pilots head-to-head in a battle for air supremacy; and barnstorming, which tests pilots in a tactical precision aiming competition. The six pilots taking part come from Great Britain, Spain, USA, Hungary and South Africa.
Also back by popular demand will be the South African Wizards, who use South Africa with a parachute drop.
And poised to thrill once more is the Breitling Jet Team – a civilian aerobatic display team based in Dijon, France. It now flies seven L-39 Albatros trainer jets and is the world’s first civilian formation team flying jet-engined aircraft. The team flies an 18-20 minute display and includes close formation flying, opposition passes, solo routines and synchronised manoeuvres. They performed in 2006 with six aircraft but this is the first time they have performed in the Middle East with seven aircraft.
“Over the past couple of years, the name Abu Dhabi has become synonymous with the very best that sport can offer,” continued Al Sheikh. “The UAE capital has been staging some of the best, high-visibility, world-renowned events; and this forthcoming Al Ain Aerobatic Show will once again play a pivotal role in bringing the emirate to a wider audience and positioning it as a world-class destination for leisure, business and tourism.
“Already this show is a major highlight on the international aerobatics calendar. Spectators are promised a stunning weekend of jaw-dropping excitement. If the previous years are anything to go by, no-one will leave without wanting more,” Al Sheikh concluded.
