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http://www.alainaerobaticshow.com/press/release8.html
OPENING DAY OF AL AIN AEROBATIC SHOW POSTPONED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER
Due to adverse weather conditions being experienced across the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the UAE Armed Forces, organisers of the 2011 Al Ain Aerobatic Show, have postponed the opening of the show on Wednesday 2nd February. But with the weather expected to improve over the coming days, the show will go ahead as planned between Thursday 3rd and Saturday 5th February (12.00-18.00).
This decision was taken in the light of safety requirements for participants and visitors,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA. And this year’s Al Ain Aerobatic Show is set to be the biggest yet when it starts on Thursday, with more than 15 aerobatic and display teams from three continents, including three national air forces, flying in for an unbeatable demonstration of world-class aerial prowess.
Running until 5th February at Al Ain International Airport, the show is set to be the most dramatic yet, featuring jet-fighters in mock ground attacks, aerial ballet routines, bomb-bursts, and high-octane racing, all from some of the world’s best aerobatic teams. During the show, pilots from the USA, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Turkey and the UAE will thrill expected crowds of up to130,000.
“This year, we have ensured the show is buzzing with its highest levels of entertainment, both in the air and on the ground to attract aviation aficionados and those looking for a great family day out,” said Al Sheikh.
“School children will be allowed in free on Thursday so they can experience the magic of aviation, which has captivated imaginations since the Wright brothers took their first historic flight in 1903.”
The show’s ninth edition is also being graced by the UAE Air Force (UAEAF). Spectators will be wowed by the sheer power and performance of three of the UAEAF’s cutting-edge jet aircraft - the French-built Mirage 2000-9, the multirole fighter F-16 and the highly manoeuvrable two-seater BAE Hawk 102.
The UAEAF’s participation provides the perfect finishing touch to a show that will also deliver a multitude of gravity-defying stunts including wing-walkers, subsonic jets and choreographed ‘ballet in the sky’.
Also entrancing the crowds will be two of the world’s leading national air force aerobatic teams. The experienced Turkish Stars, the only national aerobatic team to fly with formations of eight supersonic aircraft, have jetted in from Turkey in their F-5 fighter jets. Perennial favourites, the Saudi Hawks, who hold the world record for the biggest aerial drawing, will be appearing to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their BAE Hawker 65 trainer jets.
They won’t be alone when it comes to high energy jet action. Middle East debutants, the Baltic Bees from Latvia, are putting on a breath-taking display of lightning-quick precision flying at speeds topping 570 miles per hour. They are joined in the skies over the Oasis City by Team Viper, the world’s only Hawker Hunter supersonic fighter jet display squadron, which is performing an amazing mock ground formation attack scenario for the very first time in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi global ambassador and 2008 Red Bull Air Race world champion, Hannes Arch, also makes his Al Ain Aerobatic Show debut. The ‘Flying Falcon’ is unveiling his dazzling new ‘Rhythm & Air’ routine – a stunning display that ties in the world of aerobatics with live music, dancers and moving images, all built around the four elements of air, fire, earth and water.
The multi-discipline Desert Challenge, arranged by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the international governing body for air sports, boasts a breathtaking aerial tête-à-tête between six of the world’s best pilots flying in classic and free-style competition formats, all vying for the title of 2011 FAI Desert Challenge Champion, which will be decided on Saturday.
Air show fans looking for something more unusual need look no further than the eye-catching bravado, and colour scheme, of Miss Demeanour, a Hawker Hunter built for Britain's Royal Air Force in 1956. Alternatively, Otto the helicopter is bringing humour to the Al Ain skies with his fascinating comedy show featuring yo-yos, bubbles and barrels!
In another Al Ain Aerobatic Show first, the Fournier RF4D and RF5 motorgliders of Blue Voltige, are performing a unique aerial ‘ballet’, gliding effortlessly through the air in a routine set to music that is both passionate and thrilling. The unusually-named Scandinavian Airshow will dazzle the public with a three-act show that features a wing-walking extravaganza, loops and barrel rolls and the world’s most powerful piston biplane, while aerobatic gold medallist Skip Stewart and his aircraft Prometheus are bringing an extra flash to the aerial manoeuvres.
On the ground, the show has more family fun than ever, with five distinct zones. The Educational Zone features exhilarating walk-through flight experiences and interactive activities, while the Entertainment zone offers a whole host of exciting activities including hot air balloon rides, go-karting, a static display of aircraft and bungee trampolines.
As if that wasn’t enough, in the Family Zone children can meet their favourite magazine character, Majid, who will be joined by the show’s mascot, the Friendly Pilot Bear, as well as bouncy castles, games and fairground activities. The Food and Beverage Zone will keep everyone energised, while official show merchandise and gifts are on sale in the Retail Zone.
The 2011 Al Ain Aerobatic Show 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. Approximately 80 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it is an ideal day trip from across the Emirates.
Daily show tickets are just Dh40 per adult and Dh20 for children between three and 12 years old, while children under three enter free. Schools can gain free access on Thursday – further information can be obtained by contacting alainschools@fegroup.ae or calling 04 2867755. Ticket details can be found on the Al Ain website at www.alainaerobaticshow.com.
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