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Al Ain, UAE. 6th January, 2008: Spectators at the largest-ever Al Ain International Aerobatics Championships can expect even more entertainment after the ‘Alabama Boys’ – the renowned aerobatics comedy act – confirmed they’ll take to the ‘Garden City’ skies to keep the estimated 130,000 Al Ain crowd in fits of laughter.
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, the four-day Al Ain extravaganza runs from January 24-27.
In the ‘Alabama Boys’ hilarious act, Alabama resident Greg Koontz, one of only fourteen American pilots to have earned the much-coveted ‘Master’ Certified Flight Instructor title, takes to the air in what is essentially a high-altitude slapstick comedy routine.
After presenting a somewhat debatable flight certificate to the onsite airshow announcer, Clem Cleaver - Greg’s act persona – demands to take an immediate flight lesson. Following some minor histrionics and major laughter, Clem finally takes to the air in a 1940’s Yellow Piper Club plane, displaying all the skills of an aerobatics beginner in an act of pure, seemingly out-of-control entertainment.
“The aerobatics competition is always intense in Al Ain, and the crowds flock to see the stunning breadth of field compete for honours,” said Colonel Pilot Mohammed Bin Barrak Al Dhaheri, General Co-ordinator, Al Ain Aerobatics Championship 2008.
“That said, it is important to maintain our amazing show’s global reputation for being a wonderful family day out, and with that in mind I am thrilled to welcome the Alabama Boys to the Championships.
 “Greg is a legend in aerobatics and having seen his routine personally, I can say that the Al Ain crowds are in for a rare treat,” added Al Dhaheri.
The Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship 2008 has attracted a high-profile sponsorship line-up including Etihad Airways and ADNOC Distribution as Platinum sponsors; Pilatus, Etisalat, Al Ain Mineral Water and Abu Dhabi National Hotels as Gold sponsors, and Al Ain Mall as Silver sponsor.
Jointly organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, and in conjunction with the World Air Sports Federation, the Championship will also be organised in co-operation with the Department of Municipalities and Agriculture – Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Police Directorate, Al Ain International Airport, and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.
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