JET POWER GETS AL AIN AEROBATIC SHOW OFF TO A ROARING START

The ninth Al Ain Aerobatic Show roared into life on Friday with huge crowds enjoying spine-tingling displays from some of the world’s most enthralling military jets, from the lightening-quick Dassault Mirage 2000, which is capable of speeds of Mach 2.2 (2,333km/h), to the F-16E Fighting Falcon, a firm Hollywood blockbuster favourite.

Aviation fans and families alike poured through the gates from 9am, and stayed until after sunset, thanks to the extended show times (10.00-18.30), which are the same for Saturday. And enthusiasts and first time observers were not disappointed by the triumvirate of national air forces from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

“The show got off to a flying start with astounding displays from many world-class teams and pilots taking part in what is the biggest and best edition yet,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the show in conjunction with the UAE Armed Forces.

“And it is a powerful reflection on the importance of this show on the world stage that we have three national air forces represented this weekend. They’ll be here all weekend, and with the longer daily show timings, there is ever more opportunity to see these daredevils in action.”

Making the most of being on home territory, the UAE Air Force (UAEAF) wowed fans of all ages with a display of some of its most impressive hardware. The French-made Mirage 2000-9 fighter jet - the most advanced version in the Mirage 2000 family - formed the centrepiece of the UAEAF line-up, with both solo aerobatic displays and formation flying dazzling fans.

Joining the Mirage over the Oasis City was the distinctive form of the F-16E Fighting Falcon, which made a spectacular flypast in front of the packed stands. Able to hit speeds of up to Mach 2, the F-16E variant was specially produced for the UAEAF. Fans also enjoyed a flypast by the Hawk 100 - a British-built single engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft made by BAE Systems.

From further afield, the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Aerobatic Team, The Saudi Hawks, started the day in Al Ain with a close, precision formation in their six BAE Hawk 65 trainer jets, wowing visitors with some of their newest routines, including their famous ‘emblem move’, consisting of two swords crossed over a palm tree – the Saudi flag insignia – which earned the team a place in the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records for the largest ever aerial drawing.

The team then split into two groups of three for a more high tempo and dynamic second half with the smoke-capable jets, bearing the RSAF green and white ‘coat of arms’, performing a series of seemingly impossible manoeuvres that finished with a memorable ‘bomb-burst’.

“This show is dear to the hearts of all the members of the Saudi Hawks team, as we have participated here since its inception in 2003,” said Colonel Abdulla Al Ghamdi, Saudi Hawks manager. “We have shown excellence and professionalism throughout the years, and we are here today, to show just what the Saudi Air Force is capable of.”

Completing the national air force trio was the Turkish Stars, one of the world’s leading military air force display teams. The squadron’s formation of eight F-5 fighter jets, piloted by the Turkish Air Force’s 134th Acroteam Squadron Command, has performed in hundreds of sensational displays around the world and wowed the Al Ain crowds with a stunning flying display that included delta and diamond formations as well as corkscrew manoeuvres.

More than 25 aircraft took to the skies on the show’s opening day, including some of the world’s best formation teams. Taking centre-stage this year, and arranged by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the international governing body for air sports, was the unique, multi-discipline FAI Desert Challenge. This breathtaking aerial champion of champions competition saw six of the world’s best pilots flying in classic and free-style formats, competing for the first ever FAI Desert Challenge Crown.

Spectators were treated to a wealth of gravity-defying stunts featuring wing-walkers, subsonic jets and choreographed ‘dancers in the sky’. Alongside the aerobatic squadrons from the national air forces, star attractions included the Baltic Bees from Latvia, Team Viper’s Hawker Hunter supersonic fighter jets, Otto the Helicopter’s comedy act and many of the world’s best solo pilots, including Abu Dhabi global ambassador Hannes Arch.

Topping off the aerial displays were spectacular on-ground activities for the whole family, including meet-the-pilot sessions, tethered hot air balloon rides, go-karting and bungee trampolines, as well as face-painting and appearances by children’s favourite magazine character Majid, the Al Ain Aerobatic Show’s own Friendly Pilot Bear and a stilt-walking pilot.

The 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, and takes place at the Al Ain International Airport, which is approximately 80 minutes scenic drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Gates will again open at 9am on Saturday. Tickets are just Dh40 per adult and Dh20 for children between three and 12 years old, while children under three enter free. More details can be found on the Al Ain website at www.alainaerobaticshow.com, and tickets can be purchased on the gate.