Second Abu Dhabi Al Ain Aerobatics Show to take place
24–28 January 2005
The oasis city of Al Ain,
United Arab Emirates, set amongst the fiery red sand dunes of the
Abu Dhabi desert, will be the venue for the second Al Ain
Aerobatics Show, which will take place January 24-28, 2005.
Under the patronage of His Highness Lt-Gen. Sheikh Mohammed Bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chief of Staff of
the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, the Aerobatics Show is
organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and will play host to
a world-class field of aviation champions, teams and performers.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, President of
Higher Organizing Committee, has confirmed his commitment to
further develop the Al Ain Aerobatics Show for at least the next
five years, and possibly beyond.
After a very successful show in February 2004, Al Ain is
delighted to be welcoming the FAI World Aerobatics Grand Prix back
for the 2005 Aerobatics Show. The Al Ain Aerobatics Show 2005
promises to be bigger and more exciting than before with some of
the finest military and civilian pilots in the world, performing
breathtaking aerobatic displays.
The Royal Saudi Air Force Aerobatic Team, flying the BAe Hawk,
will once again thrill the crowds and return to defend their 2004
Al Ain Aerobatics title. Two renowned Russian military teams
–- the Russian Knights, flying SU-27s, and the Swifts, in the
mighty MiG 29 -- will each display solo and two-ship formations. In
addition, for the very first time and specially for the Al Ain
Show, they will perform together in a four-ship display.
The Royal Jordanian Air Force Falcons, the national aerobatics
display team of Jordan, flying four Extra 300's; and the Royal
Moroccan Air Force’s “La Marche Verte”, the only
team in the world to display with eight CAP-232 aircraft; and solo
displays from the K-8 and Super Mushshak aircraft of the Pakistan
Air Force will be also be participating.
The FAI World Aerobatic Grand Prix Championships will see eight
of the best solo aerobatic pilots in the world going head to head,
including Jurgis Kairys, defending champion of the Al Ain
Aerobatics 2004 title, and Svetlana Kapanina, the four times
women’s World Aerobatic Champion. Five of the world’s
top civilian aerobatic display teams, including current world
leaders the Matadors, the Flying Bulls, Ultimate High, the Space
Knights and the Hawks of Romania will also be displaying in Al
Ain.
On the first and second day of the show, each pilot will play a
part in the Air Musical, a unique and spectacular display of
precision flying set to music. The third day will be the
prequalification round, with the fourth and fifth day staging the
aerobatics competition and finals.
Other crowd pleasers will include “The Flying Jet
Man” Yves Rossy from Switzerland, and “Conference of
the Birds”, Frenchman Christian Moullec’s unique
formation flying in his ultralight and twelve Leuocopsis Branta
Geese. “MAT Aero Team”, the national Ultralight
formation team from the Netherlands will also perform. World
champion pilots from France, UK, USA and Japan will test their
skills and put their radio control model aircraft through their
paces. The climax will be the “Paradax” team in their 3
paramotors.
Static aircraft will be on display from the United Arab Emirates
Air Force, based at the Khalifa Air College in Al Ain. Aircraft on
display will include the Mirage 2000 fighter jet, Hawk Mk65
training jet, Apache helicopter, Pilatus PC-7 and Grob Tutor
trainer aircraft. Abu Dhabi Police helicopters and Horizon
International Flight Academy’s Jet Ranger helicopters will
also be on display.
Some 50,000 spectators are expected to attend over the five days
of the Show, the only one of its kind in the region, with
grandstand seating available for great views of all the flying
action. This year will also see an International Exhibitors and
Traders Pavilion housing aviation companies from the United Kingdom
and Europe, with an array of merchandise for the aviation
enthusiast. There will also be a Heritage Village showcasing
Arabian hospitality and the diverse culture of the Emirates.
Al Ain is the second largest city of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, in
the United Arab Emirates. It is an oasis city dating back to 3000
BC, in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, the highest mountain in the
UAE. It is easily accessible from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just
over an hour by car. Al Ain enjoys crystal clear blue skies almost
year round, with January temperatures of 30C at midday and not
dropping below 15C at night, similar to a summer’s day in
Europe – perfect air show weather!
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.16.24)
See All