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Largest-Ever Al Ain Aerobatic Show Soaring To New Heights |
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2011 Event Will Debut FAI Desert Challenge Aerobatic Competition. Expanded Family Entertainment Expected To Attract Record Spectator Numbers.ADTA, organisers of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show - the ‘Oasis City’s’ annual aerobatics display, running 2-5 February 2011 at Al Ain International Airport - have confirmed the unique multi-discipline FAI Desert Challenge will take centre-stage at the 2011 event, the largest in its ninth-year history. Comprising six world-class pilots, the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) sanctioned Desert Challenge will see the globe’s top pilots battle it out in both classic and free-style challenges for an anticipated 130,000 strong crowd. Flying CAP232, Sukhoi 26 and Xtreme aircraft, the FAI World Class Unlimited pilots – all top-10 FAI event rankers in the last two years – are expected to be the icing on the cake for four-days of gravity-defying displays, fantastic family entertainment, edutainment activities and state-of-the-art simulators. “With the addition of the Desert Challenge to a greatly enhanced display line-up and on-ground festivities, we have gone a step further in generating truly global interest for this event and our heritage heartland of Al Ain,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the Al Ain showpiece in conjunction with the UAE Armed Forces. “The Al Ain Aerobatic Show has firmly established itself as a top five aerobatic event globally, and we are fully committed to making sure this show continues to soar to new heights. For 2011, we will stage our largest entertainment offering and are extremely confident that it will be sky –high family fun for all.” With more than 15 aerobatic and display teams from four continents taking to Al Ain skies for the show, fans will be in for a real aerobatics treat. From wing-walkers and sub-sonic jets to stunningly choreographed ‘dancers in the sky’ and jet-propelled trucks and driving displays, Al Ain will be an aviation aficionados dream day out. Set to be a real show-stopper is Middle East debutants, the Baltic Bees from Russia. Flying the Czech Republic-made L-39C Albatros, the twin-shaft jets will be skilfully manoeuvred through their paces at speeds topping 570 miles per hour, creating a breath-taking display of lightening-quick precision. Also set to light-up Al Ain’s skies will be the eye-catching bravado of Miss Demeanour - a Hawker Hunter built for Britain’s Royal Air Force as a mark F.4 XF947, in 1956. Jonathon Whaley, an ex-Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm pilot, will be showing off his single seat, high speed civilianised jet fighter to crowds attending the aerobatic show, the Middle East’s premier aerobatics event and one of the world’s foremost events of its kind. And for those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground, ADTA has significantly expanded its spectator village to make it the largest to date, with more than 50 family activities and attractions. From go-karting, model aircraft displays and toddler zones to cultural displays, F&B outlets catering to every taste and helicopter flights, kids and adults alike will be able to connect with the event in a fun and informative way. ADTA is also offering a lucky enthusiast the chance of a lifetime to fly with one of the world-class pilots at the show via the official website www.alainaerobaticshow.com. “It is not just about what is going on in the air, we want to create an aerobatics destination on the ground that aviation enthusiasts and those just wanting a great day out can experience fully. This is a true family event and we want to make sure there is something for everyone,” added Al Sheikh. 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. Daily tickets for the show are Dhs40 per adult and Dhs25 for children between three and 10 years, children under three enter free. Visitors are urged to check the website for details on how to purchase tickets – www.alainaerobaticshow.com |
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