The largest ever Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship, the 'Garden City's' annual aerobatics display which is held under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, kicks off today, all set to smash its previous records of size, aircraft on display and spectators.The curtain raiser to the global air sports calendar, the Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship, which runs through to Sunday evening, has attracted over 110 aircraft to perform some of the most breathtaking aerobatic displays ever seen in the event's history.
New to this year's Championship will be the world's only formation wing-walking team, British outfit, Team Guinot, who will perform its brand-new formation display - which includes loops, rolls and low-level flypasts - in their 1940s Boeing Stearman biplanes.
In addition, South African debutants, The Wizards, will bring there death defying moves, including a fearless, mid-manoeuvre skydive leap from their Pitts planes in what is the only dual inverted parachute drop currently being undertaken anywhere in the world.
And spectators at this week's Championship are in for an added treat, with Romanian team Aerobatic Yakkers set to make their regional debut today. Their participation in the Garden City marks the first time the spectacular formation flyers have performed outside of Europe, and they will be out to prove that they have the makings to clinch the US$100,000 first prize.
"This event continues to go from strength-to-strength and has made massive inroads to becoming a major highlight on the international aerobatics calendar. Spectators will be in for a stunning weekend of awe-inspiring stunts, hysterical displays, fantastic formations and never before seen moves. Believe me when I say that this Championship will leave the whole family wanting more," said Mohammad Abdullah Bin Barrak Al Dhaheri, General Co-Ordinator, Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship 2008 The 2008 Championship also sees the return of Middle Eastern favourites, the Saudi Hawks and Royal Jordanian Falcons.
In a routine which incorporates 24 different formations, the Saudi Hawks, who drew their county's national emblem, a palm tree and two swords, in the sky with colour smoke columns on their inaugural flight, are the only team to have ever lifted consecutive gold awards in Al Ain, and are eyeing their third title with a new routine for 2008.
Hoping to pip them to top spot, the Royal Jordanian Falcons, who have twice won the coveted 'Best International Show Award' at England's Fairford Aerobatic Show (1995, 2002), are determined that their great skill, mind-blowing manoeuvres, and various eye-catching formations will leave spectators and the international judges panel speechless.
"We have a great mix of nationalities competing in the 2008 Championship which clearly illustrates the global appeal this event now commands. With pilots from Sweden, the USA, Italy, the UK, Turkey, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Austria, and Romania - this year will see an eclectic mix of the very best regional and international teams competing for top honours," added Al Dhaheri.
It's not all serious competition though, and a host of comedy and fun displays will take place over the four day extravaganza. New to the show will be the hilarious Alabama Boys. In the much loved 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, guaranteeing that the 130,000 expected spectators will be in fits of laughter.
Also this year, airplane enthusiasts will be able to see a piece of aviation history up close as one of the world's oldest planes - the Bleriot XI - takes to the skies. Gaining immortality on July 25th 1909, when it crossed the English Channel from Calais to Dover in just 36 and a half minutes, the antiquated flying machine has been in action for nearly 100 years.
And if that's not enough to whet spectators' "aviation appetites", Sharjah's Al Mahatta Museum will be participating with a host of historical models from the aviation industry, giving a chronological insight into the history of flight.
The Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship 2008 has attracted a high-profile sponsorship line-up including Etihad Airways and ADNOC Distribution as Platinum sponsors; Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Pilatus, Etisalat, Al Ain Mineral Water and Abu Dhabi National Hotels as Gold sponsors, and Al Ain Mall, Manazel, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce as Silver sponsors. (WAM)
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