Al Ain Air Championship opens to spectacular adrenaline-filled aerobatic stunts and high-speed thrills

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, yesterday announced the full programme of aerobatic activities for the Ain Air Championship 2015, taking place from 17th-19th December.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the Al Ain International Airport, which was attended by Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of Tourism Sector at TCA Abu Dhabi, alongside the captains of the participating teams including Fursan Al Emarat, the Saudi Hawks, the Misty Blues, the current reigning European Aerobatic Champions, Bravo3 Rapsol and the daring Breitling Wingwalkers. Breitling are the official time partner and prize sponsor at the championship. The event is being supported by the UAE Air Force, UAEAF, and the Abu Dhabi Airports Company, ADAC.

Speaking to media, Sultan Al Dhaheri said, "This year we are proud to launch a new and refined championship format for the Al Ain Air Championship, offering a new level of interactivity that allows visitors to be part of the judging panel for the first time." By downloading the mobile application from the Al Ain Air Championship website, visitors can score the aerobatic team's performance based on their ‘wow' factor and their ability to illustrate grace, power and national pride for their respective nations.

Visitors to the aerobatic event will see first-hand the spectacular displays from military teams, such as the Fursan Al Emarat team, the UAE Air Force F16 and Mirage, the Bahrain Air Force F16 and the Saudi Hawks from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An additional seven civilian teams will impress judges with dare-devil thrilling performances, including the Bravo3 Repsol Team.

"We are honoured to take part in the Al Ain Air Championship this year and showcase our Sukhoi-Flying aerobatic routine that we are sure will impress audiences in the UAE. For years we have been travelling the world breaking the boundaries of possibility with our aerobatics and we look forward to putting on a spectacular display that will get the visitors voting," said the Captain of Bravo3 Repsol, Castor Fantoba.

Another civilian team that will captivate the crowd at the Air Championship is the Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team, which has been thrilling audiences with their aerobatic displays since the early 1980's. These exceptionally talented and brave women delight in showcasing their parachuting talents that make them some of the most skilled skydivers in the world.

Amanda Scheffler, co-owner of the Misty Blues, said, "We are so happy to be part of the Al Ain Air Championship as we will get to meet all of the performers from around the world and have the opportunity to demonstrate our skydiving routines for the people of the UAE. We are also really excited to learn about the local culture and visit some of Al Ain's incredible tourist spots such as Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis."

Representing the UAE with their patriotic and colourful air display and stunts, the Fursan Al Emarat team will also make a stunning appearance at the Championship. Commenting on its involvement, Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Al Obaidli, Fursan Al Emarat Team Leader, said, "The Fursan Al Emarat team represents the entire nation of the UAE. As part of the Air Force, our mission is to do the nation proud while engaging and exciting people with our stunts. We are thrilled to be part of the Al Ain Air Championship and are excited to see the other acts from around the world. It is an event not to be missed for aviation enthusiasts and families alike."

The other civilian teams to grace the skies at the Al Ain Air Championship include one of the UK's most skilled flying aces, formally from the UK's Royal Air Force, the UK's Richard Goodwin, the Breitling Wingwalkers (UK), The Belgium Broncos (Belgium), Glider FX Aerobatics (UK) and Artur Keilak (Poland).
Source: WAM