Al Ain: Blue Voltige, a team of two motor gliders, will perform a unique aerial ballet amid a spectacular line-up of solo and team gravity-defying acts at the Al Ain Aerobatic Show.
Participants' line-up for spectacle on February 2-5 at Al Ain International Airport includes Turkish air force's aerobatic team — the Turkish Stars — as well as the Baltic Bees and Team Viper, the world's only Hawker Hunter fighter jet display team.
The Blue Voltige comprises Fournier RF4D and RF5 motor-gliders piloted by Fabio Iannaccone and Ivan Prizzon. "[They] will perform a unique aerial ballet," said the organisers of the air show.
The two-propeller aircraft from the 1960s with their sleek lines and aerodynamics will glide effortlessly through the air in a routine set to music that will be both passionate and thrilling. Faisal Al Shaikh, Events Manager of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), said: "This year's show will present the very best of every aerobatic discipline and provide spectators with an exhilarating action-packed programme."
Family fun
The ADTA has been organising the air show in cooperation with the UAE Armed Forces.
He said it would be a great event in aerobatics combined with a family fun day out for everyone from the UAE and different countries of the world.
Performing under the stage name of OTTO the Helicopter, the clown-faced Hughes TH-55 Osageone helicopter will showcase a full set of antics, from blowing bubbles to playing with a giant yo-yo and racing around barrels. The OTTO is piloted by Roger Buis, a nominee for the US Army Aviator of the Year in Helicopters, with over 16,500 flight hours.
On-ground activities
In addition, Miss Demeanour, a vintage 1956 Hawker Hunter jet whose stunning atmospheric re-entry paint scheme and eye-catching stunts have captivated crowds worldwide, will be showing off her colours to the about 130,000 visitors expected to visit the show. The jet owner Jonathan Whaley, started his flying career at 17 and can spotted by film buffs in films such as Indiana Jones, The Last Crusade, and The Mummy.
Also joining the exclusive line-up will be the Scandinavian Airshow, which will dazzle the public with a three-act show of its own. This will include the Skycats' famous wing-walking extravaganza, and Jacob Holländer's spine-tingling Pitts Python and Wasp routines.
Complementing the aerial displays there will be on-ground activities for families that will include meet-the-pilot sessions, tethered hot air balloon rides, go-karting, bungee trampolines and crazy golf, as well as face-painting and appearances by children's magazine character Majid, the Al Ain Aerobatic Show's own Friendly Pilot Bear mascot and a stilt-walking pilot.
Daily show tickets are just Dh40 per adult and Dh20 for children between three and 10 years old, while children under three can enter free. Schools are being offered free entry on the Wednesday and Thursday. Further information can be obtained by writing to e-mail id, alainschools@fegroup.ae or by calling 04 2867755. Ticket details can be found on the website at www.alainaerobaticshow.com
