Abu Dhabi: Flying in formation and performing a series of breathtaking manoeuvres, the Al Fursan [The Knights] aerobatics team lit up the skies of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche in the colours of the UAE’s flag on Tuesday.
Residents watched in awe as the pilots, in seven Italian-made Aermacchi MB-339NAT jet aircraft, flew overheard, breaking the sound barrier.
The show was part of the country’s 44th National Day Celebrations, and has become a popular spectacle organised in cooperation with the UAE’s Armed Forces.
The aircraft themselves are painted in black, gold, white, red and green, with the team’s performances showcasing the country’s airforce skills and capabilities.
Mohammad Esmail, a long-time resident from Bangladesh who has been living in the UAE for 19 years, told Gulf News how he always makes sure to come to the Corniche to watch the shows performed for National Day.
“It’s great to come and view, I have been here for a long time and witnessed the many changes that have happened here on the Corniche over the years,” he said.
“National Day is always a joyous occasion because of the many entertaining events that take place, and we can sit in comfort watching it all unfold. It is fantastic watching the jets fly with such skill,” he added.
Mohammad Suhail, from India, watching the show with his wife and children, said it was the first time he was witnessing the airshow after nine years in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s spectacular, that’s the word that comes to my mind,” said Suhail, still amazed after witnessing the show.
“I have never seen anything like this before, it was definitely heart-stopping,” he added.
Among the several manoeuvres carried out by the aircraft were the forming of a heart shape, created by the jets’ smoke generators. At times the jets flew just a few hundred metres from the ground, allowing the audience to get a close look of the aircraft.
