This year’s Al Ain Aerobatic Show – one of the world’s top events and the only one to combine military and civilian aerobatic displays – has soared to record breaking heights. New-to-the-region displays and a host of pioneering manoeuvres added to the appeal of the must-see event which filled stands to overflowing and led to standing room only by the end of the afternoon.

Running in the historic Garden City of Al Ain until (30^th January 2010), the Al Ain Aerobatic Show has welcomed fans from across the globe with many from as far as Canada, the USA, Chile and Australia while also attracting a global viewing audience.

And with its largest and most diverse line-up in its eight-year history, including 23 international teams from 15 countries, the show continues to woo crowds and aviation buffs alike with its gravity-defying aerial master-class and on-ground entertainment and hospitality.

Father and son Saad and Izhar Athar had driven up from Dubai to visit the show for the first time and were impressed from the moment the model flying display kicked off day three.

 "The models were so life-like,” said Izhar, “and the commentary was just so informative. We are also very impressed with the spectator areas which, unlike many other events, are virtually on a par with the VIP areas in terms of viewing, making it great for my little one. We are looking forward to the rest of the day.”

Costica Solomon of Romania was making his third trip to the show. “It’s like a visit to the future,” he enthused. “You never know what you’re going to see, it’s always something new. This year my favourite demonstration is Pilatus – I’ve never seen that before!” 

 Being staged by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) in conjunction with the UAE Air Force, the Al Ain gathering has grown year-on-year to become one of the world’s top 10 aerobatic events, and continues to be an important medium in promoting Abu Dhabi globally as a major sports and event destination. It 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.

With more than 30 first-time participating aircraft in the Garden City, and a record breaking 10 aircraft parked in the event’s largest-ever static display, this year’s four day extravaganza is an aviation enthusiasts dream come true.

For the first time globally, Al Ain is showcasing the pioneering triple synchronised inverted parachute drop by the South African Goodyear Eagles Aero Team. In this spectacular routine, three parachutists exit their Pitts Special S2B biplanes simultaneously at the top of a loop and parachute to the ground. Not only must the parachutists move away from their own aircraft as soon as possible, they must also steer clear of the other parachutists themselves.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, is showing off one of its A340-600 aircraft in its Formula 1 GP livery, following last November’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And for the first time, the Royal Bahraini Air Force is staging a fly-past of two F-16 fighter aircraft.

The only female pilot taking part in this year’s Al Ain Aerobatic Show – Jaquie Warda, from the USA – made her Middle East debut, as have a team of Italian paraplegic multi-athletic sporting champions, WE FLY - the world’s only handicapped aerobatic flying team.

Other first appearances include the UK’s Team Viper, flying four Strike Master aircraft; two Falland Gnats – the supersonic jets used by the Red Arrows, and flown by former Red Arrows team members; and a privately-owned Hawker Hunter, known as ‘Miss Demeanour’, which has been painted in a unique colour scheme.

"Each show we have succeeded in raising the standards yet higher from the previous year in terms of quality, quantity and thrills, and this show is certainly no exception. The response from the crowds here is testament to the success of this year’s edition; the challenge will be how to make it even better next year,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Head – Major Events Division, ADTA.

A host of crowd-favourites have also returned this year. The Breitling Jet Formation Team, which appeared in the UAE in 2005, is back with seven jets in its line-up, the region’s biggest-ever display from the French outfit. The world’s first civilian team to fly jet- engined aircraft is making its last appearance in the distinctive blue and yellow livery as it readies for a makeover before the European aerobatics season takes flight in May.

Another jet display team – the Saudi Hawks –made its sixth appearance at the show boasting a new routine this year with five major changes to its 20-manouver performance. It is the only team in the world that draws its national emblem - a palm and two crossed swords in the sky with coloured smoke columns - in such a way.

The Al Ain  Aerobatic Show is hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, organised by ADTA and  the UAE Air Force and is supported by an extensive list of sponsors. These include gold sponsors Etihad, Pilatus, Al Ain Water and Abu Dhabi National Hotels, along with silver sponsors Mubadala Aerospace, ADAT, Al Ain Municipality and Panasonic. Costa is  the official retailer which will partner  with The National, a leading UAE English language daily newspaper, to create ‘The National Costa Coffee Lounge’ – a relaxed venue to grab a coffee and paper. Mercedes Benz meanwhile will provide the official vehicles.   

Daily tickets for the show are pegged at last year’s prices - Dhs40 per adult and Dhs25 for children between three and 10 years. Children under the age of three get in free. They can be bought via www.timeouttickets.com or from a special Toll Free hotline: 800 4669. For more information – www.alainaerobaticshow.com or call 800 555 (within UAE)