Al Ain: Daredevil stunt pilots from around the word yesterday held thousands of spectators spellbound with dazzling performances at the opening day of the sixth edition of Al Ain International Aerobatics Show in the Oasis City.People poured in from all over the UAE, neighbouring GCC states, and other countries to watch the annual aerobatic fiesta. Pilots will use their modern and vintage jet and propeller machines daily to stage their skilful aerobatic manoeuvres in the four-day event.
With all the stands packed to capacity, many spectators were seen watching the show from the comfort of their cars parked along the road that winds its way through the high sand dunes leading to the airport.
The show is being jointly organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and UAE Air Force and Air Defence. More than 100 aircraft from different countries are participating in the extravaganza.
The opening day included different shows by Saudi Arabian and Italian teams, UAE paratroopers team, and individual performances of pilots participating in the Aero GP - aviation's Formula 1 - that has been marking the 100th year anniversary of air racing.
An eight-member UAE sky diving team jumped from 10,000 feet along with pictures of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and High Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with a large UAE flag. All the paratroopers landed in front of the spectators with high precision.
Spectators were also entertained by comedy shows and thrilling acts such women dancing on the wings of planes, and flying of remote control aircraft.
Famous Hollywood stuntman Mark Hager also staged breathtaking and hilarious acts for the spectator's. Hager has five world records to his credit.
Hager's team, called Brotherhood of Destruction, comprises of two cars, one motorcycle, and a truck. All the vehicles have Los Angeles Police Department livery. The team staged a hot pursuit of the bike rider with dangerous manoeuvres.
Royal Saudi Hawks, a regular feature of the show, performed highly precise aerobatic displays on seven Hawk aircraft, living up to their highly acclaimed reputation.
The show will continue until January 31. The organisers have also arranged lots of attractions to entertain families. A vast area has been put aside for exhibitions for national and international organisations.
"I am happy to attend the show and proud of organisers who have staged a world class aerobatics event in the country," said Ebrahim Ahmad Al Za'abi, an Emirati. The show, he said, has been promoting air sport in the country as well as putting the city of Al Ain on the world tourism map.
Pradeep Kumar, an expatriate from Dubai, said the air show is excellent and a must see event.
He, however, complained about the ticket prices saying that they are too high and large families will not be able to afford it. "I would suggest that the organisers reduce the prices to an affordable level so that more people could enjoy the show," he said.
Asif Ali Bajwah, an expatriate from Al Ain, said he had taken a day off from work to attend the opening day of the air show.
"My children were insisting that we go for the show, and now they are enjoying themselves," he said, adding that this is the fourth consecutive year he has been coming for the show.
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