'Wow' factor to determine winner of Al Ain Air Championship

Adrenaline-fuelled excitement will reach new heights at the 11th Al Ain Air Championship taking place from December 17 to 19.

Visitors are set to witness breath-taking aerobatic displays from both military and civilian teams as they begin their battle to be named Grand Champion.

This year, the Al Ain Air Championship introduces a new competitive and interactive show format designed to add further levels of excitement for visitors at the event.

By downloading a free mobile application, the public will be thrust into the centre of the action and empowered to be part of the judging panel to choose the best team of the Championship, formerly known as Al Ain Aerobatic Show.

“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,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of Tourism Sector at TCA Abu Dhabi at a press conference at the Al Ain International Airport on Tuesday where the full programme of exciting aerobatic activities for the Ain Air Championship 2015 was announced.

"We've come a long way since hosting the first edition of the championship in 2003 which was previously known as the Al Ain Aerobatic Show," said Al Dhaheri.

"We are expecting over 45,000 participants or visitors during the next three days. It is very easy to access. Tickets can be bought online or at the entrance," he added.

Captains of the participating teams including Fursan Al Emarat, Saudi Hawks, the Misty Blues, the reigning European Aerobatic Champions, Bravo3 Rapsol and the daring Breitling Wingwalkers were present.

"Probably our first Air Championship type of performance. Normally we kind of entertain primarily and because we are not into competition aerobatics normally we aim to entertain more," said Martyn of 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).

By downloading the mobile application from the Al Ain Air Championship website www.alainairchampionship.ae, 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 & 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 captain of Bravo3 Repsol, Castor Fantoba.

"It's absolutely different. Normally we display for the judges now the public factor voting is the factor which gives the prize. So we need to change a little bit our mind. We need to take into consideration the 'wow' factor. I think on this occasion it is the public which is going to decide who is going to be the winner," he said.

"To have so big and good air show like Al Ain doesn't happen in many places in the world. You have the opportunity to see one of the best air shows in the world," he said in a message to fans.

Another civilian team that will captivate the crowd at the 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, Richard Goodwin (UK), in addition to the Breitling Wingwalkers (UK), the Belgium Broncos (Belgium), Glider FX Aerobatics (UK) and Artur Keilak (Poland).

Partners of the championship are offering fun-filled Al Ain travel packages, with the Al Ain Experience Pass that offers big discounts on the city’s most exciting attractions.

This experience includes 2-for-1 adult entry passes to Wadi Adventure, free entry and discounted F&B at Al Ain Zoo, 30% off all facilities at Al Ain Golf Equestrian and Shooting Club and tickets to the Al Ain FC vs. Sharjah FC Football match at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

Discounts are also available at Hilton Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana, Ayla Bawadi Hotel and Danat Al Ain Resort as all offer a special weekend package bundle including tickets to the Air Championship.  Other great deals can be found from partners such as Al Bawadi Mall, Al Ain Mall and Etihad Airways.

Exciting prizes

As the Official Time Partner and Prize Sponsor of the Al Ain Air Championship, Breitling, will be celebrating and rewarding excellence in aerobatic style among the world’s leading aerobatic pilots.

Along with vying for the Grand Champion Trophy, the participants will compete for honours in each of the four main Championship Style Categories of Power, Grace, Pride and WOW Factor that will be awarded by Breitling.

The Category winners will be announced as part of the main public prize giving after the Championship Finals on December 19 in front of the main grandstand.

Public visitors to the exhibition who register to become an Official Fan Voter at the stand using the Championship Voting App will enter a draw to win a magnificent Breitling watch valued at over Dh48, 000.

In between the spellbinding aerobatic displays up in the skies, the Al Ain Air Championship also features the biggest on-ground family entertainment extravaganza yet.

The event offers an action-packed range of activities for visitors at its Entertainment Village, which will showcase a wide range of aircraft displays, interactive gaming stands, a hot air balloon light and sound show, nail-biting car drifting stunts from Red Bull’s Champions Drifting hero - Ahmed Al Ameri, moto-cross demonstrations and live-music performances.

Visitors can witness the ultimate clash between the powerhouses of the sky and performance vehicles on the ground in an official Air Drag.

The race will see a Mercedes AMG E63, with its 585-horse power twin-turbo V8 engine; go head-to-head against the brawn of Richard Goodwin’s Pitts S2S muscle plane in a two-part match race series.

“This year we have ensured that the Al Ain Air Championship has an action packed schedule of fun-filled family activities that combine the incredible sights in the sky with exciting activations on the ground. There will also be a wide selection of gourmet dining options for serving different palates through some of the UAE’s famous food trucks. With all of these activities we know that the Al Ain Air Championship is a must attend event,” added Sultan Al Dhaheri.

Visitors can enjoy meals from food trucks such as Khameer & Dough, Limeline, Dessert Chill, Gold Box, Mandilicious, Kebabs & Bunz, Calle Tacos, and Urban Bites.

The event will also welcome ‘rhyme and rhythm’ as part of the evening activities with live music performances from New Orleans Jazz Band on December 17, The Swing Pack on December 18 and Gari Deegan on December 19, as well as a mix of tunes from the Red Bull DJ Trucks.

Children will be as entertained as the adults with family attractions ranging from arts and crafts, to soft play areas and games.

Tickets are available at Virgin Megastores across the UAE and at TixBox booths in Al Ain at Al Bawadi and Al Ain Mall and at the Mall at the World Trade Centre in Abu Dhabi.

Online purchase of tickets can be done via www.tixbox.com.

On-ground tickets can be bought, with prices starting at Dh30 per day for general admission or Dh120 for a three-day pass, inclusive of reserved seating and parking access.

Grandstand seating is available, priced at Dh60, as well as a limited number of VIP passes for Dh150 per day, allowing ticketholders to access the best seats on offer. Children below the age of six get in free.

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