Dubai Airshow marks Eagle Patrol's first gulf demo

The aerobatic display team of the Spanish Air Force will perform in the daily flying display of Dubai 2007, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 11-15.

Flying Casa C-101 Aviojet trainers, the team will take to the skies over Dubai, to demonstrate the agility of the aircraft, which is manufactured by EADS CASA in Madrid and is in service with four air forces around the world, including Jordan.

"The Patrulla Aguila is renowned for its daring demonstrations and precision formation landings," explained Colonel Walid Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Dubai Airshow Flying Control Committee. "The team's participation in Dubai 2007 adds to the excitement and anticipation of the event."

The Patrulla Aguila is the second aerobatics team to confirm participation in Dubai 2007 - following an earlier commitment from the UK's Red Arrows squadron, which will make its fourth appearance at a Dubai Airshow.

"The Patrulla is a magnificent team to watch with its silver liveried aircraft, emblazoned with the red and yellow of Spain's national flag, trailing yellow smoke to outline manoeuvres," said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), which organises the Dubai Airshow.

The Patrulla is made up of instructors from Spain's General Air Academy where the future pilots of the country's Air Army are trained. The C-101 the team flies is a high performance aircraft with the capability of carrying out other roles, including ground attack, reconnaissance and photographic missions as well as electronic warfare countermeasures.

F&E organises the Dubai Airshow in co-operation with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in conjunction with the UAE Armed Forces. To date, exhibitors from 36 countries have contracted for Dubai 2007 - including first-time representation from the Cayman Islands.