Elite Saudi hawks display ramps up adrenaline in Al Ain

In this year's Al Ain show spectators get to see some brand new moves from us," explained Major Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, 88th Squadron Commander and Saudi Hawks' leader, who said that being a member of the formation team is a full-time job.

"We have two distinct seasons with the Saudi Hawks; the display season lasts for five or six months and the rest of the year we develop a new show for the next display season. We were here for the first Al Ain show in 2004 and have flown at every one except 2006."

he explained before climbing into the cockpit of his British-made Hawk Mk.65 for the team's first display at the 2009 edition of Al Ain Aerobatic Show.

Becoming a member of the six-strong Royal Saudi Air Force display team is no mean feat. Only the very best pilots are considered for the elite outfit, and each member must go through a rigorous application process.

"We have special criteria that must be met before anyone can join the team," explained Major Al-Ghamdi. "You have to be a fighter pilot and you must have a minimum of 800 hours in a jet. This is the best of the best and many people wish to be a member."

Major Al-Ghamdi was one of the lucky few. He graduated from King Faisal Air Academy in 1995 and was posted to the F-5 after basic fighter training. He was a member of the Saudi Hawks from 2001 to 2006 and returned to lead the team in 2008. He now has more than 2,340 flying hours.

"It's a huge honour to be selected to join the Saudi Hawks," said Major Al-Ghamdi. "We are flying the flag for our country. It is such an exciting, fast-paced display, it's hard to describe the feeling you get when you are up there, but there is a very strong sense of pride for our team members."

Unlike some display teams, the Saudi Hawks change their manoevres every season and Major Al-Ghamdi believes it is this that keeps the Hawks in such high demand throughout the Gulf. And this year there are plans afoot to export the green-and-white liveried Saudi Hawks to the UK.

"This year there is the possibility that we will fly at RAF Waddington International Airshow," said Major Al-Ghamdi. "It is important that we take the Saudi Hawks name around the world."

Faisal Al Sheikh, Major Events Division of Al Ain Aerobatic Show-organiser, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, says the Saudi Hawks bring a vital regional element to a truly international show.

"With participants from 21 countries, the Al Ain Aerobatic Show is a very international event but it is important that the Gulf is also well represented and the Saudi Hawks ably fulfill this requirement. They are very popular here and have built up a substantial following year-on-year, I think that many young Gulf nationals are inspired by their capabilities and that the team has fired many imaginations and ambitions," he said.

Daily tickets for the show, which runs at Al Ain International Airport until Saturday January 31st, are Dhs40 per adult and Dhs25 for children between three and 10 years, children under three enter free.

The Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2009 has a high-profile sponsorship line-up including Pilatus, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Etihad Airways and Al Ain Mineral Water as Gold sponsors; Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and Tourism Development & Investment Company as Silver sponsors and Emirates Motor Company as the official vehicle sponsor. It is supported by Abu Dhabi Airports Company.