Al Buainain: F16 will be 'Superstar' of Air Show 2006

The show will be held under the patronage of H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces.
Khalid Al Buainain said the participation of F16 aircraft at event would be the main feature of the show.

He said in a statement to the media on the occasion of the countdown to the championship that the UAE's participation this year would be "special" and bigger than in previous years. Solo displays will include aerial demonstrations by UAE Infantry's Apache planes and a chainwalk by the Special Operations Unit. In addition, most of the Air Force's airplanes will take part in the show, Khalid Al Buainain pointed out.

The Technical Institute of the Armed Forces will also have a strong participation in the show. The Institute has invented an air simulation device and several models of remote-controlled jets.

The Commander of the Air Force underlined the importance of the air show to be hosted by Al Ain city, in terms of boosting the presence of the UAE in the field of air show sports at the international level. "Our participants, including pilots and technicians will also benefit from the experience they will gain while interacting with international aerobatics teams and champions," Khalid Al Buainain noted.

He added that this air show is the sole aerobatics event in the calendar of events at this time of the year. Therefore, it is considered to be a good opportunity for the interested youth, the audience, families and all social segments.

According to Khalid Al Buainain, the international participation in the show is beyond expectations and will boost the show in the years to come, in line with the directives of H.H. Gen Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, to make the event one of the world's most successful and biggest championships ever.

Hundreds of skilled pilots and parachutists from more than 40 countries will, for the first time, show their skills in one of the most thrilling aerobatics shows. The large audience who are expected to be in tens of thousands will have the opportunity to enjoy the most exciting and unique displays which will see tough competition for top titles.

One of the main features of international participation will be Germany's Hughes 500 helicopters, UK's famous Honda Team, three South African teams including Sasol Tigers.
Team which performs displays accompanied by music using four L29 jets, the Mazda Zoom-Zoom aerobatics team Brad Bennetts and Ian Billing... Other features include the Boeing Boeing Stearman trainer. From Lithuania, Air Bandit team will include multiple times winner Jurgis Kairys.

France will also have a special presence, with the amazing Breitling jet team. Five Soukhoi jets from Russia promise to entertain the audience in an electrifying display.

Though it's the first to participate in the show, the US, according to Khalid Al Buainain, will have a strong presence including displays by its world parachuting champions. The famous X-team promises its exclusive air and ground maneuvers and night shows. Disabled pilot Dan Buchan will perform night demonstration, in a display of strong will and determination.

In solo display's Hungary's world champion Sultan will show his thrilling jet skills. Germany's renowned Klaus Schrout also promises his best tactics. A large number of pilots from other countries including New Zealand and Japan will also take part.

From the Arab world, Jordanian Eagles Team, which fiercely vied for top titles last year will have its presence felts this year.

Among private companies, Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft Limited will showcase its modern PC-21 Turboprop trainer which has proved successful in view of its high performance and efficiency.
Thales International, one of the hi-tech manufacturing firms in the world will showcase its latest products.

A key feature of the show will be the daily night displays, which will be held for the first time in the Middle East region where fireworks by the jets will light up the skies of Al Ain.

Free-style air display champions from 32 countries will draw the biggest painting on the sky of the UAE and Al Ain in particular. The international free-style parachuting will try to break the world's record during the show, with the biggest team ever that will comprise 70-80 parachutists. The current world record in the Guinness World Records is 42 parachutists.

A UAE free-style parachuting team will zero in with the biggest national flag, in an attempt to register a new free-style record.

Khalid Al Buainain said the show would be open to all and from all nationalities. Those interested should wear winter clothes, as the event will include night shows everyday.

Khalid Al Buainain said that the air show had become an international carnival of aerobatics for families. It will present the progress achieved by the UAE in various fields to the world. It will also attract tourists groups to the UAE from all over the world and add a new dimension to the championship.

Khalid Al Buainain praised the efforts put in by the organizing committees, which work under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, who spares no effort in supervising all activities of the event.

The Commander of Air Force and Air Defense thanked all the sponsors for their tremendous support for the championship. He also expressed his appreciation to the sub-committees for finalizing all preparations ahead of time. Thanks also goes to air force and defense force officers for their important role in organizing this international event which helped make it a big success and present the UAE's prestigious image to the world.