Etihad Airways leads the field at Al Ain Air Show 2006

More than 125,000 people will visit Al Ain for the annual event, which runs from 11 to 15 January 2006.

'The Al Ain Aerobatics Show is the perfect opportunity for Etihad Airways to demonstrate to new and established guests how we have built this elite and truly international airline in two years. Etihad is synonymous with style and innovation, and this is exactly what visitors expect from the Air Show,' said Raymond Korban, General Manager, UAE and Southern Gulf, Etihad Airways.

Thousands of air enthusiasts and tourists will descend on Al Ain's International Airport for the show being held over the Eid Al-Adha holiday, further positioning Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a leading tourist destination.

The crowd-thrilling attractions will include breathtaking solo and team aerobatics displays by some of the best pilots in the world who will compete in the FAI World Grand Prix.

Visitors will also be able to watch spectacular exhibitions of pilots flying propeller and jet-engine airplanes, helicopters, and radio-controlled model aircraft. In addition, there will also be a static air exhibition, as well as the Haute Voltige Air Musical.

Organisers expect near perfect UAE weather conditions ensuring top performances from the hundreds of skilled pilots and parachutists from more than 40 countries.

'One of Etihad Airways' key aims is to build on Abu Dhabi's reputation as a world class tourist destination, and there is no better example of this than the Al Ain Air Show. Visitors from the region and across the world will see what a wonderful country this is while enjoying the very best in aerobatics,'

added Korban.