'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 a