Al Ain Aerobatic Show, taking place in the Oasis City of Al Ain from January 27-30, is the seventh in the annual series. And this time Breitling Jet Team – the world’s first civilian format to fly jet-engined aircraft will say its “goodbye” to the sky azure, closing the history of their glorious air flights for a while.
The Al Ain Aerobatic Show is the world’s only aerobatic spectacle combining military and civil aircraft, as well as stunt displays and competitions. The 2010 show fits some of the world’s top pilots from Switzerland, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, the UK and the USA.
But in January 2010 Breitling’s seven L-39 Albatross trainer jets are having their last appearance on the blue scene as they are in need of a makeover before the European aerobatics season taking place in May.
The Breitling Jet Team is the world’s first civilian formation team flying jet-engined aircrafts for aerobatic display shows. Based in Dijon, France, team members fly seven L-39 Albatros jets. All the airplanes are colored according to their sponsor’s symbolic colors – Breitling’s yellow and blue.
The team currently comprises: Jacques Bothelin (team founder and leader), Bernard Charbonnel, Christophe Deketelaere, Philippe Laloix, Patrick Marchand, François Ponsont and Olivier Boulay. The team displays across Europe and the Middle East and each year undertakes major international airshows like Al Ain Aerobatic Show and Breitling corporate events.
Jacques Bothelin, starting his 29th season, says there will be mixed emotions among the team members. “Rest assured we will deliver a sign-off performance to remember, featuring close formation flying, opposition passes, solo routines and synchronised manoeuvres. And we look forward to returning in 2011 with a fresh new look and perhaps some surprises too,” he said.
Bothelin adds that the team’s shows base on the spectators positive emotion and the main aim is to entertain people. “That is the reason why music and commentary are an important part of our show,” Jacques recons. “Because we give the best of ourselves, pushing ourselves towards greater daredevil antics each time, to offer the best entertainment we can. It works and the public loves what we do!”
Faisal Al Sheikh, Manager of the Major Events Division of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), conceders the Breitling team to be one of the most talented among other aerobatics Al Ain has ever welcomed.
He announced last year they achieved a record of over 130,000 spectators – and January 2010 they are going to beat it.
If you are eager to visit that thrilling show and to support your favorite Breitling team, daily tickets for the show are pegged at last year’s prices – Dhs40 per adult (about $5.2) and Dhs25 for children between three and 10 years (around $3.25). Children under the age of three get in free.
Wish you to enjoy Breitling in the sky as well as on your wrist!