Al Ain, UAE 29 January, 2009: The Al Ain Aerobatic Show, due to be held later this week, is to be broadcast live online for the very first time in its eight-year history, with coverage of the last two days of the event streamed to viewers across the globe. The event is the world’s only aerobatic spectacle that combines military and civil aircraft, stunt displays and competitions. 

Internet-based sports channel Airsports.tv will be broadcasting live from the Al Ain show – being held at Al Ain International Airport – on the 30^th January, with full running commentary for up to 5 hours from 13:00 – 18:00 (09:00 – 13:00 GMT), delivering an estimated 80,000 video streams over its customised live events page: 

 http://www.airsports.tv/alainaerobaticshowlive.asp. 

A record 23 international teams – featuring some of the world’s top pilots from Croatia, Hungary, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the USA – will be taking part this year, including an Aero Grand Prix air race – known as the Formula One of Air Racing; the stunning ‘Saudi Hawks’ – the Royal Saudi Air Force Aerobatics Team; the ‘Breitling Jet team’, and ‘We Fly’ from Italy. In addition, the South African Goodyear Eagles Aerobatic Team will attempt to complete a never-before-seen triple synchronised inverted parachute drop, whilst three aircraft perform a formation loop. 

The UAE Armed Forces – who this year are taking part both as organiser and participant – will be showing off an F16-C multi-role jet fighter aircraft – known as the  ‘Fighting Falcon’; a French multirole, single-engine jet Mirage 2000 fighter; and, for the first time, an AH-64D Apache four-blade, twin-engined attack helicopter. The Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) will also be making its international debut, with two RBAF F16s demonstrating daily. 

Jeff Zaltman, Managing Director of Flying Aces Ltd and Airsports.tv said “We have a unique opportunity to bring this event into the homes, offices and work spaces of thousands of aerobatic pilots, fans and enthusiasts across the globe and we are thrilled to be able to do so. There are thousands of aerobatic flying clubs, aerobatic pilots and aerobatic flight fans worldwide who won’t get the chance to attend Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2010. The live online broadcast will give those people an opportunity to take part in the adrenalin fuelled excitement of this prestigious event.” 

The 2010 Al Ain Aerobatic Show is being held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

Source: Airsports.tv