SPECTACLE IN THE SKIES: Top companies, flying teams lined up for air show
SPECTACULAR flying displays by air forces and aerobatic teams from around the world have been scheduled for next month’s Bahrain International Airshow 2018 (BIAS).The three-day airshow will be held at the Sakhir Air Base from November 14 to 16 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and under the close supervision of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Eleven of the world’s top 15 aerospace companies are exhibiting at the show and more than 100 aircraft will be on flying or static display.
A daily flying display programme spread over five hours will include spectacular displays by numerous regional and international flying teams, for both trade show visitors on all three days, and for the first time this year extended by an additional day for the public area from November 14 to 17.
Headlining the line-up is Italian Air Force aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori, which is taking part in the show for the first time, alongside other renowned teams including the Emarati team Al Fursan, the Russian Knights, the Global Stars Acrobatic team, the Black Falcons Parachute Team, a Paramotor Solo Display, and Mark Jeffries “Little and Large” display, in addition to flying displays by the Royal Bahraini Air Force, the UAE Air Force, and the US Department of Defence.
With a team composed of 10 aircraft, nine in formation and one solo, Frecce Tricolori has been flying since 1961 with its pilots selected from the air force’s fighter squadrons.
To qualify, pilots must have at least 750 flying hours on jet planes and a certification of ‘combat readiness’ from the Italian Air Force Division.
“The team and support team consist of 100 people; officers, NCOs and enlisted personnel, all of whom work to ensure that the manoeuvring display is carried out with top level skill,” said the Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry in a statement.
“The team uses the MB-339 PAN aircraft, which has been used in the show since 1982.
“It is an Italian built aircraft that is used not only for flight activities, but is also used to train new military pilots at the 61st Wing in Galatina.”
Three years ago, the team devised a new manoeuvre called Scintilla Tricolore or Italian spark, which was introduced to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the National Aerobatic Team.
“In addition to the Italian team, the Russian Ministry of Defence team will also be taking part in the flying displays through the Russian Knights Aerobatic Display Team with the Sukhoi 125,” added the statement.
“As well as participating in the flying displays, Russia will also be exhibiting its latest addition to its seven member fleet, the Sukhoi Super Jet.
“Russian companies will be showcasing their technologies in the Exhibition Hall, as part of BIAS’ platform for featuring innovation in the aviation and aerospace industry.”
The Royal Bahraini Air Force on November 13 will host the second Manama Air Power Symposium, bringing together air force chiefs and leading experts from across the region to address emerging issues.
The conference is entitled “Into the Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Gulf Region Airports and Airlines”.
A Women in Aviation Conference on the third day of the show will also serve as a valuable forum for women across the industry to discuss seizing opportunities for career development in the aviation field.
Another highlight of the event this year is a dedicated exhibition featuring space research centres and organisations including the UAE Space Agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), Roscosmos and Information Satellite Systems (Russia).
Deals totalling $9 billion were signed during the BIAS 2016 – a three-fold increase on 2014 – and visitor numbers crossed 40,000.
Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/427885
