TCA Abu Dhabi announces al-Ain Air Championship 2015

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has announced the official date of the eleventh edition of the Al Ain Air Championship (previously known as Al Ain Aerobatic Show) that will be staged at Al Ain International Airport from 17th to 19th December 2015 featuring a new championship competition format and an expanded programme of on-the-ground entertainment guaranteed to enthral flying enthusiasts and families alike in the region.

The championship format will feature a select field of invited flying aces from around the world, including a mix of elite military teams and civilian daredevils, who will square off against each other in a three-day series of head-to-head competition heats. Competitors will be scored in four different style categories by a group of aviation experts and celebrity judges. Interactive digital voting by spectators will also count towards competitor point totals, allowing the fans to have a direct say in which team walks off with the new Championship trophy.

The overall winner will be crowned Grand Champion during a spectacular closing ceremony to be staged in front of show crowds on Saturday 19th December.

TCA Abu Dhabi is teaming up with the Al Ain stakeholders and private sector bringing amazing offers and activities for an unforgettable experience in Al Ain to residents and visitors alike.

The December dates coincide with the start of regional school holidays and TCA Abu Dhabi is also aiming to create a holistic destination incentive programme for families and ticket holders, with great deals and offers across the city available to residents and visitors.

"The new championship format is sure to create tremendous interest among regional and international families and we are working closely with tourism stakeholders to convert that demand into increased visitor numbers to Al Ain. The Al Ain Experience Pass and Stay and Soar Packages being developed with local hotels, malls and attractions are attractive, high-value packages which will ensure that visitors stay longer and do more during their trip to the Oasis City for the Championship," said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

Along with daredevil pilots, gravity-defying wingwalkers, parachutists and a new-to-the-region aircraft line-up, the Al Ain Air Championship will feature the show's biggest on-ground family entertainment extravaganza yet.

The massive 60,000 square metre Championship Village will offer a wide range of aircraft displays, interactive stands, runway demos and parades, a dedicated family area and a new line-up of food trucks, providing all day family fun for the tens of thousands of visitors.

In addition, an all-new Main Stage performance area is being added to the heart of the Village, providing crowds with exciting musical entertainment each evening after the flying competition has finished for the day. Event opening times have been expanded for 2015 to run from11am to 9pm, enabling families to stay and enjoy the food and entertainment offerings in a relaxed atmosphere long after the sun goes down.

The full Championship programme line-up will be announced at a later stage and when Champion ticket sales are launched.

The 2015 edition of the Al Ain Air Championship is jointly organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and the UAE Air Force and is supported by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).
Source: WAM