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SUPERB weather and excellent displays of flying acrobatics alongside big business wheeling and dealing were the highlights of the inaugural Bahrain International Air Show 2010 held at the new Sakhir Airbase over the weekend, writes Anasuya Kesavan.
Members of the Royal Family, aviation enthusiasts, business and trade visitors, special guests, military top brass, diplomats and ordinary Bahraini and expat families enjoyed three-days of fun and fare offered at both the business and public arenas.
On the trade side, visitors were treated to an awe-inspiring static display of 74 aircraft representing some of the best known names in commercial and military aviation.
The military aircraft were particularly popular with guests queuing up for a guided tour and the chance of a photograph in the cockpit of some of the most awesome technological creations.
The sheer size of cargo plane Boeing C-17 Globemaster of the US Air Force with a huge capacity of carrying loads such as a Chinook helicopter or 13 Land Rovers, or mixed freight loads of up to 73,000kg, was eye popping. Its C130 cargo aircraft was manufactured in 1974 and similar in style to those featured in many a Schwarzenegger-style action movie.
Other popular fighter jets included the Dassault's Rafale of the French Air Force display team which was impressive on the ground as well as in the air with its distinctive roar.
After getting a closer look at the cockpit and pilot's seat you could never complain about the size of 'economy class' again!
The latest in unmanned air vehicles technology from BAE Systems was also on display through its Herti and Mantis models.
The Russian Sukhoi SU27 flanker was spectacular too with its flying finesse that included a victory roll and the cobra flip in which a pilot flies the aircraft beyond the vertical in a post stall manoeuvre, and then goes back into a dive.
Enthusiast Deepak Katyal, head of information technology at Khaleeji Commercial Bank, from Manama, said: "The show was very impressive as we could see the planes up close, talk to the pilots and gain an understanding about the technology involved.
"The best displays were those of Sukhoi's and F18 flying hornets and the Saudi Hawks in my opinion. The slow crawl executed by the Sukhoi was excellent ... overall an amazing experience."
On the public side of the show people cheered and clapped as the Royal Jordanian Falcons, the Saudi Hawks and the Royal Bahraini Air Force fighter jets showed off their speed, strength and ability to fly in formations, break rank and then join the team again.
Nadia Al Moosa, from Hamad Town, was rooted to her seat alongside her sons Khalid Zubari and Talal Zubari. Schoolboy Khalid, nine, said: "I am proud of being Bahraini. I love the planes, the colours and fancy acrobatics. I can't wait for the next show."
Children were also treated to bouncy castles, river rides and mini jets organised by Adhari Park. A special Heritage Park also allowed visitors to explore local arts, crafts, music and customs.
All three evenings concluded with spectacular firework displays that left everyone asking for more.
