Pics: Sunil Crasto
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Oct 1: On the occasion of Qatar Airways 20th anniversary celebrations, a spectacular show was put up by UK’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. Different hues of smoke decorated the Doha skies while a distinctive fleet of Hawk jets exhibited breath-taking feats and made several formations flying at a speed of 800 km per hour.
The British embassy partnered with Qatar Airways to help celebrate the airline’s 20th anniversary. As part of this, a Qatar Airways Airbus A350 joined the team for part of the display. A joint event took place at the Sheraton for senior Qatari representatives and members of the international community. The UK’s Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP was the UK Ministerial guest of honour.
The event, hosted by British ambassador Ajay Sharma and Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker, was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi, chairman of QCAA Abdullah bin Nasser Turki al-Subaey and a number of ambassadors.
The 20-minute show had the jets sometimes flying as close as six-feet apart. The Red Arrows are known for flying their signature Diamond Nine shape formation. The team created several smoke formations such as phoenix, python, symbol of love and ended with the symbol of infinity.
British ambassador Ajay Sharma, said, “I am delighted to welcome the Red Arrows to Qatar. Such visits are a very visible demonstration and celebration of the strength of UK-Qatar relations. They showcase the best of the UK from the technical mastery of the pilots to the excellence of our engineering and aviation industry. I hope that this will inspire new generations to get involved and study STEM subjects.”
In a statement, the Doha-based carrier said the fly-by and special aerobatics display had been carefully planned in advance by Qatar Airways and the Red Arrows, working in partnership the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA). Qatar Airways’ flight operations experts produced a special flight plan that enabled one of the airline’s Airbus A350 aircraft, capable of carrying up to 283 passengers, to fly empty in close formation with the Red Arrows Hawk jets. Qatar Airways chief flight operations officer Captain Konstantinos was at the helm of the A350 to fly the aircraft throughout the display.
A large crowd watched this aerobatic display from the Corniche.