The world's most famous aerobatic team - the UK Royal Air Force's Red Arrows - rounded off a recent visit to the UAE by flying in spectacular formation over Abu Dhabi alongside an Etihad aircraft.
The Airbus A340-600 aircraft joined the Red Arrows formation at 9,000 feet (approximately 2,750m) and flew together over the Arabian Gulf for about 30 miles (approximately 50 kilometres), before returning to Abu Dhabi airport and leaving the iconic display team to continue on their journey back to the United Kingdom.
At the controls of the Etihad aircraft were the airline's vice president flight operations captain Granger Narara and first officer Kurt Williams.
Etihad Airways entered the world-famous Guinness Book of Records for 2008 following the airline's successful record for "the greatest weight difference during flight formation" at the 2007 Al Ain Aerobatic Show.
Captain Granger Narara flew into the record books as he piloted an Etihad Airbus A330-200 in formation with two stunt planes, a Sukhoi Su-26 and an Extra-300S.
The Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for the UK's Royal Air Force.
Since the team was officially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed more than 4,000 displays in 53 countries.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi.
Currently Etihad offers flights to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications:
Tel: + 971 (0) 2505 8006 / 8336 / 8055 or visit www.etihadairways.com
© Press Release 2008
