Bahrain International Air Show
In January 2010 I flew my Extra 330SC from Dubai via Qatar after flying shows at Jumeriah beach. Arriving at Sakhir with not much reserve fuel after having to circumvent navigate Qatar. This was for the first ever air show and we have been coming back ever since to see the show go from strength to strength.
For the November 2024 edition, The Global Stars were invited again to perform at the prestigious Bahrain International Airshow in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
We had 2 aircraft positioned in China boxed and ready for transit. 2 further aircraft in the UK to prepare, with annual inspections and packed for shipping. All aircraft arriving on site ready to be unpacked on the 7th November.
The team from various directions assemble at T4 LHR to fly Gulf Air direct to Manama airport arriving at 7pm, purchase the local SIM card, pick up the hire car and follow the leader to the “K hotel”. This is in a part of town we have not stayed before .
We don’t plan on leaving the hotel early as the time zone is UTC -3 so a 9am departure is appropriate on the first day. 40 mins later we are at the air base. Passes collected and greetings made we then head to the new hangars that have been erected on the west side of the air port. Sharing a hangar with the SARAG team we know well from our shows in Begumpet India.
Opening the containers we found all aircraft traveled well with strapping all tight which is always a great relief. We removed all aircraft and started the build ending the day with 3 airframes complete but without the shells and cowlings allowing fresh eyes in the morning for certification inspection.
Working away from the main show site had advantages and disadvantages. We were with the SARANG team who make a lot of noise and dust !
Aircraft completed build and sign off at the end of day 2 is good with flight check slots booked for the following day. What more can be said, everything went to plan. With 3 flights per day, morning displays for the public, afternoons for the VIP and then a pyro display in early evening.
As always after we have the planes packed away for return shipping we head to the Bahrain International Circuit for kart racing, always good fun, Till next time 🙂
Our famous four ship provided daytime and evening formation displays in our Extra aircraft using our signature dotty smoke system and breathtaking pyrotechnics.
Pilots ~ Mark Jefferies team leader, Chris Heames Left Wing, Pete Wells Right Winging, Chris Burkett box.
Engineers ~ Stuart Reeves, Neil France, Chris Jones, Tom Bootyman. Video created by Tom Bootyman Photos and Video captured by Tom Bootyman, Ground based video captured with thanks by Mark Stewart Productions Ltd.
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