Trascrizione integrale dell’articolo dal titolo “Stunning aerobatics wow thousands at Corniche”, di Irfan Bukhari, apparso su The Peninsula, domenica 11 novembre.
Thousands of people watched with thrill and applause the spectacular aerobatics display exhibited by Italian Air Force Aerobatic Team and Qatar Aerobatic Team at Doha Corniche yesterday.
As a large number of citizens and residents enjoyed the flying manoeuvres of aircraft in six and ten aircraft formations separately, hundreds of Italian nationals and other guests including diplomats and media persons watched the stunning air show in admiration from the terrace of La Veranda Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Frecce Tricolori Doha Air Show 2018 continued for two hours with intervals and the most thrilling element of the show was the real combat manoeuvres exhibited by Typhoon fighter jet.
The unique exhibition was organised by the Embassy of Italy in Qatar and sponsored by Leonardo, the Italy-based aerospace and defence company.
The extraordinary and breathtaking show included the T-346 A, considered the best advanced trainer aircraft available on the market today, and the Eurofighter Typhoon, the latest-generation multi-role fighter.
Both shows (T-346A and Typhoon) were performed by the Reparto Sperimentale Volo (Italian Air Force Flight Test Wing), which is responsible for the study and evaluation of all ground and flight tests of aeronautical weapon systems and the Italian Air Force aerobatic team “Frecce Tricolori”, the world’s largest and most known acrobatics patrol, with their ten aircraft performing together.
Talking to reporters, the Ambassador of Italy to the State of Qatar, Pasquale Salzano said that the show was an expression of thanks to Qatar from Italy. “We are very proud and excited to have in Qatar the Italian Air Force aerobatic team, performing for the first time with the Qatari aerobatic team. It is very meaningful to us because it represents the continuous cooperation and exchange that are at the base of our bilateral partnership.”
“The breathtaking aircraft stunts that we just watched is a chance to admire and highlight the extraordinary ability of the Italian pilots, their unique expertise and their advanced skills. They are the symbol of the Italian excellence in the field of defence and confirm Italy’s top position at the forefront of aeronautical technology,” he added.
The Ambassador said: “Qatar deserves the best and Italy wants to bring here the best of its traditions, trainers and technology. Bringing Frecce Tricolori to Doha on the occasion of Italian Armed Forces Day — which falls on November 4 but it will be officially celebrated tonight — is Italy’s ‘thank you gift’ to honour the successful partnership with Qatar and Qatari Armed Forces.”
He said that beyond the extraordinary results that Italy and Qatar had achieved together in many fields, this event also marked the cultural bonds between the two countries.
“It is an honour for us to bring the Italian Flag in Doha together with the excellence in the defence sector,” said Col. Luciano Ippoliti, Chief of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo.
“This event contributes to strengthening the ties of our collaboration with Qatari Armed Forces and the image of Italy as a country of high reliability in terms of know-how and technological capabilities, enhancing synergy and cooperation also with the Italian aerospace and defence industry, ” he added.
Valerio Stella, Leonardo General Manager in Doha, said: “I am delighted that Leonardo’s most advanced aeronautics technologies are on the show.
The chance to admire our M-346 advanced jet trainer, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Italian aerobatic team as they soar over this beautiful city is something unique and extraordinary. We have long been committed to providing a high level of excellence in technologies and services for the Italian Air Force and with the same dedication we are working daily here in Qatar supporting the
country institutions with our products and capabilities.”
