Taking centre stage at the 2011 event is the unique multi-discipline FAI Desert Challenge. Comprising six world-class pilots, the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) sanctioned Desert Challenge will see the globe's top pilots battle it out in both classic and free-style challenges for an anticipated 130,000 strong crowd.

Flying CAP232, Sukhoi 26 and Xtreme aircraft, the FAI World Class Unlimited pilots – all top-10 FAI event rankers in the last two years – are expected to be the icing on the cake over four-days of gravity-defying displays.

“With the addition of the Desert Challenge to a greatly enhanced display line-up and on-ground festivities, we have gone a step further in generating truly global interest for this event and our heritage heartland of Al Ain,” Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

FAI Desert Challenge participants :
Gerald Cooper - UK - CAP 232
Cástor Fantoba - Spain - Sukhoi 26
François Le Vot - France - Xtreme
Philipp Steinbach - Germany - Xtreme
Hubie Tolson - USA - Sukhoi 26
Juan Velarde - Spain - Sukhoi 26