Before the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition gets underway, one of the world’s leading aerobatic display teams, the Red Arrows, took to the skies on Thursday afternoon for their first ever display in Zhuhai City in south China’s Guangdong Province.
Showcasing the speed, agility and precision of the British Royal Air Force, the Red Arrows wowed audiences with all kinds of formations at their first display in China.
It’s the largest overseas deployment for a decade, and the team has been preparing well.
“We knew about that we are coming to Zhuhai about 18 months ago, so we want to produce the very best display that we could. So what you are seeing is the combination of the 18-month hard work, to give you a thrilling and exciting display. And you will notice for arrival, we put the red smoke come as a big hello to people of China, and thank you for welcoming us,” said Martin Higgins, wing commander of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
There are more than 120 people in the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, made up of pilots, engineers and essential support crew.
The British government said the colorful, dynamic aerial displays of precision, formation aerobatics are a vivid showcase of British engineering, teamwork and creativity.
While they are in China, they will visit schools and universities, hoping to inspire the next generation of pilots and engineers.
“So this is an opportunity, the opportunity to get into anything that you enjoy in terms of science and technology,” said David Montenegro, squadron leader of the Team.
The Red Arrows will offer nine displays at the six-day airshow in Zhuhai. And there’ll be more stunning aerobatics by teams from China, Russia and other major countries, in front of thousands of spectators.
Read also: China to unveil its J-20 stealth fighter at air show
