Red Arrows aces paint Dubai sky red, white and blue - PHOTO+VIDEO

The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows paint the skies above Dubai a patriotic red, white and blue in a breathtaking display during their major tour of the Middle East.The aerobatic team is in the region to strengthen trade links and to provide a little taste of back home to the thousands of British ex-pats living in the region.Squadron Leader Jim Turner, Team Leader of the Red Arrows, said: 'It is a huge honour and privilege to have been invited to the Middle East and have the opportunity to perform our display in so many wonderful locations.'We take great pride and pleasure in being able to demonstrate our flying in all of these places – some of which we have never visited before, while others we are very pleased to be afforded the opportunity to return to.'Just as countless others have already done in 2013, I hope people, in all of the locations we will be flying to, will come to the display, watch our aerobatics and enjoy the experience.'The Team’s visit to the region has come about after accepting an invitation to the Dubai Air Show. The tour is being used by the Team as an opportunity to visit other nations in an important region with which the United Kingdom has strong links to including across defence, industry and wider markets. It also aims to raise awareness of the UK and highlight the Royal Air Force’s agility, adaptability and capability.As ambassadors for the UK, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force.The team, who currently fly BAE Systems Hawk aircraft, consists of nine display pilots, all of whom are from frontline squadrons. Each has previously operated other Royal Air Force fast jets, such as the Tornado or the Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft.There are also more than 100 support staff in the Red Arrows, including Operations staff and Flight Planners, Engineering technicians, Photographers, Safety Equipment experts, Drivers, a Public Relations department, Suppliers and Administrators.Next year is the 50th display season for the Team which is based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and, since formation, they have performed more than 4,500 displays in 54 different countries.Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, the Red Arrows is an iconic British brand and has often taken part in high-profile occasions, both nationally and internationally.Squadron Leader Turner said: 'The Red Arrows showcase the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force. Our flying display includes a combination of a synchronised formation aerobatics during the first half of the performance, followed by a more dynamic second half.'To those who live in the regions, we hope you will see us perform during our time in the Middle East, we thank you for hosting the Team and also for your support.'(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az