UAE display team pilots complete initial training in Italy

Eight designated pilots of the United Arab Emirates' Al-Fursan (The Knights) display team have completed basic aerobatic flying training in Italy. The pilots will now start the second phase of their training in the UAE and will eventually perform displays using seven upgraded MB-339As.

Deliveries of UAE display team's MB339s complete

Alenia Aermacchi has delivered the last four upgraded MB-339As for the United Arab Emirates air force's Al-Fursan aerobatic team. The company had completed the upgrade for six other of the team's aircraft in 2010 as reported here. The Al-Fursan usually fly with seven aircraft during demonstrations.

UAEAF aerobatic display team nears readiness

The United Arab Emirates Air Forces' new "Al Fursan" (The Knights) aerobatic display team will achieve operational status next year. The team will be using the Alenia Aermacchi MB-339A advanced jet trainers and have been training with the Italian air force's Frecce Tricolori.

Mothballed RNZAF jets cost $34 million to upkeep

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's mothballed fleet of A-4 Skyhawk and MB339 trainers cost NZ$34 million (US$25 million) to upkeep over the past nine years. A buyer is still being sought for the aircraft.