UK’s Red Arrows presents stunning air show at Karachi's sea view

KARACHI: The United Kingdom (UK)’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic team – commonly known as Red Arrows – is performing an air show at Sea View beach here to celebrate 70-year ties with Pakistan.

The air show is open to the public.

The Red Arrows are one of the most famous aerobatics display teams in the world, besides being pride of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

The British team comprises more than 120 personnel, including pilots, engineers, and essential support staff.

They are known for their combination of close formations and precision flying as well as using coloured vapour trails leaving red, white and blue across the sky.

The Red Arrows were given their nickname as the training aircraft they use is predominantly red.

The pilots are often the most highly qualified and experienced in the RAF and last year flew in 4,800 displays in 57 countries. It is believed they are touring Pakistan after 20 years.

The team currently flies the BAE Systems Hawk T1 jet and can fly as low as 100 feet and reach speeds of up to 600 miles per hour.

The Red Arrows are currently based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and that is where they practice their heart-stopping routines.

Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft are also participating in the air show, said a press release by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) earlier.

“The blue skies of Karachi would turn red with the presence of Royal Air Force team which is famous for its jaw-dropping formation aerobatics,” said the PAF.

Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Shahid Baig Mirza, Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah are among the dignitaries present at the air show.