Connecting with fans most fulfilling: Red Arrows pilot

Manama : Connecting with the fans is the most fulfilling part of being with the Red Arrows, said Red Arrows Squadron Leader David Montenegro yesterday. 

“It may seem as though being part of the Red Arrows is all about the adrenaline filled thrill of performing unthinkable manoeuvres on air, however, the real joy is when connecting with the fans,” said Montenegro while addressing the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, one day after the team performed in Bahrain.

“This is really the most fulfilling aspect of what we do. It’s wonderful to see how the people have enjoyed the twenty minute performance. For instance in Jeddah, we were surrounded by 900 children who were there to watch the display. They were there to watch it on a public holiday. In Karachi as soon we landed we were greeted by a hundred school children, it was fabulous. Since we have not been to Pakistan in over 20 years there were so many people who have never seen the team. It was a really special day for us,” he said. 

Speaking about the performance in Bahrain he said, “We did a fantastic show yesterday and the only way we could have achieved it is because of the help we received and we are thankful to all those who have worked so hard to make it happen. UK and Bahrain have a very good relationship, in Defence, business, trade, education etc and with yesterday we demonstrated the ties in aviation,” he said, adding, “on a personal note, yesterday was my last ever public display for the team."

The Red Arrows is part of UK’s Royal Air Force, it was after four years that they have performed in Bahrain on Sunday. Nine BAE Systems Hawk aircraft performed a series of precision formations and dynamic loops and rolls over Seef. Hundreds of people had gathered in Reef Island, Karababad beach and Nurana Islands to watch the display. The red arrows have performed 4800 displays in the span of more than 50 years since their first show in 1965.