For the first time in Israel's history, aircraft from the United Arab Emirates will take part in the traditional Independence Day flyover, which this year falls on May 5.
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Organized by the Israel Air Line Pilots Association, the flyover will feature planes from all of Israel's airlines: national carrier El Al, Israir, Arkia, Kal, and Ayit. This year, the civilian companies are expected to be joined by their Emirati counterparts, Etihad and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, although Etihad has yet to confirm.
Captain Maydan Bar, chairman of the IFALPA, said, "First and foremost, this is a pilots' flyover, which proves that regional cooperation is achievable, and not only as announcements. I welcome with all my heart the pilots from the Gulf states who are taking part in our peace flyover and hope for continued, even increased, cooperation."
"This flyover proves once and for all the strength of Israel's civilian aviation sector. The companies that for the last two years have been forced to deal with the challenges of COVID are now returning to full operations, even more," Bar said.
The civilian flyover is scheduled to take off at 12:45 p.m., when the Israeli Air Force completes its own Independence Day event. The civilian flyover will begin at Acre on Israel's northern coast and fly south to Ashdod, and then will turn around and fly toward Netanya, where it will fly from west to east.
The flyover is planned for a very low altitude of 1,000 feet, which will give the audience to see the aircraft close up. The event is scheduled to end at 1:20 p.m.
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