The Flying Falcon, Hannes Arch, fired up the crowds in February of 2011 at the Al Ain Aerobatic Show with his dazzling new "Rhythm & Air" routine, which made its global premiere at the show. For the first time ever this stunning new act brought together live music, world-class dancers and eye-catching aerobatics in a breathtaking display themed around the four elements of fire, air, earth and water.

As one of the world's foremost aerobatic stars and former World Champion of the Red Bull Air Race, Arch is a global ambassador for show organiser, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. His new display of choreographed manoeuvres in the sky over the Oasis City of Al Ain was supported on the ground by Vienna's world famous experimental musicians Gernot Ursin and Wolfgang Krsek (NOISIA), who performed using several unique sound sculptures made from stainless steel, and renowned Cellist Irmi Vukovich, who stars for the world-famous Vienna Symphonic Orchestra. And giving the whole routine added sparkle, the specially composed music was supported on stage by the outstanding Karina Sarkissova, principal ballet dancer of the Vienna State Opera, as well as a spectacular fire act that closed the whole show, performed by action model and actress Miriam Höller, known from the TV show "Germany's next Top Model." "Rhythm & Air" was the highlight of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, and at the same time marked a milestone in aerobatic flying, bringing extreme flying sports together with experimental music, classical music, modern ballet dancing and acting on stage.

From Europe, with love

Flying is art! A fact impressively proven by Hannes Arch at the Scalaria Air Challenge 2011. Embedded into the perfect natural backdrop of the Wolfgangsee (Lake Wolfgang), his unique project “Rhythm & Air” had its European premiere. Thousands of spectators came to watch live amongst them several VIPs of sports, society and economy.

Just short before sunset in a perfect evening atmosphere the 35 minute long show was launched. "I’m very happy everything turned out that well. As for every premiere you never know until the very last moment if everything in midair, on the ground or on the water comes together. Me personally, I found it important to touch the crowd emotionally and I think we quite did that," commented the Red Bull Air Race World Champion of 2008, being pleased with this absolutely successful premiere in Europe.

'Rhythm & Air' – initiated by Hannes Arch – represents a new dimension in aerobatics, combining it with experimental music and modern, action paced show-acts. World premiered in Al Ain, a desert town in the United Arab Emirates, it now also impressed the crows at the pictorial Wolfgansee (Lake Wolfgang).