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AIM TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE AS PART OF ENTERPRISE WEEK |
19/11/2007 |
 As part of National Enterprise Week, The Blades opened their doors to just under 70 school children on Thursday. The students were from Moulton School, Overstone Primary School and Raeburn School. Enterprise Week was originally set up to encourage children out of the classroom to experience the real life working world. It has evolved, not only to be recognised throughout the country, but to be able to allow unusual and exciting companies, such as 2Excel to get involved.
The day began at 9:30 and after an inspiring, truthful and frank talk from The Blades leader, Andy Offer, all the children were raring to go. The students were then split up into 4 groups, Team Harrier, Jaguar, Hawk and Typhoon with their very own Blades Pilot to navigate them through the 4 activities planned for the day. The students got a chance to get up close and personal with The Blades aircraft, as well as dressing up Top-Gun style in the all the equipment that the Team wear to fly.
The day was measured by its success and was rounded off perfectly with the arrival of Northampton Saints Player Sean Lamont.
“The pupils and staff had an amazing time and even today, pupils have been coming up to me and saying what a great day they had” Mrs Nelson, Moulton School
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THE BLADES TACKLE THE TIGERS |
08/11/2007 |
 Yesterday, The Blades would have turned English patriots, rugby fans and women alike, a very distinctive colour of green as they were visited by the Leicester Tigers along with 8 members of the England Rugby Team.
The internationally acclaimed rugby boys were invited by Martin Corry to go flying with The Blades as part of his testimonial year. Martin, who has flown with The Blades before, is not only team skipper for Leicester, but has also played in three World Cups. During his ten years with the Tigers, Martin has won five league titles, two European Cups and the Anglo- Welsh Cup. With 64 caps for England he has a whole line up of mates who were ready to give him banter as they flew with The Blades. The tribute video promises to be something special…
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THE RED ARROWS COME TO PLAY AT SYWELL |
01/11/2007 |
 002.jpg) At 14:45 yesterday The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, came to visit The Blades Aerobatic Team at their home ground of Sywell Aerodrome.
The Reds put on a fantastic show as they looped and rolled in their infamous 9-ship formations. The practice display was all part of their pre-deployment training for the Middle East. Sywell Aerodrome provides an unusual and challenging display site for The Red Arrows and allows them to practice away from their familiar home territory of RAF Scampton.
As the only full time civilian aerobatic team in the UK, The Blades maintain a close and strong relationship with The Red Arrows and in this situation were more than happy to help some old friends. Whilst the display was not a public display, The Reds commanded the attention of anyone near the airfield and delighted anyone who saw them.
Photo taken by John Lambeth
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UNICEF CHARITY MASKED BALL |
30/10/2007 |
 On the evening of Friday 26th October UNICEF held their annual Masked Ball to raise money for the Unite for Children, Unite against Aids campaign. The aim is to save the lives of children and to protect, care and support many more children who have lost parents or who are living with HIV.
On evenings such as this, the majority of the money raised for the cause comes from the Auction prizes which have been generously donated by companies near and far. Prizes ranged from exclusive tours of Coronation Street to weekends for two in Monaco. However, the top prize on this evening was something pretty unusual! 2Excel had donated 2 flights with their aerobatic display team, The Blades. The lot was the last of the evening and after much anticipation and excitement it sold for a considerable amount.
“We feel a strong commitment to support charities such as UNICEF” said 2Excel Director Chris Norton. “We need to continue to raise awareness of the consequences of HIV and AIDS and the appalling impact it has on life”.
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MEETING SOME OLD FRIENDS… |
26/10/2007 |
 The Blades have been fortunate this year to celebrate their military and flying heritage with some memorable old friends.
They say that ‘a picture is worth 1000 words’, and we couldn’t agree more.
Please scroll down to see some exceptional footage of The Blades in a different kind of formation!
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A RED ONE |
25/10/2007 |
 On 26th September The Blades met up with a very familiar red friend. This meeting was by no means incidental, it was part of The Blades strategy to pay homage to their heritage.
As the single Red Arrow pulled back on the throttle The Blades instinctively tucked in behind. The Hawk flown by Red 7, Paul (Pablo) O’Grady was airbourne, prior to a Red Arrows ‘In Season Practice’ (ISP), to rendezvous with The Blades for a photo-call. The formation flight was a huge success and great fun was had by all.
Photo taken by Steven Huntley.
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A HARRIER ONE |
24/10/2007 |
 In association with Royal Air Force Wittering, The Blades paid tribute to their past and their future, with a formation sortie with an old friend and colleague (both Pilot and Aircraft).
The Harrier GR9 from 20 (R) Squadron, the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit, was flown by Sqn Ldr Scott Adey. The Harrier (call-sign Striker) was the lead in the formation and gave Blades leader, Andy Offer a chance to demonstrate his formation skills.
“Those were the days” was the comment made by Blade 4 as Blades 1 called the team off the Harrier, as they prepared to showcase the display on their old home ground.
Photo taken by Mike Jorgensen |
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EVERY LITTLE HELPS |
22/10/2007 |
 compressed_1.jpg) During 2007 2Excel have supported different charities in a variety of ways. This has ranged from donating signed t-shirts and hats to flypasts to 4-ship formation flights with the world class Team.
Since launching, 2Excel have worked with the following charities in an effort to raise funds: Lunar Energy
The October Club
LT Corporation
Children’s Liver Disease Foundation
Starlight Children’s Charity
The Anthony Nolan Trust
UNICEF
Age Concern
Northampton Fire and Rescue Service
Deaf Connect for Northampton & Rutland
Royal Air Forces Association
As the company continues to grow, 2Excel will endeavour to support a range of charities, and plans are already underway to support two or three headline charities in 2008 whilst continuing to provide a range of prizes which can be donated, bought or auctioned.
Photo taken by Jamie Hunter
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A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY |
15/10/2007 |
 The time had finally come the for the winners of The Blades WIN A FLIGHT competition to claim their prize!
Here are some of the comments from the prize winners themselves…
“So unbelievably exciting, the best experience I’ve ever had!” Martyn Richards.
“When I found out that I had won, I thought WOW, I never win anything. It was great fun and a great experience” Bev Tonks.
“Wonderful, brilliant, excellent, unforgettable, best £1 I’ve ever spent” Roy Curwen.
“The most adrenalin packed 30 minuets of my life” Ian Johnson.
“An amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity. Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!!!” Miles Birnie.
“The pilots have the best jobs in the world! Brilliant, such an amazing time” Tristram Gardener.
“Awesome, very exciting, again again! Lifetime dream come true” Natalya Miles.
“I was like a kid in a sweet shop when I heard that I had won. Amazing, brilliant, unbelievable” Robert Melvin.
“A truly awesome and exhilarating once in a lifetime experience” Mark Beresford.
The Blades were over the moon to be able to offer such a unique experience, “It was fantastic to be able to give others an insight into the world of extreme formation aerobatics” said Blade 1 “We are lucky enough to work in an incredible environment and it was wonderful to share it with such an enthusiastic and appreciative group of people.”
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FINAL AIRSHOW 2007 |
25/09/2007 |
 With the 2007 UK display season drawing to an end, The Blades were determined to make sure they left Southport something to remember!
The Team arrived at Blackpool Airport on Friday 21st September in preparation for the displays on Saturday and Sunday. Although the weather on both days was a little murky, the sun eventually blasted its way through, opening up to allow The Blades to perform their full aerobatic show.
To give the season its final fanfare, The Blades treated the North West to a second impromptu display on Sunday, delighting the crowd.
“The second display was very gratefully received” said Display Director Ray Thilthorpe. “I know all the pilots from a past life, and whilst I regard them as the best civilian display team in the country, I know that they still have a lot more potential. When the attending public at Southport go away happy, I go away happy".
Photo taken by Jason Phelan
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SHOREHAM AIRSHOW |
20/09/2007 |
 After a morning display in Holland, The Blades arrived at Shoreham on Saturday afternoon to hear the tragic news of what had happened.
When the show resumed The Blades performed their display and paid tribute to their fellow aviator. The sun shone deep into the evening, finally setting as the last of the crowds departed. With Sunday came a threatening and unstable sky which deteriorated gradually throughout the day. The Blades, who were closing the Airshow for 2007, took the brunt of the bad weather, but true to their heritage and professionalism put on a incredible show.
All proceeds from the Airshow goes to the Royal Air Force Association, and The Blades were pleased to be able, not only to take part in the event, but also to make a donation to the charity.
The Team are next displaying at Southport Airshow and everyone is crossing fingers and toes for good weather to end the 2007 season.
Photo taken by Jason Phelan
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THE BLADES TAKE ON THE CHANNEL ISLANDS |
15/09/2007 |
 On Tuesday 11th September, The Blades with their support crew left Sywell for the idyllic settings of the Channel Islands to take part in ‘The Battle of Britain Week” in Guernsey and Jersey.
While the Team were in Guernsey, they hosted a corporate event in association with one of the islands PR agency, CMA PR. The corporate day was an outstanding success, with all the passengers vowing to return again next year.
On Thursday, The Blades took to the skies to perform their aerial repertoire of daring twists, turns tumbles, defying the laws of aerodynamics. With the incredible turning capability of the Extra 300, The Blades kept both displays neatly tucked in the bays, right in front of the crowds.
“The weather for both displays was fabulous and the hospitality on both islands was, as usual, second to none” said Blade 4 Myles Garland.
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THE BLADES SEASON IS YET TO END |
14/09/2007 |
.jpg) Just as you would think that the summer was beginning to wind down, The Blades are motoring, full throttle ahead.
Here is a list of a few of the things that the Team have been up to in the last couple of weeks:
Weymouth Carnival
Airbourne, Eastbourne
Red Arrows Families Day
Clacton Airshow
P1 Powerboat racing, Cowes
Wings and Wheels, Dunsfold
Eye Show and Country Fair
Launch of the National Aviation Academy, Doncaster
Northern Ireland International Airshow, Portrush
Jersey International Airshow
Guernsey Airshow.
The Team have been looping and rolling all over the UK and beyond. With the new crowd rear arrival now a permanent addition to the display The Blades are remaining at the cutting edge of advanced formation display flying.
If you want to come flying with The Blades you have a few precious weeks left to enter the Team’s text competition. Text BLADES plus your name and age to 88010 to be in with the chance to win one of 24 flights, but you'd better hurry as the competition finishes on the 24th September… so get texting!
The Team is currently on their way to Holland, but you can catch them back here in the UK at Shoreham on the 15th and 16th September and again at Southport on the 22nd and 23rd of September.
Photo taken by Bob Franklin
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HIGH FLYING TOM DOES SOMETHING DIFFERENT |
26/08/2007 |
.jpg) Tom Mourand was one of thousands of high flyers who was chosen by the BBC to take part in their “Do Something Different” Programme.
The Challenge: To fly and aerobatic loop unassisted
The Aircraft: Extra 300 LP
The Teacher: Blade 1 and ex Red Arrows leader, Andy Offer
The Judge: Red 2, Andrew ‘Boomer’ Keith
The Training: RAF Aptitude Tests, Motion sickness training on white knuckle rides, Pre and Post Flight Briefings and of course Flying!
The Outcome: PASSED (with flying colours)
The Programme was broadcast on 23rd and 24th August on BBC2 and CBBC.
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THE BLADES BREAK THE MOULD WITH CROWD REAR ARRIVALS |
15/08/2007 |
 Being at the forefront of advance display flying is nothing new for The Blades, but at the weekend they demonstrated a new capability to the crowds at Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. Due to The Team's heritage, professionalism and ever evolving and improving display, The Blades applied for "A universal crowd rear arrival" and as a testament to their skill and ability, they got it!
A crowd rear arrival is something that has not been seen in the UK or Europe for more than 10 years and is where the team actually start the display from behind the crowd-line and enter the display over their heads.
"It's a great addition to the display at it provides a fantastic entrance and immediately catches everyone's attention" said 2Excel Director Chris Norton. "So next time your watching the display, expect something unexpected!!"
At 2Excel safety comes first and The Team practised long and hard encompassing the new move before debuting it to the public, and we hope you'll agree; it's breathtaking.
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THE BLADES TAKE THE SKY BY STORM AT SKANDIA COWES WEEK |
14/08/2007 |
 The Blades joined forces this weekend with Skandia Cowes Week, the largest, longest running and most prestigious International Sailing Regatta ever. Cowes Week is a week long event and attracts sailors, both professional and not, from all around the world. Closing on 11th August, The Blades took to the skies to give Cowes the world-class end that it deserves.
"The weather was beautiful" said Blades Leader, Andy Offer. "It was the end of an auspicious week and was such a great venue to display at; very picturesque."
"It was a display to remember" added Blade 2, Dave Slow.
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THE BLADES SHOW LOWESTOFT THEY'VE GOT BALLS |
30/07/2007 |
 In the glorious but somewhat blustery weather on the East Coast, The Blades stormed in to display at Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th July. The event, rumoured to attract a quarter of a million people, was a huge success despite the unstable weather. The Blades performed a full display, looping and rolling all the way along the Seafront.
The Blades also released their limited edition beach balls to the lucky but unsuspecting public. People were rushing from left to right to get their paws on one of the orange black beach balls sign-written with The Blades logo. The beach was then amass with black and orange as people kicked, bounced and cuddled the inflatables.
"I think next year we'll need to bring millions more beach balls" said Team Commentator, Chris Margiotta (Mags) "It would be great to have enough balls to give away so that the Pilots can actually see them from the sky."
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THE BLADE BABES |
30/07/2007 |
 The 28th and 29th of July saw something unusual happen in the North! At the Sunderland International Airshow, The Blades gave the spectators something more than an aerial display to look at. On top of performing their breathtaking 12 minute display, they also provided on the ground entertainment in the form of six gorgeous Blades Babes. The Babes were at Sunderland to challenge everyone and anyone to a game of Volleyball.
The Blades Babes went down a treat, with a constant stream of willing contenders the girls ducked and dived letting nothing get in the way of winning!!
The most anticipated match of the weekend was The Blades vs The Blades Babes. In true style The Blades left the girls speechless.
Photo taken by Darren Taylor |
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THE BLADES TAKE TO THE SKIES AT SILVERSTONE |
11/07/2007 |
 - compressed.jpg) With ITV's Grand Prix front man Steve Rider in pole position with The Blades, the Team took to the skies to create an unseen spectacle in the early evening sky above Silverstone on Saturday 7th July.
With a clear blue backdrop, The Blades demonstrated professionalism, skill and dedication, themes that were to run true on both the ground and the air over the weekend.
"I've displayed at Silverstone a number of times over the past with The Reds but it was fantastic to give both Steve and Holly (Radio 5 Live) a 'bird's eye view' of a circuit which they both know so well" said Andy Offer, Blade 1.
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THE WEATHER BREAKS FOR THE BLADES |
26/06/2007 |
 On Sunday the 24th June, The Blades managed to do two full shows despite the weather's best attempt to stop them!
After an hour plus transit in doom and gloom, The Blades arrived at Carlisle Airport to prepare for the first of their two displays of the day. They were in Cumbria to display for the Cumbria Police Roadsafe Day, which has been set up in order to raise awareness of the dangers the roads present. The Blades were drafted in for the second year running to draw the crowds to the event and to demonstrate that being responsible and professional does not have to mean being boring!
"It's great to be a part of something as worthwhile as Roadsafe" said Blade 4, Myles Garland, "especially as we are all keen bikers".
The Blades then landed back at Carlisle before whizzing off over the pond to Ireland, for the International Salthill Airshow in Galway. The weather complained all the way there, but just as The Blades called for take-off for the display, the clouds parted and the sun shone through. The display looked fantastic as the aircraft glistened in the sun with the clear blue sky behind, and was made even more dramatic with the moody clouds either side.
The Blades ended the show to a roar of applause, whistling, and shouting from the crowd. "The Blades were fantastic" said one onlooker, "they just keep getting better and better".
You can catch The Blades at Waddington International Airshow on Saturday 30th and Sunday 1st July. |
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COSFORD STANDS TALL FOR THE BLADES |
13/06/2007 |
 After a misty and murky start to The Cosford Airshow on Sunday 10th June, the day finished in glorious sunshine, with most of the crowd on their feet applauding The Blades pilots after a spectacular show.
"I think that was the best reception I've ever had at an Airshow" said Blade 2, Dave Slow.
The Blades arrived at Cosford at lunchtime and spent the afternoon walking around the show, meeting the public and signing autographs. There was also a huge interest in the text competition to 'Win a Flight' with the Team, the number of which, has just been painted on the underneath of the Aircraft so that it can be seen from the ground.
The Blades next display is in Holland for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. |
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FROM GERRY |
07/06/2007 |
 My thanks again to all at 2excel Aviation for providing me with a truly incredible unforgettable time flying with the Blades at Biggin Hill on Friday. Awesome!!
It was a great privilege and pleasure to meet & fly with true professionals such as Andy Offer, Andy Evans, Dave Slow & Myles Garland. A great bunch of guys!! I had a fantastic time!!
My thanks again also to you & Jeanette. It was a pleasure to meet you both and also being introduced to Chris Norton......... I wish 2Excel all the very best for the future. Congratulations on also winning the award yesterday for best display. I am sure there will be many more to come!!
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"FLYBOYS" TO FLYING BOYS |
05/06/2007 |
 On the 2nd of June, Biggin Hill Air Fair was host to the launch of 'FlyBoys', the new action packed movie about young Americans who volunteered for the French military before the U.S. entered World War I, and became the country's first fighter pilots. The cast were in Kent to promote the film surrounded by the original war time aircraft.
David Ellison, one of the leading cast members also happened to be an Extra 300 Pilot back in the States, so The Blades took the opportunity of flying a FlyBoy! The Blades also flew prize winners from LBC Radio and The History Channel who had won the 'once and lifetime' chance to fly with the Team and LBC presenter Michael Traboulsi.
Due to time restrictions The Blades only flew a formation of 3, but Gerry Lewcock (LBC winner) had the time of his life. "I've worked with aircraft all for such a long time, but never been given the chance to experience something like this!"
"It was a real pleasure to fly two such deserving prize winners and we thoroughly enjoyed having both Gerry and Toby (History Channel winner) as part of our Team" said Kat Nicoll, PRO. |
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THE BLADES WIN BEST DISPLAY AT BIGGIN |
05/06/2007 |
 The Blades blew Biggin Hill International Air Fair away for the second year this weekend, when they impressed everyone, including the most critical of aviators, with their brand new display for 2007.
The Air Fair which boasts some of the best aerobatic displays in the world was held on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of June, even the weather maintained a degree of excellence for the somewhat 160,000 people that turned up over the weekend.
The show was packed with displays from singletons, formations, jets to role demos, but at the end of day the prestigious Battle of Britain Trophy for the best display was awarded to the newest Team on the circuit.
"We are over the moon" said Team Leader Andy Offer, "to be awarded such a trophy, considering the company we were in was an incredible honour. We hope to improve the show every year and have worked extremely hard to try and come up with something out of the ordinary, I'm pleased that all the practice has paid off."
You can catch The Blades' breath-taking display next weekend at the RAF Cosford International Airshow. |
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THE BLADES BATTLED IT OUT AT SOUTHEND |
30/05/2007 |
 The Blades returned to UK last week to display at the Westcliff Casino Southend Airshow on the 27th and 28th May. As everybody waited with baited breath for the wonderful sunny Bank Holiday weather to appear, it never did! This however did not dampen the spirits of Britain's hottest formation Team.
The Blades, whose experience is second to none, used their knowledge and expertise to battle the wind and rain to giving the Southend spectators something extra special to watch.
"It was a bit bumpy" said the Team's newest recruit, Blade 2 Dave Slow. "But we are really pleased that we managed to display, and I hope that everyone enjoyed the new show."
Photo taken by Tim Callaway |
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THE BLADES GIVE WORLD SUPER BIKE RIDERS THE RIDE OF THEIR LIFE |
24/05/2007 |
 On the 24th May, in the sleepy suburbs of Northampton, two sets of very different professional adrenaline junkies came together. The Blades, the world's only globally accredited aerobatic airline and the World Super Bike Championship front runners, met for a press launch extraganza ahead of this weekend's race at Silverstone.
To give the Riders a taste of something extraordinary The Blades, under their Air Operators Certificate, flew both Troy Bayliss, current world champion and Troy Corser, whilst fellow Racers, Max Baggi and James Toseland (current 2007 championship leader) watched in anticipation.
Flown by Blades 2, and 3, the Riders were tipped and turned, rolled and stalled whilst only being a few feet away from the other Extra 300 LP aircraft with a number of the industries top journalists in them.
"I thought I had the best job in world" said Troy Corser " but I think you do!"
The Blades will be setting the race off to a flying start on Sunday at 13:00. "It was great to meet the Riders ahead of the race" said Blade 3 and World Super Bike fan Myles Garland. "They all now know what the display looks like from the sky, and I hope they enjoy as much from the ground." |
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WIN A FLIGHT |
16/05/2007 |
 Have you ever wanted to do aerobatics?
Have you ever wondered how it feels to fly in formation?
Have you ever dreamed of Flying with a Red Arrows pilot?
This is your chance. You could win one of 24 'once in a lifetime' flights with the world's only global formation aerobatic airline, The Blades.
You'll fly in the front seat of the outstanding, high performance, 2-seat Extra 300 LP aircraft in specially designed formation flights, which can be as daring and extreme as you want. Each sortie will be designed according to personal limits to make sure that your experience will be unforgettable. But what experience could match the thrill of being flown by one of the world's best formation aerobatic pilots, looping and rolling just a few feet away from 3 other aircraft?
Your sortie will be flown under the Air Operators Certificate, which is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority. In simple terms, this means professionalism and safety are paramount and like any other commercial airline, we are fully responsible for you while you are in our care.
Simply text Blades followed your name and age to 88010
Entry to the Draw will cost £1. No restriction on number of entries. Lines close midnight 24th September 2007.
Passengers must be over 12 years old. Some physical limitations apply. Please click on 'Win a Flight' above to read the full terms and conditions.
Photo taken by Mike Jorgenson
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MANAMA, CAPITAL OF BAHRAIN'S, FIRST AIRSHOW |
12/05/2007 |
 The two day Fun and Joy Carnival was held on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May on the Manama Corniche in Bahrain. More than 2000 families attended the event to watch The Blades perform three daring and thrilling air displays in what was the areas first aerobatic Display.
It was The Blades' final weekend in the Middle East and one that they were determined to make unforgettable. The event, which was sponsored by Ithmaar Group was organised by Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management and mAdPeople and gave carnival visitors a taste of the 4-ship precision formation aerobatics. The audience were also given the chance to enter into a lucky raffle to win a flight with The Blades.
There was something for each member of the family- clowns, face painting, trick shows, kids karaoke, pony rides, traditional arts and crafts and much, much more. The highlights of the day were the three aerial displays provided by The Blades.
The first display was at 3:45, where Blade 4, Myles Garland performed solo, giving the amazed crowd below a taster of what was to come. At 4:45 Team Leader and Blade 1, Andy Offer, accompanied by Blade 2, Dave Slow, continued to build the excitement with formation aerobatics which included the never seen before "Blades Heart". The day culminated in a full 4-ship display which finished to a standing ovation, claps and cheers. |
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THE BLADES GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO BAHRAIN |
11/05/2007 |
 The Blades, who have been on deployment in the Middle East for just under three months, decided to host an event for 21 Orphans from the Royal Charity.
The group of 21 boys ranging in age from 6-24 enjoyed the privilege of spending the morning with The Blades at their hangar at The Bahrain International Airport. They were treated to a royal welcome from the Team and given a detailed brief on light aircraft, the equipment used, safety precautions and the complex engineering of the four Extra aircraft described by Blade 1 as “the Ferrari of the Sky”.
After a sumptuous lunch and refreshments provided by the Airport, the children were split into groups with their own Blades Pilot to take part in the four activities arranged. These included dressing in Flying suits with Parachutes and Helmets, soaking members of the organisation with water from the Airport’s enormous Fire truck, visiting the Americans who are stationed out in Bahrain and being given an insight into Flying Dynamics.
Later, by private VIP bus, the boys were taken to the Fun and Joy Carnival at the Manama Corniche just in front of the Financial Harbour in Bahrain, where they were given VIP access to all areas and rides.
“I think there may be a few budding Pilots” said Blade 3 Andy Evans “it was wonderful to meet such an enthusiastic and creative group”
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BLADES DROP IN FULL THROTTLE TO 3RD ROUND OF GRAND PRIX |
25/04/2007 |
 As the world watched the 3rd Round of the FIA Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain, something extra special and never seen in Bahrain before, let alone above the International Racing Circuit, took up pole position before the race.
Setting the race off to a throttle fuelled start, The Blades ducked and dived performing their brand new display to the international audience of motor racing legends.
"Displaying above the Bahrain International Circuit was incredible" said Team Leader Andy Offer "the views were fantastic".
The two month deployment of The Blades has proved to be a fantastic training ground for The Team as they have not been hindered by the weather. The rumours flying around about the display this year are for it to include the never seen before "Blades Close formation Hammerhead"!
The Blades will be back in the UK middle of May and the first opportunity to see their new display will be at Southend Air Show on the 27th and 28th May. |
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THE BLADES IN BAHRAIN DAZZLE AT THE RITZ |
19/03/2007 |
 Over 150 delegates including VIPs and media representatives from across the Gulf attended the Ritz Carlton in Bahrain last week for the launch of The Blades in Bahrain.
After a press conference The Blades pilots were given a police escort to Bahrain International Airport to perform their display to VIPs and press only 45 minutes after leaving. Attendees gathered on the private island in front of the Ritz and were treated to one of the most thrilling displays the pilots have done so far. With the financial district in the background The Blades in Bahrain corkscrewed their way through the sky and snaked their way up through the smoky heat of the day. Despite winds early in the morning the conditions were perfect for the pilots in the afternoon.
Media attention was high for the whole event seeing reporters, photographers and cameramen from news outlets across the Gulf. News of a display taking place had leaked throughout The Kingdom of Bahrain the week before prompting the public to stop on the highways to make sure they caught a glimpse of the action. And for those who stopped and for those watching from their office windows they were treated to a live broadcast on Radio Bahrain talking them through the spectacular moves.
"We are proud and honoured to have the Team here" said Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, a member of the Bahrain Royal Family. "Together we build a strong message promoting the Kingdom and the Bahrain Grand Prix to the world, supporting our position as an attractive location to visit." |
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HOW TO GET FOUR AIRCRAFT OUT TO THE MIDDLE EAST WITHOUT FIRING THE ENGINES |
17/03/2007 |
 All the pilots are now settled in The Kingdom of Bahrain taking advantage of the good weather to train in their Extras. But it has been a long process to move the aircraft to the Middle East with lots of planning, lots of delicate packing and lots of help from engineers.
On 7th February G-ZEXL and G-ZXCL were flown to Wycombe Air Park to be dismantled with G-OFFO and G-ZXEL following on the 13th February. Please visit our photo gallery to see the photos of each stage of the move. The process was as follows:
•The turtle decks were removed.
•All fluids were drained to reduce the risk of fire.
•The spats were taken off.
•The wings and tailplanes were removed. Lots of man power needed!
•The wings were re-branded as "The Blades in Bahrain".
•The pallets and crates arrived at Wycombe to pack the aircraft.
•The aircraft were strapped tightly on to their crates.
•The spinners were removed to make the aircraft 18 inches shorter and more manoeuvrable in the Jumbo.
•The wings were packed in to 30 ft boxes. Again, lots of man power.
•The aircraft were wrapped in cling film to stop animals climbing in the holes during transit.
•A lorry arrived at Wycombe to transport the aircraft via road to Amsterdam.
•The Extras were loaded on to the Jumbo 747 in Amsterdam. It's a tight squeeze with inches to spare. Blade 2 was there to supervise.
•The aircraft were met in Bahrain by Blade 4.
•The planes were rebuilt in the Kingdom of Bahrain and G-OFFO is taken for its first flight in the Middle East. |
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HR MAGAZINE |
05/03/2007 |
 To read the article in the March issue of HR Magazine published by Haymarket on how The Blades motivate and inspire high achievers click here. |
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FLYING HIGH AFTER A GREAT NIGHT OF NETWORKING |
05/03/2007 |
 2Excel and The Blades reached new heights on Monday 19th February at a swanky hotel in the centre of London. Soho Hotel played host to a networking evening organised by the Buyers Networking Club for event organisers from across the UK and The Blades were definitely the talk of the town. Attending the event was Director Chris Norton OBE DFC, Blade 2 Dave Slow, Operations Officer Kat Nicoll and Public Relations Officer Philippa Hall.
A DVD showing all the moves from The Blades' display and 2Excel's Corporate Hospitality events was playing in the background creating quite a stir. The Team spent the evening promoting The Blades and drawing the event organiser's attention to the corporate and private opportunities available. The interest spanned from just fun and excitement to the use of a day with The Blades to cement new relationships, improve internal relations and transform working practices using their development programmes.
To see the Buyers Networking Club report please click here. |
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THE BLADES HEAD FOR THE MIDDLE EAST |
12/02/2007 |
The Blades are deploying to the Middle East for their first tour ever outside Europe. The only globally accredited aerobatic airline, comprising four former Red Arrows, will be based in the Kingdom of Bahrain for two months from the middle of March to the middle of May.
Two of the high-performance Extra 300 LPs have already left their base in Sywell to begin their 3000 miles trip to Bahrain. They have flown to Wycombe Air Park to be dismantled and packed in purpose built containers. This involves taking the wings off the fuselage and tightly strapping the components to a crate. It will take a total of three weeks to build the crates, dismantle the aircraft, fly them to Bahrain and rebuild them again.
"We're obviously taking a lot of care moving the aircraft" said Blade 1 Andy Offer. "We'll pack them so there'll be no chance of them moving, we'll escort them on the cargo plane and Myles, Blade 4, will be in Bahrain to supervise the off-loading and take them through customs. Three engineers are going to join him a day later to start putting them back together for flying in early March."
The Blades' parent company 2 Excel Aviation has created a strategic alliance with Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management (MEEM) to provide the same services they provide in the UK to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Capitalizing on the exceptional skills and heritage of the Team, the Blades will provide breathtaking public and private displays, opportunities to fly in the front seat of their Extra 300s, and the chance to use the display team's exceptional capabilities as a marketing and communications tool. They will display at a number of high profile events including the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix - the third FIA Formula One race of 2007. |
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WATCH BLUE PETER PRESETER GETHIN JONES BEAT TRAVEL SICKNESS WITH THE BLADES |
03/01/2007 |
 Blue Peter will be broadcasting the footage of Gethin Jones and The Blades on 17th January. The Programme is broadcast on BBC 1 at 5PM. |
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