The Red Arrows visit Southern China to strengthen UK-China links
Members of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, are visiting Southern China from 6 to 8 November.
The Red Arrows visits Southern China to strengthen UK-China links
Apart from touring ground exhibits at the 12th China Airshow in Zhuhai, the Red Arrows will also visit Shenzhen, the innovation capital of China.
In Zhuhai Airshow, the Red Arrows met with Chinese and UK companies from aerospace and aviation industry, and toured the UK Pavilion at Airshow exhibition hall. The Red Arrows also enjoyed an aerial display by their Chinese counterparts, the PLA’s Bayi Aerobatic Team, before having the chance to meet them after their performance.
In Shenzhen, British Consul-General in Guangzhou Ms Karen Maddocks accompanied the four-strong Red Arrows team, including Wing Commander Andrew Keith and Flight Lieutenant Alicia Mason, to visit DJI, the world’s largest consumer drones manufacturer. The Red Arrows took the opportunity to try out DJI’s technology for themselves, including one drone controlled by hand movements and face recognition.
The Red Arrows delegation also visited Shenzhen Airlines’ flight training centre and tested the UK-made flight simulators. Pilots from the UK and China also shared ideas on flight training and teamwork. Shenzhen Airlines has just launched their inaugural flight from Shenzhen to London on October 30, and the visit of the Red Arrows is expect to promote further opportunities for potential UK-China collaboration in civil aviation sector.
This week’s engagement in China follows the Red Arrows’ history-making appearance at the 2016 Zhuhai Airshow, where the team thrilled audiences with nine displays over six days.
Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows, said:
The Red Arrows team is excited about coming back to Zhuhai Airshow and to visit the vibrant city of Shenzhen. The visit showcases the strong links between the UK and China and underlines how aviation is a global language.
We share so many interests and strive for excellence across engineering, innovation and creativity.
The Red Arrows also participated in the Be Yourself: Pledge for Progress campaign hosted by the British Consulate in Shenzhen Bay Club, to talk about how organisations support women’s empowerment.
Female member of the Red Arrows team, Flight Lieutenant and Engineering Officer Alicia Mason said:
I’m honoured to be invited to support the UK Government’s Be Yourself Campaign in China. All roles in the Red Arrows are open to both men and women, and I’m proud to represent the Red Arrows to talk about our open and diverse culture.
The British Consul-General to Guangzhou Ms Karen Maddocks, said:
I am delighted to welcome the Red Arrows to Southern China. The team is renowned for excellence – its impressive displays and world-leading skills represent the best of British innovation.
Today’s Be Yourself event is an opportunity for both male and female leaders to share their experience and inspire others to challenge society’s expectations and to achieve their dreams.
The Red Arrows will continue their visit in Hong Kong later this week.
The Red Arrows are officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and are the public face of the Royal Air Force. They are considered one of the best aerobatic display teams in the world. As national ambassadors, the team represents the United Kingdom at home and overseas. The Red Arrows are regarded as a great British brand and often perform at major, national occasions. Examples included at the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and their first display at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2016 which were seen by half a billion people in China via mass media.