A Bell 412 helicopter played a key role in the December 2 celebration of the United Arab Emirates National Day, towing the world’s largest banner–the UAE national flag–along the seaside Corniche. The banner was visible from 20 kilometers as the Falcon Aviation Services helicopter towed the massive 4,600-sq-m flag. The celebration also included hot air balloon rides, aerial aerobatic demonstrations and fireworks.

Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, UAE president and Falcon Aviation founder, began the tradition of flying the record-breaking flag banner at National Day 2007, the first time the world’s record was broken for flying the largest banner.

“We are honored to be part of celebrating the UAE’s 41st National Day,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Towing the world’s largest aerial banner is one example of the dozens of missions that the Bell 412 performs around the world, due to its outstanding power and payload-carrying capability.”