through the ride's centrepiece theming element, a portal, which links to the ride's space theme. Followed by this, riders are turned from the prone position onto their backs. The coaster then performs a large upward left turn before twisting again, returning riders to the prone position. After exiting from the lie-to-fly element, Galactica passes underneath a small ravine before pitching up, into a tight turn over the plaza area. A 360 degrees inline twist is followed up by a series of straight flying, and several turns and dips in the track. The train then comes to a stop on the brake run before returning to one of the ride's two stations. Reception The Tussauds Group, owners of Alton Towers in the early 2000s, claimed that Air contributed to the park's strong performance in 2002 and 2003. In Amusement Todays annual Golden Ticket Awards, Air was ranked in the top 50 steel roller coasters numerous times following its opening. It peaked at position 24 in 2003, before dropping to position 34 in 2004 and 36 in 2005. In 2006, it tied for position 49 with another Bolliger & Mabillard flying coaster, Superman: Ultimate Flight. It would not appear in the top 50 again until 2015 when it peaked at 38. References External links Alton Towers Roller coasters in the United Kingdom Roller coasters introduced in 2002 Flying roller coasters manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard Roller coasters operated by Merlin Entertainments Steel roller coasters Rides designed by John Wardley 2002 establishments in England