Opened in 2002 at a cost of £12 million, Air was Europe's first B&M Flying Coaster. Following in the footsteps of Nemesis and Oblivion, the ride continued Alton Towers' tradition of building "first-of-a-kind" roller coasters.

Located close to Nemesis in Forbidden Valley but featuring minimal theming, Air aims to recreate the experience of flying. Guests board the ride in a seated position, but the seats rotate to leave them facing the ground before the ride enters its opening lift hill.

After plunging down its first drop and a 180-degree bend, Air's trains swoop down towards the ground below. The track then twists so that riders are lying on their backs, before rotating again and passing through a short tunnel. After a 360-degree barrel roll, the train hits the brake run and returns to the station.