Despite the Newark Air Museum being closed due to the latest Covid-19 Lockdown and the museum staff being furloughed, work behind the scenes has continued. The museum trustees are pleased to advise that thanks to a collection review by Aerospace Bristol, the museum will soon be taking ownership of GAF Jindivik, A92-708.

The Jindivik is currently in store at Aerospace Bristol’s site at Patchway, Bristol. When Covid guidelines allow, this example of the famous reusable pilotless target aircraft will be moved to Newark’s Gateway Aviation Site in in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire.

As an Accredited Museum, the trustees of Newark Air Museum were able to facilitate the transfer of this exhibit in quite a simple manner. The trustees are grateful to the assistance provided by Stefanie Vincent AMA, Collections Manager at Aerospace Bristol throughout the decision making process.

“We are extremely grateful to Aerospace Bristol for helping us to complete this latest acquisition”, commented museum trustee Colin Savill, he continued. “From its use a target drone the Jindivik lies within two of our collecting remits; it will also complement the museum’s UAV display. The UAV display was established as a collaborative exercise with the Institute of Engineering and Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) at the University of Nottingham and the RAF Museum, Hendon.”

“Firstly, it fits within our training collection where we have a considerable aircraft collection and other training aids. Secondly it complements our developing munitions display including Blue Steel, Yellow Sun, various missiles and bomb disposal equipment.”

He concluded, “The current plan is to display the Jindivik outdoors, with a longer term aim of displaying it under cover. We are really looking forward to adding this to our collection.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

This summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo, which was due to take place at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire on July 16-18, has been cancelled by organisers, the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE).

RAFCTE Directors concluded that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 meant there were too many risks associated with pressing ahead with the airshow. It is the second year running the event has been unable to take place.

Air Tattoo CEO Paul Atherton said he and his team had been working hard during the past six months to explore ways in which the Air Tattoo could take place against the backdrop of the pandemic but, with five months to the event, there still remained too many unknowns.

“If we knew, with some degree of certainty what the situation would be in the summer,” he said, “we’d be able to plan ahead but, the truth is, we simply don’t know. We have reached a point where, to plan further, would involve us committing large sums of money to secure the event infrastructure. Without any insurance being available this year, this money would be lost if the airshow had to cancel nearer the time. It was simply too big a risk to take.

“I know how disappointed all those who are involved in the airshow will be, from our incredible army of volunteers and loyal ticketholders to our valued corporate guests, suppliers, traders and sponsors, as well as the many military air arms from around the globe, but I also know they will understand and support our decision. Public safety is paramount, and we also have a duty to protect the future of RIAT. By making this decision in a timely and controlled manner, we will be in a far stronger position to bounce back in 2022.”

Mr Atherton added that it was particularly disappointing to have to announce the cancellation of the airshow this year, the Air Tattoo’s 50th anniversary.

He said: “Everyone was looking forward to marking the Air Tattoo’s 50th at RAF Fairford in July and we had some great ideas as to how best to celebrate the incredible achievements of this much-loved event since it was first staged in 1971. We remain determined to identify new opportunities to mark this important milestone this year, both by building on the success of last year’s inaugural Virtual Air Tattoo as well as other exciting activities, where possible.”

All ticketholders for this summer’s Air Tattoo will be contacted by the end of February and offered either a refund or the opportunity to roll over their tickets to the 2022 Air Tattoo, which will take place on July 15-17.

www.airtattoo.com

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, and the resulting short-term uncertainty for mass events, the RAF Cosford Air Show team have taken the difficult decision to postpone this year’s event, which was to be held on Sunday 13th June 2021.

Whilst the Air Show Team is disappointed to be in this position once again, they are already reviewing options to create a smaller, socially-distanced event across the weekend of the 11th and 12th September 2021. Further details will be announced through Air Show social media and the Air Show website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk once the position for mass events is clearer.

Air Show Director, Mr Clive Elliott, said, “The health and well-being of our visitors and serving personnel is always our top priority. The team is working hard to develop an event which will include many of the familiar Air Show highlights whilst keeping our visitors safe.”

Customers who have held onto their 2020 tickets can request a refund at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk/tickets or they will remain valid for the next Air Show event.

With great regret, we must announce that the Royal Navy International Air Day (RNIAD) will not take place this year as scheduled at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, on Saturday 10 July.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic and currentgovernment policy on large outdoor gatherings, the risks associated with hosting a large-scale international event in July is too significant for all parties involved. It is therefore with great disappointment that the Royal Navy has had to make the difficult decision to cancel their flagship public event.

The annual airshow welcomes over 35,000 visitors from across the UK and aviation enthusiasts from around the world as well as many aircraft from allied nations to participate in the extensive flying and static displays. The Royal Navy and AHA Events Ltd would like to take this opportunity to thank them, along with sponsors, exhibitors, service providers, station personnel and the many other stakeholders, for their continued support to the RNIAD and hope to welcome them back in 2022.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday