This summer will see the Royal International Air Tattoo unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the world’s greatest airshow even more enjoyable for the thousands of people who flock to the Cotswolds each year for this unique celebration of aviation.

New Visitor Service Stations, themed areas and a variety of other enhancements in the showground are being introduced to ensure that all the thrilling aerial action is matched by an equally-enjoyable customer experience on the ground.

Visitors to the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 20-21, will be invited to try out three new Service Stations, which have been designed to bring together everything needed for a great day out including food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, toilets, official merchandise outlets, banking services, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover.

Organisers believe improved signage on the showground, greater access to aircraft, participating pilots/aircrew and new enclosure opportunities will add further to people’s enjoymentwhilst at RAF Fairford.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said many of the initiatives have been introduced in response to feedback from visitors who said that with so much happening in the air and on the ground during the day it was a challenge to take in all that was happening and where everything was.

Mr Prince said: “Of course the aircraft are the stars of the show but we also recognise that the showground’s a big area and there’s lots going on over the weekendso it can be a bit daunting. We started bygathering together many of the facilities people useduring the day into three strategically-located Service Stations.

“We’ve also extended the range of catering options in these areas so visitors can now enjoy vegetarian and Asian cuisine – plus deli bars – alongside the traditional burger and fish & chip options.

“We’ve looked at everything we do in terms of delivering customer satisfaction from the journey to the airshow, the event itself and the departure phase. We’re confident visitors will welcome the enhancements we’ve introduced.”

July will also see the Air Tattoo unveil three new entertainment zones on the showground: the Techno Zone, the Toys For Boys Zone and the Vintage Village each offering a range of exciting ground-based attractions and hands’ on activities courtesy of leading brands such as Caterham and Animal.

Mr Prince said: “Most people knowthatour event isone of the greatest aviation spectacles in the world but there is so much more to the Air Tattoo experiencethan just that – and this summer we’re going to prove it!”

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. Special Earlybird tickets, priced from £35, are available until April 4. All under-16s go free. Free parking.For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.

Tags: 2013, March, News, RIAT, Royal International Air Tattoo