Archive for the ‘UK Airshow News’ Category

Royal International Air Tattoo experiencing unprecedented demand

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

RIAT 2023

• Last year 150,000 people visited the event based at RAF Fairford
• Less than 10,000 tickets remaining for Saturday 20th July 2024
• Over 80 aircraft already confirmed for this summer’s show with weekly additions
• Free admission for those under 18-years-old

Interest in this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has reached record levels with the show on track for its earliest ever sell-out.

The event, which is taking place from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, is the world’s largest military airshow with over 250 aircraft involved in last year’s event.

So far there have been 86 aircraft unveiled to take part in this year’s event, including international display teams, large transport aircraft and a variety of helicopters.

Every week new aircraft are added to the line-up as the show celebrates 50-years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, 100-years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

In 2023, organisers announced Saturday had sold out in early June but with unprecedented interest ahead of this summer, organisers are thrilled with levels of interest.

All proceeds from RIAT are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, a forward-looking charity aiming to inspire the next generation of aviators, which received almost £2m from last year’s aviation showcase.

Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “RIAT is a world-renowned event which takes place in the heart of the Cotswolds and we are proud to deliver it every year.
“Not only do visitors come from all over the country, they travel from across the globe to see what we put together at RAF Fairford.

“The support for this year has been incredible and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone in the summer.”

With an operational theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, this year’s RIAT gives people the opportunity to get up close and see aircraft they’d never normally have access to.

One example is the British Antarctic Survey’s Twin Otter aircraft, which usually operates in the polar regions collecting scientific data and will be on static display this summer.

“This year’s theme means we are expecting some unique aircraft which operate in unique areas and it really demonstrates the role of aviation, whether that is in defence, transport or scientific work,” added Paul.

“If you haven’t been to the event before, or are starting to make plans for the summer then we are an event that accommodates for everyone.”

Tickets are available via www.AirTattoo.com.

Aircraft from Turkey, Belgium and Draken Europe at RIAT24

Sunday, April 21st, 2024

RIAT Viper

This week we are unveiling assets from the Turkish Air Force, Belgian Air Force and Draken Europe to join the RIAT24 line-up.

A highlight for aviation enthusiasts will be the participation of a pair McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II on static display, coming from the Turkish Air Force as part of our NATO 75th anniversary theme. In addition, for the first time in six years, the Turkish Air Force will be sending their SOLOTÜRK demo, with their Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon, to perform in the flying display.

Joining them in our celebration of the F-16’s 50th anniversary, we have a further F-16 to join the ‘Viper Line’ on static display, with a F-16AM courtesy of the Belgian Air Component.

Finally, a further two civilian aircraft for static display, with a L-159 Honey Badger and a Falcon 20, both coming from Draken Europe.

www.airtattoo.com

Hungary and Jordan display teams with Qatar on static at RIAT24

Monday, April 15th, 2024

RIAT Falcons

This week we’re pleased to announce the return of two popular favourites for the flying display at RIAT24, in the form of the SAAB JAS-39C Gripen of the Hungarian Air Force and the Royal Jordanian Falcons display team.

In addition, as part of our theme celebrating 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, we’re very excited that the Royal Jordanian Air Force will be sending us a pair of their jets to RIAT for the first time, with one F-16AM and one F-16BM. They’ll also be sending a C-130H Hercules to accompany them on static display.

Finally, the Qatar Emiri Air Force will be showing two of their BAE Systems manufactured aircraft on static display, with a Typhoon and Hawk, in addition to their NH90 helicopter and the large Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.

www.airtattoo.com

Patrouille Suisse and German Air Force set to attend RIAT24!

Sunday, April 7th, 2024

Patrouille Suisse at RIAT

In what is their only planned UK appearance this year, we are delighted to announce Switzerland’s elite Patrouille Suisse display team are heading to RAF Fairford with their colourful F-5E Tiger II jets this summer.

Also participating in the flying display, a first-time attendee in the shape of the German Air Force’s Eurofighter solo display. Furthermore, also from Germany, we also have an Airbus A400M in a solo flying display, in what will be an eye-catching display of this large transport aircraft.

On the ground, under our operational theme of Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space, we’re very excited to be welcoming a Panavia Tornado from the German Air Force’s special Flight Test unit, WTD 61. Other German aircraft on static display include their unique A319 ‘Open Skies’ jet, mighty CH-53 helicopter and another Tornado.

Celebrating 75 years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), we have one of their Boeing E-3A Sentry aircraft attending, performing a flypast on Friday and then on static display over the weekend.

www.airtattoo.com

Red Arrows to Thrill Crowds at the RAF Cosford Air Show with Diamond Season Display

Saturday, April 6th, 2024

RAF Cosford Air Show Red Arrows

The RAF Cosford Air Show are thrilled to announce that the Red Arrows will return on Sunday 9th June 2024. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, more commonly referred to as ‘The Red Arrows,’ will be performing a brand-new display in the skies above Cosford as part of their 60th Diamond Season celebrations.

A capacity crowd of 55,000 people attended the Air Show in 2023 and organisers are promising more excitement in the air and on the ground for 2024.

The Red Arrows formed in 1964, and have since performed almost 5,000 shows in over 57 countries. Celebrating their 60th ‘Diamond’ Anniversary in 2024, a new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season.

Squadron Leader Chris Wilson said: ‘We’re so pleased to confirm today that the Red Arrows will be returning to Cosford this year. As a crowd favourite, the Red Arrows always thrill audiences with their jaw-dropping displays.

‘Performing in their brand-new livery for 2024, the Red Arrows’ display routine will feature manoeuvres not seen for a generation.

‘It’s exciting that the display team will be back as a nine-ship display this year, performing the Red Arrows’ trademark Diamond Nine formation in their diamond year, bringing back an iconic shape not seen since 2021.

‘We can’t wait for audiences to experience this very special display and we’re looking forward to welcoming the Red Arrows’ to Cosford again this year.’

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are now on sale and can be purchased at www.CosfordAirShow.co.uk/Tickets

Introducing aircraft from Canada and Slovenia

Friday, March 29th, 2024

RIAT Spartan

Aircraft celebrating Slovenia and Canada make up this week’s announcement with debutants and an award-winning display heading to RAF Fairford.

A pair of Pilatus PC-9Ms will be joining us this summer, which includes demo pilot Lt Fiorelli’s popular display which won Best International Flying Demonstration at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 2017 and 2015, with the second aircraft on static. Sticking with the static line-up the Slovenians are also providing their C-27J Spartan, which is a first-time visitor to RAF Fairford.

Ahead of their 100th anniversary on Monday we have also announced some aircraft in recognition of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centenary.

In special liveries, we have a De Havilland Vampire FB.52 and a Canada Chipmunk both on static from the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron and Shuttleworth Collection respectively.

www.airtattoo.com

More NATO aircraft revealed!

Friday, March 22nd, 2024

RIAT NATO

The Swedish Air Force will return to RIAT with their SAAB JAS-39C Gripen to perform in the flying display, and in addition they’ll bring a JAS-39D Gripen for the static display.

Another returning aircraft will be the NH90 TTH of the German Army, appearing in both the flying and static displays, as part of our NATO 75th Anniversary theme. Their NH90 has been a popular display item for the last two years with it’s attractive camofluage livery, so we’re pleased to be welcoming them back to RAF Fairford this summer.

A rare addition to the static displays comes in the form of a Bréguet Alizé. Now operated in civilian hands, the type flew with the French Navy for many years in the anti-submarine warfare role. This will be the first time we’ve seen an Alizé at RIAT in over 20 years, and the plan is that the aircraft will arrive on Friday afternoon, then be on static display over the weekend as part of our NATO 75th Anniversary theme.

www.airtattoo.com

Our first F-16s announced!

Friday, March 15th, 2024

RIAT F16

This week we are pleased to unveil our first F-16s, courtesy of the Royal Danish Air Force.

The Danes are the first nation to confirm attendance of the iconic fast-jet, which will feature as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations for the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

They will be sending their solo display, flown by well-known demo pilot Teo, plus at least one other F-16 to join our international static display line-up at RAF Fairford this summer.

Our final addition this week is a CL-604 for static display.

A British Antartic Survey Twin Otter will be joining us in July

Earlier this year we revealed that a British Antartic Survey Twin Otter will be joining us on the showground in July.

Recently we caught up with their Air Unit Operations Coordinator Dan Beedon, to find out a little bit more about what it’s like to work at the world’s most southerly point.

From now until the summer, we will be providing updates from a variety of people who work alongside the Twin Otter.

www.airtattoo.com

F35 Fighter Jet to Debut New Display At The RAF Cosford Air Show 2024

Friday, March 8th, 2024

RAF Cosford Air Show F35

The RAF Cosford Air Show are thrilled to announce that an F35 fighter jet from RAF Marham will perform their brand new ‘role demo’ display for the first time at the RAF Cosford Air Show, held on Sunday 9th June 2024.

A capacity crowd of 55,000 people attended the Air Show in 2023 and organisers are promising more excitement in the air and on the ground for 2024.

The role demo is anticipated to demonstrate the latest operational generation of fighter jet’s capability, including high speed passes and other thrilling manoeuvres, never before performed by an F35 from 617 Squadron.

Marilyn Summers, Commercial Director said: ‘We’re very excited to be welcoming an F35 from 617 Squadron to Cosford once again and seeing their brand new ‘role demo’ display. It is very fitting that the new display will debut at the RAF’s only Air Show

‘In 2023 a static replica F35 gave the next generation a unique opportunity to get up close and even sit in the jet, with a flypast from an F35 proving to be a crowd favourite at the Air Show in 2022 and 2023.
We can’t wait for audiences to experience this exhilarating display for the first time at the Royal Air Force Cosford Air Show.’

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are now on sale and can be purchased at www.CosfordAirShow.co.uk/Tickets

Royal Air Force aircraft at RIAT

Friday, March 8th, 2024

RIAT Red Arrows

Our first RAF announcements are here!

It is with huge excitement that we can announce our first Royal Air Force flying display.
Headlining this announcement, we have none other than the Red Arrows.

Back at full strength with a full team of nine jets, they will be celebrating their 60th anniversary with a display that will bring in many formations and shapes not seen in years.
In addition to the Red Arrows, we have two fantastic fast jet solo displays. First, the Eurofighter Typhoon. A fan favourite that has a real impact with its high-octane display.

Second is the F-35B, this year performing a full display with a mixture of high-speed passes, tight turns, and its iconic hover.

Pretty great so far, right? Well the RAF aren’t done yet.

Finally, we have the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Friday visitors will be treated to a series of flypasts, whilst on Saturday and Sunday, join us to see a very special display which will see the Lancaster accompanied by four historic fighter aircraft.

Alongside the RAF announcement, we also have a whole host of aircraft from QinetiQ attending the static display. We aim to park these alongside other British flight test aircraft for our
‘Pushing the boundaries’ theme.

Remember that this is your last week to get your hands on some special offers!

On midnight Sunday 10th March, all discounted prices on enclosures will be ending, as well as Super Early Bird Sunday general admission tickets.

https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/tickets-packages