UK Airshow News – Page 17

Chinook and Memorial Flight set to fly at Bournemouth

Bournemouth Air Festival Chinook

The popular Royal Air Force Chinook Display Team will be returning to Bournemouth Air Festival for an impressive aerial display this year.

The team have only chosen only eight air shows to display at this season, so their performance of pirouettes and turns over our award-winning coastline, is not to be missed.

The iconic sounds and sights of the World War Two aircraft in the shape of Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster will also make a graceful reappearance across the four days which runs from 31 August – 3 September.

Festival goers can ensure they get the best view by taking advantage of VIP daytime hospitality or VIP live music evenings with dusk flying in the official marquee.

Visitors can also snap up casual reserved seats on the beach with a dedicated ‘Sandbar’ and toilets – all on the central flight line in an exclusive area.

This year’s festival, organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council), includes exciting ground events such as a fun fair, performances from the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and fireworks. There will also be food stalls and the opportunity to meet Armed Forces officers in the RAF, Royal Navy and Army Villages.

Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: “Having the Chinook Display Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at this year’s event is an opportunity not to be missed.

“Make sure you to get the best view of the festival and snap up some of the hospitality seats going. The event promises to be something for everyone.”

This Chinook display appearance is supported by Thales UK

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Red Arrows Timings Announced at Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth Air Festival Red Arrows

Timings for the world-famous Red Arrows have been announced for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

The key times the Red Arrows will take to the skies during the air festival are Thursday at 5.30pm, Friday and Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 2.45pm.

As well as the Red Arrows there will be an impressive line-up of air displays from fast jets to aerobatic bi-planes, helicopters and night air pyrotechnic displays.

Buy the official air festival souvenir programme to get free access to the up-to-date display timetable over the four days, exclusive stories about the aircraft and our fascinating local aviation history.

Meet the support teams that keep the display pilots flying in the RAF Village, Royal Navy Village and Army Village.

Discover games and exhibitions from local companies featuring virtual reality, lifeboats that save lives at sea and zero-carbon technology at the Ultra Energy STEM Village (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) this exciting event showcases our beautiful coastline and is yet another reason for visitors to come and explore our unique towns.

Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: “Bournemouth Air Festival is a huge event, with much to see and do whether that’s visiting the fun fair, getting inspired at the Ultra Energy STEM Village, or being mesmerised by the aerial acrobatics. It promises to be an exciting four days.”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Final aircraft announcement

RIAT Spartan

We’ve already had lots of fantastic announcements in the run up to RIAT23 and this week is no different. So here we go, our final aircraft announcement…

We are excited to welcome the Zambian Air Force to RIAT for the first time, along with great aircraft from our regulars the Royal Air Force, United States Air Force and the Italian Air Force.

We are also very pleased to confirm that the Royal Air Force will be bringing one of their
F-35B Lightning II aircraft to join the flying display for all 3 days.

Following on from that, we have another addition to our SKYTANKER23 theme. On both Saturday and Sunday, the USAF will be bringing their MC-130J Commando and CV-22B Osprey. Examples of both aircraft will be seen in the flying display (including simulated air-to-air refuelling flypast) as well as being available for closer inspection on the static display.

From the US Navy, we welcome their TACAMO aircraft, the Boeing E-6B Mercury. You will be able to see the aircraft up close on the static display on both Saturday and Sunday.

Joining as the 58th nation to participate in RIAT, it is with great pleasure that we welcome the Zambian Air Force to this year’s show. They will be sending their C-27J Spartan for the static display.

We are also very excited to announce that SAAB will be bringing their new Gripen E aircraft for its UK debut! You will be able to see this impressive jet on all three days of the show in the flying display as well as the static display in SAAB’s showcase area alongside a GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft.

Finally, we have a small update from the Italian Air Force who will be displaying an F-2000A Typhoon in our special ITAF 100 static display area.

Check our website now for the full list of all aircraft attending the show! Follow the link here for the full list of this week’s announcements as well as the show line-up.

With just 2 weeks to go, we’re all in a flurry of excitement and like you, all eager to see the aircraft up close and in the sky.

Sunday tickets are selling fast so if you haven’t bought them already – get your tickets now!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets

Even more aircraft attending #RIAT!

RIAT Ghibli

This week we have made a double announcement with our Italian contingent finally unmasked alongside a host of other aircraft.

Starting with today’s unveiling, the United States have a trio of aircraft joining our static display that are adding to our SKYTANKER23 theme. Next month we will be joined by the USAF’s newest tanker, the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus. In addition, we will also be seeing the U-2 Dragon Lady, and special WC-130J Hercules Weatherbird.

Plus, we have a massive update that includes 14 new civilian aircraft for the static lineup! There are a plethora of interesting aircraft here. For a full look, please click the link below and check on the civilian section on our confirmed aircraft page.

Elsewhere, we also welcome the Hungarian Air Force to RIAT. They will be arriving with a SAAB JAS-39C Gripen for static display.

Earlier this week we also revealed an update from the Italian Air Force, who are treating us to four incredible flying displays.

For those who missed it, we are set to welcome the return of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo with their impressive solo displays of the F-2000A, T-346A and C-27J. Plus, we will see a search and rescue demonstration from their HH-139B helicopter.

The Italians will also be bringing an impressive number of aircraft for the RIAT static lineup, of which, highlights include a pair of U-208A’s, combat helicopters such as the HH-212A & HH-101A, Tornado & Ghibli jets and adding to our theme of SKYTANKER23 we will see both their KC-767A and KC-130J tankers too!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets

Less than a month – Still more Aircraft!

RIAT F35

Even with our 2023 show just on the horizon, we are still unveiling some fantastic aircraft!

Starting off, we have more aircraft from the United States Air Force. Bolstering the static display, we have some cracking examples of fast jets, including an F-15E Strike Eagle, an F-35A and a pair of F-16CJ Fighting Falcons!

As part of our SKYTANKER23 theme, we have a pair of USAF KC-135R Stratotankers, one joining the static display and another providing a flypast on the Saturday and Sunday of the show.

We are very happy to also confirm that the RAF Chinook Display Team will be performing in the flying display on Saturday and Sunday, Wokka Wokka! In addition, we will also be seeing Joint Helicopter Command Apache, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters within our static display. These will all be arriving on Friday afternoon and available to see on the ground over the weekend.

To round off our rotary additions, we have four more military helicopters. From the French Navy, we have the NH90 Caiman and Dauphin, and from the Irish Air Corps we have an Augusta Westland AW139 and Eurocopter EC135.

Stay tuned for more updates in the run-up to the show. Pretty soon we will be confirming the aircraft in the Friday flying display as well as providing more information on more showground offerings you can look forwards to!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets

Saudi Hawks Confirmed!

RIAT Saudi Hawks

What a week for us here at RIAT HQ! Starting from next Monday, are officially out on site getting the ready for the show! But before then, we still have more exciting aircraft to announce, so without further adieu…

To kick us off, we have another fantastic national aerobatic display team joining our flying display! From the Royal Saudi Air Force, we are pleased to announce that the Saudi Hawks will be performing in the flying display on all three days at RIAT this year!
The Saudi Air Force will also be bringing an addition to our SKYTANKER23 theme, with an Airbus A330 MRTT for the static display. This will be joined by another Airbus A330 MRTT operated by the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit, so make sure to bring the wide lens for the heavies!

We also have many additions to our static lineup to announce this week! Coming in from the Royal Canadian Air Force, a CP-140M Aurora and CC-130J Hercules. From the Qatar Emiri Air Force, we have a factory fresh Eurofighter Typhoon in a brilliant camo pattern as well as a pair of Hawks.

Further additions include a Dauphin helicopter coming from Bristow Helicopters and aircraft from QinetiQ. Check out the link below for more details on each of the above as well as the full list of announcements!

The previously announced Argentinian Boeing 737 will no longer be participating at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023.

For the full update as well as a total list of confirmed aircraft at this years show, please click here: www.airtattoo.com/airshow/aircraft/latest-updates-2023

Saturday gone! Why not join us on Friday or Sunday…

RIAT Red Arrows

If you missed the chance to buy RIAT tickets for Saturday 15th July, there is no need to panic as we still have plenty for Friday 14th and Sunday 16th!

Friday and Sunday still offer you an incredible day out with a plethora of spectacular aircraft taking to the skies.

On Friday you’ll get a chance to see a unique flying display, with some aircraft only with us on that date. You’ll also be able to take a spin on our Fairford Eye!

Just like Saturday, Sunday will enable you to see some of your favourite aircraft participating in the flying display, including the Red Arrows, Spanish Harrier and the USAF B-52s in addition to having full access to our showground.

If you’re still looking for more reasons to come and visit us this year, don’t forget – kids go free!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets

B-52s, Cold War jets and more in latest announcement!

Display Team at RIAT

This week’s announcement is a cracker, as we unveil participants from the United States, Poland and the United Arab Emirates!

Starting with the United States Air Force, they’re bringing two B-52s to this year show, with one participating in the flying display, while the other will be part of the static line-up. There is plenty more still to come from USAF, so keep your eyes peeled for further updates in the coming weeks.

Moving back to Europe, the Polish Air Force have added some impressive aircraft to this year’s show, they’ll be bringing a Sukhoi SU-22 Fitter.

In addition to this, we are pleased to announce that the Fursan Al Emarat display team from the United Arab Emirates, who will be bringing their seven colourful MB-339 jets!

Last but not least, we will also delighted to welcome a civilian SAAB 340B which is operated by Cranfield University.

While you’re with us this summer, you can also take your experience to new heights as we have recently gone live with tickets for our Fairford Eye!

To book your spot in advance, visit www.airtattoo.com/tickets.

USAF, RAF and Hellenic Aircraft Confirmed!!!

RIAT Phantom

Things here at RIAT HQ are getting very exciting! This week, we have more announcements coming in from the Royal Air Force, Hellenic Air Force and United States Air Force.

First up, we’re pleased to announce the first confirmed aircraft from our friends in the United States Air Force! Visitors to RIAT will be able to see a mighty C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, coming from Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, on static display.

Somewhere a bit closer to home, as part of our SKYTANKER23 them visitors on all three days will be able to witness a simulated air-to-air refuelling flypast from the Royal Air Force’s Voyager! In addition, we’ll see multiple types of aircraft on static display, which will all be parked in the Red Zone near the RAF Experience. One to watch for fast jet fans include a pair of Typhoons on static display and a F-35B Lightning on the ground for the first time too.

In addition, we previously announced that the Italian Army would be sending their Mangusta attack helicopter for static display at RIAT 2023. Following further discussions with the unit, we can now announce that this aircraft will now be featured in the flying display on Saturday & Sunday!

To wrap us up for this week, the return of an Air Tattoo favourite, as we welcome a pair of Phantoms from Greece to the static display over the weekend at RIAT 2023!

Check out the full update here: https://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/aircraft/latest-updates-2023

You can have a look at the full list of confirmed aircraft as well as a sneak peek into what might be on the way in the coming weeks.

Want to see those Phantom’s flying into the show? Why not upgrade and become a FRIAT member!

Having a FRIAT pass gives you complete flexibility over what days you would like to attend, granting access to all the 3 show days as well as access to Park and View on Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th and Monday 17th! From £300, you’ll have a front-row seat to catch aircraft arriving and departing over the full 6-day event, so be sure to not miss out on the opportunity to see some of the world’s best take flight.

Training Aircraft Inbound!

RIAT Mustang

We are very happy to announce a large assortment of training aircraft will be joining the RIAT 23 Static display.

Starting us off, we are announcing our first batch of Royal Air Force aircraft joining the RIAT static displays, with all powered aircraft types from 22 Group to be represented at the show this year. Aircraft that are coming include a pair of Hawk T2’s, a pair of Beechcraft Texans, a pair of Juno Helicopters and much more! Check out the link at the bottom of the page to see the full list of aircraft. Also, m-ake sure that when you are on the showground that you check out the RAF Experience (in the Red Zone) to see a good mix of RAF aircraft and speak to RAF personnel about their roles. More aircraft announcements from the RAF to follow next week so keep an eye out for that…

The training theme continues with aircraft from Portugal and France! We’re pleased to welcome Esquadra 101 back to RIAT, once again with a pair of their Epsilon aircraft on static display. In addition to the previously announced flying display items, the French Air & Space Force will also contribute a TBM-700 to the static aircraft displays.

Finally, we have four historic civilian aircraft for those of you joining our static displays. We’re pleased to be welcoming the Norwegian Vampire back to Fairford, which will be wearing Italian Air Force markings and join our special ITAF100 static display area. We are just putting the finishes touches to our plans and awaiting the final approval from the Italian Air Force to announce their modern-day aircraft which will be on display in this special ITAF100 exhibition.

Not wanting to miss out on any day exclusive aircraft, or wanting to see some of the iconic static aircraft flying into Fairford? Why not upgrade and become a FRIAT member!

With a FRIAT pass you can enjoy complete flexibility, allowing you to choose the days you’d like to attend, including the Park and View enclosures and Grandstand enclosure admission on Thursday through to Monday. From £300, you’ll have a front-row seat to catch aircraft arriving and departing over the full 6-day event.