Archive for the ‘UK Airshow News’ Category
First formation display team confirmed…
Sunday, March 3rd, 2024
The Midnight Hawks are confirmed!
Here at RIAT HQ, we are thrilled to announce our first formation display team, with the Finnish Air Force’s Midnight Hawks joining us for the first time since 2017.
We’re sure the four-ship aerobatics team will be a popular addition for visitors at RAF Fairford this year.
This week we also revealed two aircraft for the static display, with the first being a retired Turbo Firecat (shown left), which making its RIAT debut after recently retiring from service as a water bomber for Sécurité Civile in France. Secondly, we have an ex-QinetiQ Gazelle from Gazelle Squadron joining under our Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space theme.
More additions to the RIAT line-up
Sunday, February 25th, 2024
This week, we have a great update for aviation enthusiasts with a pair of Spanish Air Force SF-5M Freedom Fighters joining our static display.
In July, they will feature alongside a host of aircraft from other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) nations as we celebrate their 75th anniversary this summer.
Also included in this week’s announcement, we have additions from the Czech Air Force.
Firstly, their popular SAAB Gripen will be taking part in the flying display, Plus, an L-159 ALCA will be on static display across the weekend.
Our final update is a trio of HM Coastguard helicopters from Bristow Helicopters, including a brand new AW139.
Fantastic additions to our static display
Sunday, February 18th, 2024
This week, we add four fantastic civilian operated aircraft to our static line-up.
Pictured above, we have the iconic Hawker Hunter returning to the show. Operated by many North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Air Arms during its early years, we thought it would only be fitting to have one at the show as we celebrate their 75th anniversary.
Joining our theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, we have another aircraft used for scientific research.
After its debut last year, we are very happy to welcome back Cranfield University’s SAAB 340 aircraft, a fully capable flying laboratory.
Be part of Bournemouth Air Festival
Sunday, February 11th, 2024
Dates for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival have been announced, presenting an opportunity for businesses and sponsors to participate in the world’s biggest land and air festival by the sea.
Bournemouth Air Festival, organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, will return on Thursday 29 August – Saturday 31 August this year.
Another jam-packed programme of world-class aerobatic displays will take to the skies, while plenty of entertainment for all ages will be accessible along 1.5 miles of award-winning coastline.
Fairground rides, Pier to Pier trading, fireworks, vintage displays, demonstrations from the Army and Navy, exciting night air displays and plenty more is all to be expected at this year’s festival.
The landmark event is also hoping to inspire budding engineers with an enhanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Village on the beach. Further to its success in 2023, the innovation-inspired village will feature unique demonstrations and displays from industry-leading companies, both local and national.
Across four days, more than 600,000 people attended the last Bournemouth Air Festival. Over 11,000 copies of the official programme were sold; Bournemouth Air Festival social media accounts, which boast a combined following of more than 110,000 people, achieved over 1.8 million engagements; and the dedicated webpage was visited by over 1.4 million users.
Participating brands and sponsors, which have previously included Porsche, Sunseeker, Rowse and Marriott, each benefitted from the equivalent of £3.5 million in advertising value, while the festival itself was detailed in over 1,400 items of coverage from local, national and international media.
BCP Council is now inviting sponsors, traders and exhibitors to come forward to register interest in being part of this year’s festival, which has the largest single audience of any aviation event in Europe.
As only a limited number of spaces are available, we advise registering interest early to avoid disappointment.
Amanda Barrie, Director of Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said:
“With its iconic planes, aerobatics, plentiful entertainment and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, Bournemouth Air Festival is a fantastic finale to the summer, drawing in crowds far and wide.
“This year we’re planning to make the festival even more memorable; listen out for further announcements regarding the event programme in the coming months.”
Councillor Millie Earl, Portfolio Holder for Tourism at BCP Council, continued:
“Bournemouth Air Festival marks a huge opportunity for sponsors, traders and exhibitors to get in front of consumers, grow and bring fresh eyes to their brand. The festival has the potential to bring a wealth of opportunities, whether your business is local, national or international.
“Whether you choose to sponsor display acts or the STEM Village, take a prime trading location on the cliff or beach, or have your brand featured in the widely sold official festival programme, the event is a chance to make meaningful connections and develop new relationships.”
Since last Summer, BCP Council has prioritised working with businesses and external organisations to operate a collaboratively funded, sustainable festival in 2024.
Looking forward, the council is now inviting expressions of interest from operators to manage and deliver Bournemouth Air Festival in its entirety from 2025 onwards, enabling forward-thinking businesses and organisations to take the lead in continually growing, developing and building the event into a one of a kind ‘Festival of the Air’ spectacle.
Councillor Earl added: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to run, grow and shape an impactful event that has made a significant contribution to the local tourism economy over its remarkable 16-year history.
“Consistently attracting over half a million visitors, Bournemouth Air Festival boasts an eclectic atmosphere, with day and evening air displays and entertainment attracting a broad demographic. If you think your business could help to grow and develop the festival, and the festival could help you to grow and develop your business, we’d love to hear from you.”
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the business community, council officers and BCP Cabinet members who, amid passionate public appeal, have worked together on these plans to organise a sustainably funded festival this year, and in years moving forward.
“Our area is built on a visitor economy and these plans are about supporting the businesses that depend on the festival with a sustainable, long-term strategy. We also recognise the cultural value it brings in making the area a great place to live, work and play, and I’m excited to see what the future will bring.”
Sponsors, traders and exhibitors who would like to register interest in being part of the festival in 2024, should email Ali Perrins, Event Manager, at alison.perrins@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or apply online here: www.bournemouthair.co.uk/commercial/
And we’re off!
Sunday, February 11th, 2024
Every week we will be unveiling new additions to our line-up ahead of this year’s show.
Kicking us off, we have a Spanish Navy Harrier returning to the skies this year after performing its dazzling solo display in 2023. We hope you are as excited as we are to see this incredible piece of aviation history known as the ‘Matador’, perform in July.
In our first static display update, the Finnish Air Force are providing one of their F/A-18C Hornets.
As we celebrate the North Atlantic Treaty Order Organisation (NATO)’s 75th anniversary, we hope to feature a collection of aircraft from NATO nations on the showground, so stay tuned for further announcements.
Adding to our ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’ theme, we have an aircraft with a unique purpose, coming in the form of a Twin Otter, operated by the British Antarctic Survey.
From using skis to land, to operating in incredibly harsh conditions whilst undertaking scientific work, the striking aircraft is a must see this summer.
Last chance for savings on tickets!
Monday, January 29th, 2024
Savings come to an end on the 31st…
You have until midnight on Wednesday 31st January to grab yourself a discount on tickets or enclosures. Once they are gone, they are gone – so be quick to secure your ticket!
End of all discounted Saturday prices
Saturday Early Bird General Admission tickets will be ending on Wednesday 31st January, going up to full price.
At the same time, our 5% off offers on all Saturday enclosures will also be coming to an end.
We have limited availability on a number of Saturday enclosure upgrades, with many close to selling out. So secure your place now at the best possible price.
https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/hospitality-packages/
10% off enclosures selling fast
Monday, January 8th, 2024
15% off enclosures is now gone… hurry before 10% off goes too
Our 15% off enclosures offer has now ended, however you can still get up to 10% off if you buy your tickets today.
You’ll have to be quick though as we’re selling fast.
Sold Out:
Saturday Cotswold Club
Saturday Aviation Club
Saturday First Class Lounge
Saturday Lightning Pavilion
Others are hot on their heels. So don’t delay get yours today!
First aircraft confirmed for RIAT24!
Monday, December 11th, 2023
We promised you a special announcement this month, and here it is…
We’re pleased to announce our first confirmed aircraft for RIAT 2024, in the shape of the McDonnell Douglas CF-188A Hornet from the Royal Canadian Air Force!
The display will be part of our celebrations of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Centennial at RIAT 2024. This will also include a themed static display area on the showground itself.
Regular weekly announcements won’t start up properly until next year, but you can check out more on our Canadian Centennial theme on our website here.
Be sure to secure your place at this year’s show, treat yourself and the family this Christmas with some tickets to RIAT.
15% off enclosures ending 2nd Jan
Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
Hurry up… not long left to grab 15% off enclosures ?
On the 2nd January ’24, our 15% discount offers will end on ALL enclosures.
Aviation Club – already SOLD OUT Saturday
First Class Lounge also SOLD OUT Saturday and Sunday fast on its heels
Cotswold Club – almost gone ?
Why not secure a bird’s eye view of aircraft taking off, whilst relaxing in a vibrant atmosphere in one of our grandstands? Or enjoy the café style ambiance of our newest enclosure ‘The Wingtip Garden’.
RIAT24 will return on 19th, 20th and 21st July. For more information on our hospitality packages click here. See you at RIAT 24.