April – Airscene News

Turkish Stars return to RIAT26

A Turkish delight for this week’s announcement

We’re delighted to confirm the return of the Turkish Air Force to RIAT26, with exciting contributions both in the air and on the ground. We’re particularly pleased to welcome back the Turkish Stars display team, marking their first UK appearance since 2010! Alongside their flying display, the Turkish Air Force will also bring the iconic F-4E Phantom II to the static line-up as part of this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme.

Continuing with the theme, we’re also pleased to confirm a MiG-15 for the static display, presented in Polish Air Force markings – a fantastic addition showcasing a true Cold War classic.

Supporting our ‘Royal Flight’ theme, we’re delighted to include the Royal Chipmunk in this year’s line-up. This historic aircraft was used to train members of the Royal Family to fly, including His Majesty King Charles III, making it a particularly special addition to RIAT26. We continue to work closely with our international partners, with some exciting developments in progress for this year’s show. More flying display announcements will be coming next week as we get closer to July.

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Make sure you’ve secured your tickets. General Admission tickets give you access to all the thrilling flying displays and showground attractions, while Enclosure packages offer an upgraded experience with exclusive viewing areas and premium facilities.

Thinking of Altitude on Saturday? Now’s the time to book Tickets are currently 5% off, but prices will rise to full price at midnight on Sunday 19th April – don’t miss the chance to save.

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Shuttleworth Air Show Season Takes Off This May

Shuttleworth Season premiere — *Photo: Mach 3 Studio*

First air show, Season Premiere, on 10 May sets tone for exciting season ahead

Old Warden, 15 April 2026 – The excitement is building at Shuttleworth, with its first air show of the summer, Season Premiere, taking place on 10 May 2026.

Season Premiere sets the tone for an unforgettable start to Shuttleworth’s air show season, delivering a full day of entertainment for visitors of all ages. The air display will showcase an impressive line?up of visiting aircraft, with several making their first-ever appearance at Shuttleworth. This includes the XtremeAir XA41, specifically designed for energetic aerobatic displays, as well as one of the most famous transport aircraft in aviation history, the Douglas C-47 Dakota. Also joining Shuttleworth will be the Royal Air Force’s Falcons Parachute Display team. Alongside these visitors, Shuttleworth’s own world?class Collection, including the world’s oldest airworthy aircraft (the Blériot Type XI) and iconic Supermarine Spitfire and Westland Lysander, will fly.

The excitement continues beyond the airfield, with a packed programme of ground attractions. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a complimentary fun fair, explore a variety of stalls, enjoy delicious street food, and dive into hands-on STEM activities in the Discovery Zones. A vintage bus service will transport visitors to Shuttleworth House, once home to Collection founder Richard Shuttleworth and now a celebrated venue for events and weddings. Elsewhere, the Clayton and Shuttleworth Heritage Team will demonstrate historic machinery in action. Visitors can also explore Swiss Garden, a unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ style, offering a tranquil contrast to the excitement of the show.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented: “The first show of the season, our Season Premiere always has a unique buzz about it as staff, volunteers and visitors alike enjoy seeing a wonderful array of aircraft back in the skies above Old Warden. The excitement surrounding the start of the season is well deserved – we have an exceptional season ahead, featuring more European visiting displays than ever before and some very special anniversaries to celebrate.”

The Season Premiere Air Show is the first of seven spectacular shows taking place at Shuttleworth this year:

• Wings & Wheels Air Show – 31 May

• Festival of Flight Air Show – 27-28 June

• Summer Air Show – 25 July

• Flying Proms Air Show – 15 August

• Military Air Show – 29 August

• Race Day Air Show – 4 October

To find out more about the air show season and book your tickets, click here.

All aircraft appearances are subject to weather and serviceability.

RAF Museum Midlands joint top of Which’s best UK museums list

The RAF Museum Midlands is proud to announce it has been awarded Which? Recommended Provider status in the prestigious ‘Best Museums and Galleries in the UK’ category.

In a survey of over 2,000 members conducted by the independent consumer champion Which?, the RAF Museum Midlands achieved an outstanding score of 93%, making it the joint top-rated Museum in the UK.

Which? members praised the Museum across several key areas including exhibitions living up to expectations and excellent value for money. Museum staff were also recognised in the survey, achieving top marks from Which? members, as did the facilities on offer, and the uncrowded environments across vast hangars and outdoor areas. The quality of information available to visitors and the Museum’s café were also highly commended.

This latest accolade reinforces the RAF Museum Midlands’ reputation as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions, offering an engaging, educational and memorable day out for all.

Barry Smith, Director of Visitor and Commercial Development at the RAF Museum said:

‘We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider and be rated joint top of Which’s best UK museums list. Which? only endorses the best products and services that genuinely stand out for quality, making this recognition a true reflection of visitor satisfaction and excellence. We scored consistently highly across all areas, and this recognition is a testament of the team’s dedication to delivering an enjoyable and accessible day out for everyone.’

Which? Recommended Providers are companies that are both rated highly by Which? members and have products that meet the high standards of Which? researchers. As a completely independent organisation, the granting of Which? Recommended Provider status truly reflects what they think – not what someone else wants them to say.

Which? The best museums and galleries in the UK article 2026 stated:

‘Ask an RAF veteran (we did) and they’ll tell you Cosford is the best aircraft museum in the nation, nay the world. You can marvel at the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant V-bombers that dangle from the ceiling of this Midlands hangar, and stand in awe of the supersonic BAC TSR-2 prototype. Kids get a kick out of the Virtual Reality Zone, where they can do loop-the-loops in the pilot seat of an iconic Spitfire, while unwittingly honing their World War history.’

The Museum’s sister site, the RAF Museum London, also performed exceptionally well – with the joint highest visitor score for any museum or gallery in London.

Explore the full Which? findings here – ‘The best museums and galleries in the UK’. To plan a visit and enjoy a free family day out at one of the UK’s top-rated museums, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free.

‘Fighter Meet’ Builds Momentum

This week brings exciting news as we reveal the first Royal Air Force participants confirmed for RIAT26! ?

As part of this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme, we’re pleased to welcome back the RAF Typhoon Display Team with their award-winning display. They’ll be joined by the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with the Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane.

We’re also pleased to confirm participation from the Swedish Air Force as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Their Saab Gripens will feature in both the flying display and static line-up, with the JAS-39C taking to the skies and the JAS-39D available to view on the ground.

Completing this week’s announcement, a trio of civilian aircraft will join the static display, including a Cessna 152 from Halton Aero Club, a Cessna T-41A Mescalero from AKS Aviation, and a Slingsby Nipper from Aerial Vocations. With discussions ongoing, there’s plenty more to come as the RIAT26 participation list continues to grow.

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Book your RIAT26 tickets now

Tickets for RIAT26 are selling fast, and enclosures are already filling up – Flight Deck Saturday is now completely sold out.

Secure your place by choosing from a range of ticket options to suit your day. For an unforgettable experience, upgrade to one of our hospitality enclosures and enjoy premium viewing, added comfort, and exclusive perks. Availability is limited, so booking now is highly recommended.

Take advantage of our early bird offers: Viewing Village Grandstand Friday and Flight Deck Friday tickets are currently available at 10% off – but hurry, this discount ends at midnight on Sunday 12th April, when prices will go to 5% off.

General Admission tickets are still available though, giving you full access to everything RIAT has to offer – from breathtaking flying displays to an impressive static aircraft line-up. Demand is soaring, so don’t miss out – book your tickets today.

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WW2 Bolingbroke project for South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum (SYAM) can today announce the arrival of a long-term restoration project from the Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford – Fairchild/Bristol Bolingbroke Mk. IVT ‘9893’. While a composite airframe, the project features parts from 9893 and structural elements known to date back to 1942.

The Bolingbroke was a maritime patrol & training aircraft used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. The type saw extensive use through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, a created between the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and trained nearly half of the Pilots, Navigators, Bomb Aimers, Air Gunners, Wireless Operators and Flight engineers that served with the RAF, Fleet Air Arm and the Air Forces of Canada, Australia and New Zealand during the War.

Built by the Fairchild Aircraft Company as a Bolingbroke Mk. IVT in 1942, 9893 would join the No. 4 Training Command of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta and serve primarily with the No. 8 Bombing and Gunnery School. A relatively short service life would follow, with 9893 being heavily damaged on 19th December 1942 during a ferry flight from RCAF Station Lethbridge. Pilot Flying Officer J D Heacock would experience a port engine failure shortly after take off, and carried out a forced landing approximately 12 miles southwest of the airfield. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a telephone pole and sustained serious damage. Stored in reserve following the accident, 9893 would not be repaired during the war and was subsequently sold off in 1946 following the end of the Second World War and the end of the BCATP.

Bolingbroke serial number 9893 was acquired by IWM Duxford in the 1980s with the long-term intention of full restoration, and has now been formally transferred to SYAM to continue that work and joined the museum’s collection in Doncaster on Thursday 2 April. The restored rear fuselage has been placed on display inside the museum’s main hangar alongside the cockpit section which has seen substantial work completed, while the remaining components remain in storage awaiting further restoration activity. 9893 will be a long term restoration project for the museum, with the aircraft to be exhibited in the distinctive Trainer Yellow scheme used by most aircraft of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) once work is completed.

On acquiring the Bolingbroke project, South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum trustee Sam Scrimshaw said “The opportunity to acquire a genuine Second World War era aircraft isn’t one that is available often, and the addition of the Bolingbroke to our collection will allow us to share with our visitors stories of local WW2 airmen that they may not have known otherwise.

“One such story we shall be sharing is that of Flying Officer Ernest Lewis Ellis, a Sheffield man who completed his flying training in Canada through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, including flying over 40 different Bolingbroke aircraft. After gaining his wings, Ellis flew locally from RAF Hemswell and RAF Lindholme, before joining 166 Squadron at RAF Kirmington, now Humberside Airport on Lancaster Bombers. Sadly Ernest and his crew would fail to return from their 22nd mission, a bombing raid to Pforzheim on 23rd February 1945. The museum holds Ernest’s Logbook and a number of personal letters between himself, family and friends within our collection.

“We would also like to thank IWM Duxford for the opportunity to take on 9893 and giving us the opportunity to share Ernest’s story with our visitors, the role of ‘The Plan’ in supporting the war effort and the bravery shown by the men of RAF Bomber Command throughout the Second World War.”

www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk

German air power lands at RIAT26

This week, we’re bringing you a huge German Armed Forces line-up for RIAT26, including three incredible flying displays!

The Panavia Tornado returns to the flying display – a rare and unforgettable sight. Joining it, the German Air Force’s Eurofighter EF2000 will also take to the skies as part of our ‘Fighter Meet’ theme.

On the ground, don’t miss the Airbus A321-251NX making its RIAT debut, alongside returning favourites including the A400M, CH-53G, and Sea Lynx.

Plus, the NH90 will feature in both flying and static displays!

A big thank you to our German partners.
Stay tuned for more RIAT26 updates coming soon.

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Great views, great value

Don’t miss your chance to secure premium viewing at the best price.
Sunday tickets for the Flight Deck and Cotswold Club are currently available at an exclusive 5% discount rate, but this won’t last for long. At midnight on Monday 6th April, prices will rise to full price.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your RIAT experience, now is the time to act. Lock in your place today and enjoy unbeatable views, comfort, and hospitality before the price increase.

Prefer to keep it classic? General Admission tickets are still available, offering incredible access to all the action, from thrilling flying displays to extensive static aircraft exhibits. With demand building, now’s the perfect time to secure your spot and be part of an unforgettable day.

Book now to avoid disappointment.

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Victory in Europe 80th Anniversary at Army Flying Museum

The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire will be encouraging visitors to join them from the 8^th May to commemorate VE Day 2025.

The Museum will be staging a very special temporary display which will feature Second World War highlights from the Museum’s collection. Visitors will be able to see artefacts and documents that provide a unique insight into Army aviation during the global conflict, along with excerpts from recordings of those who were there. Many of the items in the exhibition will not have been on public display before, therefore offering a unique opportunity to even the most regular of visitors to the Museum.

A stunning soundtrack of words and music will be played in the breathtaking Hayward Hall from the 8^th – 10^th May, giving visitors a chance to remember, commemorate and reflect whilst admiring the amazing aircraft on display.

On Friday 9^th May, the Museum will host a very special talk by Military Historian – Paul Beaver – Middle Wallop in the War Years. Most people know Middle Wallop for its Battle of Britain connection, but its history during the Second World War was varied and fascinating. From flying Poles to American fighters, the airfield had many users in five years of conflict. A great opportunity for visitors to learn some things they may not have known about Wallop!

Local enthusiasts Gramofun, will also be sharing their love of gramophones on the 9^th, bringing a selection of wind-up gramophones and 1940’s records to ensure visitors can hear the music exactly as it would have sounded in the day, with a very special VE80 theme.

With special VE80 activity sheets and a trail for younger visitors to learn more about the Second World War, the Museum hopes to encourage family groups to come and experience all the Museum has to offer.

To encourage visitors into the Museum to commemorate VE80, the Museum are offering a very special one-off entry fee of just £8 on the 8^th May!

To find our more, visit www.armyflying.com

Record speed for RIAT ticket sales as event announces popular Italian display team

Organisers of The Royal International Air Tattoo have confirmed tickets for this year’s show are selling at record speed for the third successive year.

The event, which is held at RAF Fairford, has already sold over 100,000 tickets for this year’s show, putting them ahead of the same time last year.

Last July, 168,000 people descended on the rural airfield for three days of aerobatic displays, interactive tech exhibits and the chance to talk to pilots and their crew, and this year looks to be no different with demand for tickets at an all-time high.

With Saturday 19^th July close to selling out, organisers have recently announced the Italian display team, the Frecce Tricolori will be performing over the Gloucestershire skies this summer.

Joining the Frecce are a further three flying displays and three static displays from the Italian Air Force. These join an already extensive list of aircraft from 15 nations confirmed for RIAT, with many more aircraft to be added to the line-up in the coming weeks.

Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “The Frecce Tricolori are always a welcome addition to the RIAT flying programme and visitors who joined us in 2022 will know how impressive and energetic their display is to watch.

“We’re grateful to the Italian Air Force for their continued support and look forward to welcoming their aircraft and crew to RAF Fairford later this year.”

In just over three months, RIAT will return and highlight the importance of aviation in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and more, under the theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’.

So far, the aviation show case has announced the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, a Spanish Navy Harrier as well as a Portuguese Merlin, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Danish F-16 and Swedish Black Hawk helicopter displaying for the first time with a number of announcements still to come.

“We are looking forward to this summer’s show, we already have some great aircraft confirmed to be taking part and will be adding to the line-up right up until the show later this year,” added Peter

“Ticket sales have been incredible, at RIAT we know our event is an incredible day out whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a family with young children or someone who has never been to the event before – we have something for everyone. Tickets are available via www.airtattoo.com

Shuttleworth’s 2025 Air Show Season Kicks Off in Style

On Sunday 11 May, the skies of Bedfordshire will once again be filled with aircraft as Shuttleworth’s 2025 air show season kicks off in style with their Season Premiere Air
Show.

A traditional Sunday air show, the Season Premiere offers the perfect opening to a new season with something for the whole family to enjoy. The air display will feature a range of exciting visiting aircraft, many making their Shuttleworth debuts – an aspect that Shuttleworth has a growing reputation for developing into an ever-more thrilling spectacle. The US ‘Ready 4 Duty’ team (Douglas R4D-6S) will be on site as a static exhibit to explore prior to taking to the skies at later shows. Shuttleworth also boasts its own stunning Collection of aircraft – dating back to 1909 – of which many will take to the skies on the day. From fan favourites like the de Havilland DH.88 Comet to the Sopwith Triplane and Supermarine Spitfire, the Collection alone promises to leave visitors in awe of these remarkable historic aircraft that Shuttleworth’s engineers maintain in an airworthy condition.

Outside of the flying, air shows at Shuttleworth promise ground entertainment throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a free fun fair, delicious food and drink and stalls to browse, whilst children can discover a variety of STEM activities from Shuttleworth Learning’s Discovery Zones. Visitors can watch a parade of the Collection’s veteran vehicle fleet or catch a vintage bus to Shuttleworth House – the former home of the founder of the Collection, Richard Shuttleworth, and an award-winning events and wedding venue. The Clayton and Shuttleworth Heritage Team will be on hand to display working exhibits of steam traction engines and more, and then there are nine idyllic acres of Regency Garden to explore.

For a small additional fee (no more than £12 per person), guests can enjoy a guided tour of Shuttleworth House or take the opportunity to go onto the airfield itself with a Flightline Tour – limited availability for Season Premiere.

Various third parties will also offer air experience flights: Cambridge Flying Group in their two-seater, open cockpit Tiger Moths, Scillonia Airways with their de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, and Warbird Experience with their North American T6 Harvard ‘Wacky Wabbit’.

For those who want to turn a flying visit into an unforgettable stay, there is camping available, as well as beautiful Garden Suite accommodation at Shuttleworth House.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “We cannot wait to start the 2025 air show season. With a refreshed layout, amazing ground entertainment and stunning air displays, we’ve got a full day’s entertainment for the whole family, and what’s unique about Shuttleworth is just how close you can get to the aircraft. We’ve got big plans for 2025 so don’t miss it!”

The Season Premiere Air Show is the first of seven spectacular shows taking place at Shuttleworth this year, each with their own unique charm and theme:

Military Air Show – 31 May
Festival of Flight Air Show – 28 & 29 June (Red Arrows appearing on Saturday)
Summer Air Show – 26 July
Flying Proms Air Show – 16 August
Best of British Air Show – 30 August
Race Day Air Show – 5 October

The Season Premiere Air Show takes place on Sunday 11 May. Tickets start from £34, and kids go free. For tickets, and more details about the full season, visit www.shuttleworth.org

Exciting debutants announced for this year’s Air Tattoo

This week’s update has something for everyone with theme-related aircraft and RIAT debutants!

Starting with our theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’, we are delighted to say we will be joined in July by a pairs display of photo-reconnaissance Spitfires, with a Mk.XI and Mk.XIX flying together to showcase both the Merlin and Griffon engine Spitfires in a distinctive blue colour scheme.

Elsewhere we have another rare addition to the static display from the Spanish Air & Space Force with their CASA VIGMA aircraft, plus a pair of Mirage 2000-5 aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force this summer will mark the first time these jets have ever participated at the Air Tattoo! Rounding off this week, we have two more civilian aircraft participating in the static display with a pair of ex-RAF Bulldog training aircraft.

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Last chance! Early bird pricing for Sunday ends midnight, Tuesday 22nd April

We extended our early bird pricing for general admission Sunday, and 5% off Sunday enclosures through Easter. And now it’s your last chance to get your Sunday tickets at a discounted price. Act now before it’s too late! All tickets will be at full price from Tuesday 22nd April at midnight.

All enclosures on Saturday are now SOLD OUT, apart from Altitude. If you want to upgrade your experience you will need to be very quick as we expect it follow suit and sell out soon. Friday is selling much faster than last year and Sunday is catching up. Don’t miss out, we know you’ll be disappointed if you do. Buy your tickets today!

Book Tickets HERE