July – Airscene News

Royal Air Force Charitable Trust impacts over a million young people with STEM work

Figures from the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) have revealed that 1.2 million young people have benefitted from their work since 2022.

The Gloucestershire-based charity invests in leading UK charities to help build the strategic delivery capacity the UK needs to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space, and technology.

In 2022, RAFCT published its intention to reach 500,000 young people by this summer but new figures show they have more than exceeded that target.

Reflecting on the achievement, Director at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Dr Kevin P Stenson said: “This is a landmark moment for our charity. Since 2022, we have reached more young people than ever before, demonstrating the scale of the challenge the UK faces, the strategic need and the impact that can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared purpose.

“I would like to thank my team and our dedicated partners for their unwavering commitment to supporting young people to engage with STEM across the UK. Their collective efforts are helping to unlock potential, build confidence and create opportunities where they are needed most.

“The challenges facing young people today are significant, which is why I believe our work has never been more important. While we are proud of this achievement, it also drives us to do more, reach further, and ensure that every young person has the chance to build a positive future.”

RAFCT has helped delivered STEM engagements to 10% of primary and secondary schools in the UK, with over 20 different partnerships inspiring young people to reach their potential in air, space, and technology.

Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Chairman, Air Marshal Phil Osborn said: “I have had the privilege of being Chair of RAFCT since 2020, and I have never been more optimistic about the future of the Charity and RIAT, the air show that powers our work.’

“To see our ambition of reaching 500,000 young people not only achieved but more than doubled to 1.2 million is a remarkable testament to the vision, dedication and collaboration of everyone involved.

“This success is about far more than numbers. Every young person inspired to explore Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) represents potential for our Nation’s future prosperity, resilience and national security. The UK’s future depends on developing the talent, skill and commitment of the next generation, and the Trust is proud to play its part in that national endeavour.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with a clear sense that our work is only just beginning. There are many more young people whose potential is waiting to be unlocked, and we remain committed to working with our partners to ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of the United Kingdom.”

To learn more visit www.RAFCT.com

RIAT27 tickets on sale now!

Get ready for an unforgettable return to RAF Fairford from 16-18 July 2027. Experience spectacular flying displays, incredible aircraft, family entertainment, and the unique atmosphere that makes RIAT the world’s greatest airshow, all set against our Tiger Gathering theme for RIAT27. (More themes will be announced later this year – watch this space!).

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or planning an amazing day out with family and friends, RIAT27 is an event you won’t want to miss. There’s something for everyone, young or old, to enjoy.

Over 60,000 tickets have been rolled over to next year’s show after this year’s cancellation – thank you so much from everyone at RIAT HQ for your support and we look forward to being back bigger and better than ever in 2027!

Demand is expected to be high for the remaining tickets, so now is the perfect time to buy to ensure you don’t miss out.

BOOK TICKETS

Sell-out Crowd at Wallop Wheels & Wings

A spectacular festival of motoring and aviation not only brought a fabulous array of vehicles and aircraft from across the country roaring into the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, Hampshire last Saturday (11 July), but also saw a magnificent air display programme which wowed yet another capacity sell-out crowd.

The Army Flying Museum, and the adjacent Army Air Corps airfield, saw its highest number of aircraft, motorcycles, classic and super cars descend on an extremely hot day, for the sixth Wallop, Wheels and Wings event, attracting over 5000 visitors. The event, which was sponsored by GKN Aerospace and Boeing Defence UK, again surpassed visitor expectations and was undoubtedly the biggest and best it has hosted, with tickets selling out in advance of the event. The afternoon saw a number of air displays including the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Team, Pitts Special and Yak3 displays, and a stunning display from the Gazelle Squadron. The day culminated in a breathtaking finale from the Army Air Corps Display Team.

Spectacular Spitfires were in abundance at the event to wow the crowds and to celebrate the 90^th anniversary of the first Spitfire flight.

On the ground there were over 400 classic and super cars in attendance, spanning over one hundred years of motoring including an eye-catching display from the AA Heritage Fleet. Alongside the cars, was a wide range of superbikes and vintage motorcycles, with a very special display by sponsors Andover Norton International.

The event’s Silver Sponsors, Boeing Defence UK provided a static display of a Chinook Mk5 and the Boeing AH-64E Apache AH1. This was the first time a Chinook has appeared at the event and was a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see one of the RAF’s most iconic helicopters and chat to the flight test crew and engineers.

The event showcased a number of interactive STEM activities in its Discovery Den, with hands on activities from GKN Aerospace, Sparsholt College, Boeing and Leonardo with lots to keep young minds buzzing, including GKN’s very own robot and the Tech Tour Bus from Sparsholt College who sponsored the event for the first time.

A shopping village showcased many local traders and visitors were treated to lots of great delights from local businesses including Saxnot Meadery, Homemade Brownie Company and Bluestone Vineyards and many more.

Lucy Johnson, Army Flying Museum CEO, said: We are so thrilled to have welcomed over 5000 people to our biggest and best-ever Wallop Wheels & Wings – to sell out in advance was such a huge achievement and shows how popular the event has become. This is the key event in the Museum’s fundraising calendar, and it is so important in helping to raise the profile of the Museum and the work that we do. It was fantastic to see so many happy, smiling faces despite the heat, and to see a record-breaking number of cars, bikes and aircraft join us on the day. It was great to see the delight on our visitors faces as they watched the spectacular displays taking place.”

The event may now be over for another year, but the Museum doesn’t have time to rest as they begin their busy summer holiday activities in earnest with a programme of fun activities – ‘A Summer of Flight’ celebrating their wide and diverse collection. For more information visit www.armyflying.com

Look Up! Helicopters set to swoop into Brooklands Museum for spectacular summer Fly-In

Tuesday 14 July 2026

Special all-helicopter Fly-In lands at Brooklands Museum on Thursday 20 August
See and hear helicopters arriving and departing throughout the day
Rare opportunity to get close to the aircraft and meet the people who fly them
Exciting summer holiday event included with standard Museum admission

The skies above Brooklands Museum will come alive this summer as a spectacular gathering of helicopters as they swoop in for a special all-helicopter Fly-In.

On Thursday 20 August, visitors will be able to watch the many varieties of helicopters arrive at the historic Brooklands site before getting the chance to see the aircraft up close on the ground.

From the distinctive sound of rotor blades approaching overhead to the excitement of watching the helicopters touch down, the event promises a thrilling day for families, aviation enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The action begins from 10am as helicopters arrive and land on the neighbouring airstrip at Mercedes-Benz World. Between 12noon and 2pm, visitors will be able to access the airstrip to view and photograph the aircraft at close quarters, before the helicopters take to the skies again from 2.30-3.30pm.

Ranging from compact two-seat training helicopters to military, executive and high-performance types. Among the stars of the day will be two Gazelles – the distinctive light helicopter with a long military history – alongside an EC135 military helicopter and an Airbus H125 Squirrel, a powerful and versatile machine used around the world.
Visitors will also be able to see a new Bell 505 and the famous Jet Ranger, one of the most recognisable helicopter designs of all time, as well as the MD500E and MD530F, both known as the ‘Ferrari’ of helicopters.

It will be a rare opportunity to experience helicopters from a completely different perspective – not simply as distant shapes in the sky, but close enough to appreciate their scale, engineering and extraordinary design.

Brooklands Museum CEO, Alex Patterson said: “Few things create excitement quite like the sound of a helicopter approaching overhead, and this promises to be a spectacular day at Brooklands Museum.
“Visitors will be able to experience the thrill of the aircraft arriving, get close to them on the ground and then watch as they take to the skies again. For children especially, it is a fantastic opportunity to see these incredible aircraft up close and enjoy an unforgettable summer holiday day out.”

The Helicopter Fly-In is included with standard Museum admission, giving visitors a full day to explore Brooklands Museum alongside the aerial action.

As part of the Summer of Speed, families can discover historic racing cars, motorcycles and aircraft, step aboard buses at the London Bus Museum and explore more than a century of speed, flight and innovation at the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
During the summer holidays a family interactive brand new STEM science show ‘Get Set Go!’ is taking place from Monday to Friday, and is included in the admission cost.

The event runs from 10am to 3.30pm on Thursday 20 August 2026. Parking is free and Brooklands Museum Members go free.

The Helicopter Fly-In is weather dependent. For more INFO and TICKETS

Spitfire anniversary excitement as Shuttleworth sees record sales for Summer Air Show

Shuttleworth crowd — *Credit: Oliver Lloyd*

Old Warden, 1 July 2026 – Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire visitor attraction and event venue home to some of the world’s oldest airworthy examples of historic aircraft and Regency Swiss Garden, has seen a record increase in ticket sales (up over 120% in June 2026 in comparison to June 2025) for its Summer Air Show on 25 July 2026, with just under a month still to go to the event.

This success reflects the passion of the British public for the Spitfire, as this year’s event celebrates the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, the WWII legend that played a key role in the Battle of Britain and D-Day. To commemorate this iconic aircraft, Shuttleworth will have ten Spitfires flying, representing different marks as the Spitfire evolved throughout WWII. Many of the exact Spitfires confirmed to be flying at Shuttleworth saw real action in WWII, including during the build-up and aftermath of the Normandy landings and the evacuation of Dunkirk.

Beyond the Spitfire celebration, Shuttleworth will be joined by other visiting aircraft, including a Hispano Buchon used in the film Dunkirk, a Boeing 727, andEurope’s only airworthy MiG-17F, an aircraft which played a significant role in Polish Military Aviation during the Cold War. A range of aircraft from Shuttleworth’s own collection of aircraft ranging from 1909-1950s will also fly at the event.

There will also be a range of ground attractions, including a funfair with a big wheel, teacups, and trampolines, Clayton & Shuttleworth heritage exhibits, the Bofors anti-aircraft gun, educational Discovery Zones, and vintage bus rides. Shuttleworth’s Swiss Garden will also be open for visitors to explore.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented: “The excitement of visitors whenever a Spitfire takes to the skies at our air shows speaks volumes about its lasting significance. Reaching this record level of sales means we can go even further in delivering our charitable objectives.”

For more details on Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show and how to book, visit: https://www.shuttleworth.org/events/summer-air-show

All aircraft appearances are subject to weather and serviceability.

Army Flying Museum partnership soars to new heights

A company which provides day to day work on defence related projects and military sites across Hampshire and Wiltshire has confirmed its commitment to the British Army aviation museum at Middle Wallop, by extending its corporate partnership for a further twelve months.

UK Power Networks Services, experts in managing electricity infrastructure, began its support of the Army Flying Museum with a successful volunteer day at the Museum in 2022, when fifty volunteers from the company gave the Museum a much-needed boost by undertaking a variety of gardening and maintenance work around the grounds. Teams from the company have since returned to the Museum to aid the team in maintaining the memorial garden for visitors to enjoy, restoring uneven flooring in the main exhibition hall and cleaning the much-loved memorial.

Lucy Johnson, CEO at the museum said: “We are so pleased that UK Power Networks Services are continuing as one of the corporate partners at the Army Flying Museum. The Museum represents a great opportunity to showcase the company’s work to our ever-expanding audience, and we very much look forward to welcoming their staff with their families into the Museum over the coming year. By pledging their support for the Museum for another year, UK Power Networks Services will directly support vital work at the Museum and ensure the charity can continue to develop its role in telling the history of British Army aviation”.

UK Power Networks Services build and maintain electrical infrastructure for high profile businesses and organisations, serving clients in defence, airports, ports, rail operators, public sector developments, utilities, manufacturers, and logistics firms.

The Army Flying Museum is the only Museum in the world that tells the extraordinary story of British Army aviation. As a corporate partner, UK Power Networks Services enjoy a range of fantastic benefits, allowing staff, clients and stakeholders to share a deep connection with the Museum and its community. The Museum offers brand acknowledgement, access and networking as well as discounted venue hire and staff benefits including free access for company team members and their families.

Rodney Booth, client delivery manager at UK Power Networks Services, said: “We are delighted to be continuing its corporate partnership with the Army Flying Museum. It is a privilege to be able to support such a unique local charity and the great work all their staff are engaged with. We look forward to another successful year in association with our friends and partners at the Army Flying Museum.’’

www.armyflying.com

RIAT26 on sale now!

Thank you for joining us at RIAT25 – it was another fantastic event with over 175,000 people visiting us here at RAF Fairford over the weekend.

Visitors enjoyed aircraft from all over the world, with 224 aircraft from 27 different nations touching down over the weekend including Egypt, who were participating in the show for the very first time! We’ll be sharing our top moments over the coming weeks.

RIAT returns in 2026 on 17th, 18th and 19th July. We have frozen 2025 prices for Saturday and Sunday General Admission! Friday and Sunday are also currently at super early bird prices, and Saturday at early bird, so now is the best time to get your tickets at the best price.

Want to experience an enclosure at the next show? Enclosures are currently up to 15% off on Friday and Sunday, and up to 10% off on Saturday. Tickets won’t stay at these prices for long, so book now!

Book Tickets HERE

Make your RIAT26 experience truly unforgettable and stay overnight with us too. With direct access to the showground through a private entrance, along with the comfort of free parking for one vehicle per booking, flushing toilets, proper shower facilities, and evening entertainment. Book your camping spot today. This is what memories are made of!

Find out more HERE

Wallop Wheels and Wings

Aerosuperbatics at Army Flying Museum — *Photo by Derek Reedman*

A spectacular festival of motoring and aviation not only brought a fabulous array of vehicles and aircraft from across the country roaring into the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, Hampshire last Saturday (12 July), but also saw a magnificent air display programme which wowed yet another sell-out crowd.

The Army Flying Museum, and the adjacent Army Air Corps airfield, saw its highest number of aircraft, motorcycles, classic and super cars descend on an extremely hot day for the fifth Wallop, Wheels and Wings event, attracting over 5000 visitors. The event, which was sponsored by GKN Aerospace and Airbus, was undoubtedly the biggest and best it has hosted, and the air displays began in style with a stunning fly-past from the Red Arrows. The afternoon saw a number of displays including the RAF Falcons Parachute Team, Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight’s Spitfire PR.XIX along with a stunning display from the Aerosuperbatics Wing Walkers and culminated with a breathtaking finale from the Army Air Corps Display Team.

On the ground there were over 400 classic and super car clubs in attendance, spanning over one hundred years of motoring including the Morgan Club, Aston Martin Owners’ Club, the MX5 Owners Club and the Austin Healey Club, along with a wide range of superbikes and vintage motorcycles, with a very special display by Andover Norton International.

Visitors were able to view the new Boeing AH-64E Apache AH1 which was especially brought out of the hangar for visitors to see, along with the Army Air Corps recruiting team’s Gazelle helicopter. TV personality Henry Cole also made a very special appearance, bringing along his partially restored Bell Sioux Helicopter for crowds to see.

The event showcased a number of interactive STEM activities in its Discovery Den, with hands on activities from GKN Aerospace, Airbus, Boeing and Leonardos with lots to keep young minds buzzing, including GKN’s very own robot.

A shopping village showcased many local traders and visitors were treated to lots of great delights from local businesses including Saxnot Meadery, New Forest Shortbread, Hornet Chilli and many more.

Lucy Johnson, Army Flying Museum CEO, said: We are so thrilled to have welcomed over 5000 people to our biggest and best-ever Wallop Wheels & Wings – what a finale we gave the crowds this year, huge thanks to the Army Air Corps Display Team. This is the key event in the Museum’s fundraising calendar, and it is so important in helping to raise the profile of the Museum and the work that we do. It was fantastic to see so many happy, smiling faces despite the heat, and to see a record-breaking number of cars, bikes and aircraft join us on the day. Increasing our air display programme was a particular highlight and it was great to see the delight on our visitors faces as they watched the spectacular displays taking place. Roll on 2026!”

Wallop Wheels and Wings 2026 is set to take place on Saturday 11 July, more info at www.armyflying.com

RIAT25 is almost here!

We are back for our final aircraft announcement as we put the finishing touches to this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

With less than a week to go until aircraft from all over the world touch down at RAF Fairford, we still have exciting new additions to this year’s line-up.

Starting with the Pakistan Air Force, they will be bringing their JF-17 Thunder to RIAT for the first time! There will be a pair of them on static display alongside a C-130E Hercules, supported by their IL-78 tanker. These rare Pakistani aircraft will be a highlight for many aviation enthusiasts.

Staying with the flying display, we are delighted to confirm a number of unique flypasts courtesy of both the Royal Air Force and United States Air Force, with a number of aircraft participating across the weekend, such as B-1B Lancer, F-35B Lightning II, RC-135W Rivet Joint, P-8A Poseidon and C-17 Globemaster. Check the listings on the website, or our new app, to see which aircraft will be appearing on each day.

Last but not least, we have some more additions to the static aircraft in the shape of an F-15E Strike Eagle and Airbus A400M, plus aircraft from Airtask as part of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme with their Cessna F406 Vigilant.

Bring on RIAT25!

View Confirmed Aircraft

We can guarantee that we’ll be taking calls next week from people who are desperate for tickets to the this summer’s RIAT extravaganza. Buy your tickets today or you’ll be disappointed.

Friday general admission is sold out. Only way in now for Friday is with an enclosure upgrade package.

Saturday general admission is sold out. Only way in now for Saturday is with an Altitude enclosure upgrade package.

Sunday is almost sold out. You will need to buy your tickets NOW to assure your place at the world’s greatest airshow.

If you want to make your day extra special and enjoy the flying display in a relaxed and sophisticated environment, then the First Class Lounge is the perfect spot. But you’ll have to be super quick as there are now less than ten tickets left for Sunday. Whichever option you choose, just make sure you act today!

Book Tickets HERE

Another Stellar Air Show Comes to Bedford

Shuttleworth Comet — *Photo by Nick Blacow*

Saturday 26 July will see yet another spectacular air show at Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome near Biggleswade, Bedford. The Summer Air Show promises fantastic family entertainment and a stellar line up of aircraft for Shuttleworth’s latest display.

From 9am to 9pm, the site at Shuttleworth will come to life with a huge range of free ground attractions around the star attraction – two incredible flying displays at 2pm and 7.30pm. From a fun fair to vintage bus rides, a vehicle parade to an interview with a pilot, and interactive Discovery Zones with exciting educational activities for budding pilots and engineers, there’s enough to keep the whole family entertained from dawn until dusk. And best of all… these activities are included in the price of your ticket.

Looking to the skies, the flying displays will offer a chance to see some truly remarkable aircraft as close as you can get in the UK. With an unparalleled flightline view, Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show sees the return of the Nieuport 23 (which made its UK debut at the venue’s Festival of Flight last month) and a full display from the audience favourite Avro Lancaster. The Canadair F-86 Sabre will appear for the first time at Shuttleworth along with a return visit from the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon. Two visiting spitfires are also on the bill, as well as the Shuttleworth Collection’s own genuine Mk Vc Spitfire – just one of the Collection’s airworthy aircraft appearing. Then, for something a little different, visitors can enjoy the Jet Pitts: a classic piston engine propellor aircraft enhanced with two jet turbines on either side of the fuselage – making for a fun and unique display. Be sure to check out the full line up online.

Shuttleworth’s new split flying display format also offers visitors a much greater chance of seeing the Collection’s airworthy Edwardian aircraft. Dating back as far as 1909, these aircraft need very specific weather conditions to make an appearance. Last year, only one was seen throughout the entire season. So far, the new split flying displays for 2025 have already seen all five aircraft appear – and an Edwardian aircraft has appeared at two out of the three shows to date this season.

If you’re looking for something extra special, visitors can book flightline tours where you can step foot on the airfield itself, getting within touching distance of the aircraft. Various operators also offer flight experiences at an additional charge.

The Summer Air Show takes place almost a month to the day after Shuttleworth’s biggest show of the season, Festival of Flight, which saw record-breaking attendance back in June.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Following the overwhelming success of Festival of Flight last month we’re excited to being yet another air show to audiences this summer. For the enthusiast, there are plenty of incredible displays to enjoy and for families, we’ve got a brilliant range of entertainment to keep you busy for the entire day! If you’ve not been to a Shuttleworth air show, I’d recommend this one as the perfect introduction to what we do.”

Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show takes place on Saturday 26 July. Tickets start from £36.00 and children go free. You can book yours via www.shuttleworth.org