After an amazing weekend at RIAT24, the world’s greatest airshow, tickets for RIAT25 are now on sale! We hope anyone who attended this year’s show enjoyed themselves as much as we did and now can’t wait for RIAT25.

There’s a price freeze on general admission tickets for both Friday and Sunday until 31 July 2024, as well as 15% off many of our enclosures.

Tickets are at this price for a limited time, so buy your tickets now and save money for RIAT25!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

Date: 25 July – 1 September 2024
Time: 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cost: From £10.00

Summer’s off to a flying start at the RAF Museum Midlands, as doors to the thrilling action-packed family Flying Theatre show – Bravo, Bravo open!

Bravo, Bravo is an immersive performance about the world-famous RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November, that will wow audiences as performers soar through the air with the help of a flying machine! This dynamic storytelling experience, enriched with humour, dance, and plenty of audience participation, brings to life the Chinook’s ‘impossible’ real-life tales, ensuring families are engaged from start to finish.

Over the course of the 45-minute show, performers embody the characters of Bravo November, and her friends, Vulcan, Victor and EAP. Each aircraft with their distinct personalities, compete against one another in a battle to be crowned the best aircraft. Despite Bravo November’s struggle to match the speed or size of her competitors, the final round reveals her incredible stories in a captivating demonstration of her spirit and invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Bravo, Bravo combines exceptional skill and artistry, with an immersive portrayal of Bravo November’s real-life legacy, showcasing a machine that epitomises the extraordinary.

Alex Woolliscroft, RAF Museum Public Events Manager said:
‘Bravo, Bravo is not just a show, it’s an exhilarating journey through aviation history that brings the incredible stories of the RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November to life. We’re excited to offer families this unique and immersive experience this summer. Our partnership with Highly Sprung guarantees a captivating performance that educates and entertains, making it a must-see event for all ages.’

The Bravo, Bravo Flying Theatre show will run from 25 July until 1 September, Wednesday to Sunday, at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day. Tickets are priced from £10.00. Book now at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history.

For an extra special treat, why not book one of the VIP passes with front row seats to the show, followed by an exclusive access on board tour of the real Chinook helicopter Bravo November on display at the Museum. Hear real-life stories about the crew while inside the aircraft, including access to the cockpit. VIP tickets costs £30.00 per person (max 10 per show).

After selling-out at a record pace the Royal International Air Tattoo proved to be a hit as hundreds of aircraft soared over RAF Fairford in front of thousands of visitors.

In total, the aviation showcase welcomed 248 aircraft from 29 nations as 150,000 people descended on the rural airfield.

On Friday, as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) 75th anniversary, visitors were treated to a unique flypast featuring aircraft from different NATO nations together, led by a Royal Air Force Rivet Joint.

Saturday saw history being made as the Royal Air Force Typhoon completed its first public display on sustainable aviation fuel, as well as celebrations for both the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centenary and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which turned 50-years old this year.

Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “This year has been a stellar event, with highlights across the weekend.”

“We have been delighted with the level of support and I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved in facilitating our event, from visitors, aircrew, staff members and volunteers – without them, we wouldn’t be able to host the Royal International Air Tattoo.”

On the ground, there was plenty for people to get involved with as the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, RIAT’s parent charity, provided a booster line-up for the Inspire Stage with Tom Fletcher, Jessica Gagen and Grace Webb all speaking to young people about their experiences with aviation.

Tickets for next year’s show are already on sale, with next year’s Air Tattoo due to take place on 18th, 19th and 20th of July.

“Work is already well underway for next year’s event and we look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming months,” added Paul.

“We would love to have you join us here at RAF Fairford next summer and with tickets already on sale, now is the best time to secure your place for the best possible price.”

Tickets are available via www.AirTattoo.com.

This weekend aircrew from around the world brought their world-famous F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to RAF Fairford, as the jet’s 50th anniversary was celebrated at RIAT.

After first flying in 1974, the aircraft is currently still in production and is well renowned for its speed and agility.

Celebrating the jet’s 50th anniversary was a theme for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo, alongside ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space, 100-years of the Royal Canadian Air Force and 75-years of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

On Saturday afternoon, alongside RIAT’s static ‘Viper Line’ which extended over 300 metres in length with aircraft from different eras and nations, current operators took part in an event to mark five decades of the flagship Lockheed Martin product. The line-up was headed by a jet from the Royal Netherlands Air Force which had special markings applied especially for RIAT, inspired by the red, white and blue livery of the first YF-16 prototype.

Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “We’ve been working for nearly eighteen months on making sure the event was a worthy celebration for the 50th Anniversary of such an iconic aircraft.

“To see F-16s from so many nations together in one place has been truly unique and a sight which should live long in the memory of all those who visit RIAT this weekend.”

In addition to the long line of jets in different colour schemes and marking on the static display, the weekend’s flying programme was punctuated with flying displays from the Fighting Falcon with Denmark and Turkey showcasing their jets in the air.

“The F-16 is symbolic of enduring partnerships and industrial collaboration. From the beginning, the F-16 program laid the groundwork for close cooperation, allied standardization and joint training practices,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group.

“Fifty years later, it still is building and sustaining partnerships – all of which were on display at this the RIAT celebration.”

www.airtattoo.com

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) had a touch of the transatlantic about it as the Royal Canadian Air Force marked their 100th birthday at the world-renowned airshow.

Celebrating all things Canada, they had a designated area on the showground, routinely patrolled by their RCAF Centennial mascot Astra, who posed for pictures with visitors.

On Saturday morning crew members, engineers and the RCAF Commander, Lieutenant-General Eric Jean Kenny were presented a birthday cake from RIAT, in recognition of their centenary.

The Canadian’s arrived with a number of different aircraft, including a yellow Kingfisher for the first time which featured alongside other aircraft on their static display, while the CF-188 Hornet, which was in a special paint scheme for this year, took part in the flying display.

RIAT’s Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch, said: “It was a pleasure to host an exciting array of aircraft from our Canadian friends at the show this year, from the huge CC-177 Globemaster to the much smaller Chipmunk, there was something of interest for everyone.

“Friday’s special flypast with the Hornet alongside the RAF Red Arrows was the icing on the cake.”

RAF Fairford is the only place in Europe where the Canadians are recognising their landmark birthday, which has been a theme of this year’s alongside ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and 50-years of the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Col Maggie Jacula, RCAF 2024 Campaign Manager said: “It is an absolute honour to be here at RIAT to celebrate the Centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

“We have received such kind hospitality from the RIAT team and the general public who have come to visit our aircraft and crews and to enjoy a bit of Canadiana at the RCAF Centennial Tent.

“It is wonderful to be able to share our Centennial with our British friends.”

Tickets for next year’s show are already on sale via www.AirTattoo.com.

It’s the finishing touches to this year’s line-up this week, with our final aircraft announcement for RIAT24.

With well over 200 aircraft already confirmed we are delighted to be adding a pair of Phantoms from the Hellenic Air Force to the static display! In addition we’ll also have Royal Navy Wildcat, more American F-16s, Metrea King Air and new Tecnam operated by the RAF’s Rapid Capability Office.

To view your full finalised line up for this year’s show, visit below.

www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/aircraft-and-pilots/aircraft-updates

RAF Museum Midlands recognised as a traveller-favourite attraction.

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands is pleased to announce today that it has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.

Alan Edwards, Head of Operations at RAF Museum said:
‘We are honoured to be included among travellers favourites this year and extend our heartfelt thanks to every visitor who left us a review. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional work of our staff and volunteers, who ensure our visitors have an outstanding experience. Their dedication to delivering a warm welcome, engaging experiences, and maintaining the Museum to the highest standards has led to this achievement.’

John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor said:
‘Congratulations to the RAF Museum Midlands on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024. Travellers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.’

Check out all the reviews, and discover more about the RAF Museum Midlands on Tripadvisor. Entry to the RAF Museum is free, to book your day out at the top attraction visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.

As our American friends celebrate Independence Day, we are pleased to confirm more USAF aircraft coming to RIAT24.

Starting with the mighty B-52 Stratofortress, this awesome jet will be on static display over the weekend. In addition, we have a F-35A Lightning II, a pair of F-15E Strike Eagles, both from RAF Lakenheath also on static display. Finally, a highlight of the Friday show will be the U-2 taking to the sky as part of our flying display programme before parking up on static display for the rest of the weekend.

Another Friday treat will be the rare appearance of a RC-135 Rivet Joint from the Royal Air Force, which will lead a multination flypast to recognise 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

www.airtattoo.com

Throughout 2023 and 2024 the trustees of the Newark Air Museum [NAM] have been in discussions with the Royal Air Force Museum (RAFM), regarding the loan of the Gloster Meteor F.8 (mod) WK935 / 7869M, which is often referred to as the Prone Meteor.

The Loan Agreement was finalised on 21st June, 2024. Thanks to a lot of pre-planning and preparation work the Prone Meteor was moved from the RAFM Cosford site to NAM’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the border with Lincolnshire, on Monday 24th June, 2024.

Staff from the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC) at Cosford supervised the move, which was undertaken by their preferred contractor, SPH Plant Limited from Telford, Salop. During a subsequent two-day time period the MBCC staff reassembled the Prone Meteor, before moving into Hangar 2 on NAM’s Southfield Site. Local forklift hire was kindly arranged by AEM Lifting from Tuxford, Notts.

“The museum first contemplated trying to take the Prone Meteor on loan, at the suggestion of aviation historian Ken Ellis, whilst developing the Interpretation Plan for the other British prone trials aircraft, the Reid and Sigrist Desford.” commented Newark Air Museum Trustee, Colin Savill.

“We are grateful to the Royal Air Force Museum staff at both London and Midlands, who have helped implement this loan agreement.” He concluded, “Securing the loan of the Prone Meteor allows us to display these two unique aircraft from the golden age of British aviation, together at one location; something that has never happened before!”

An additional comment has also been made by Dr Harry Raffal at the RAF Museum: “We are delighted that through our loan of the Meteor F8 to Newark Air Museum new audiences will engage with this unique strand of the RAF story. The loan will provide an exciting new exhibit at Newark Air Museum whilst helping the RAF Museum share our collection more widely.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Key Publishing are returning to Airscene as a sponsor again this year.

Two years of pandemic and staffing changes did mean I have had to find new contacts, and try to get what is effectively new sponsorship in place.

I was permitted to pick prizes this year from the current catalogue, and so Key Publishing will be providing the following:

1 copy of “Avro Military 1910-63” valued at £15.99 and 2 copies of “Aviation Photographer” – a bookazine valued at £4.99. I had made this pick before the bookazine sold out, and it is not certain it will be back in print when the competition closes, so winners of the bookazine prizes will be given the opportunity to select any alternative bookazine up to £5 in value if this one is not available.

Please support our sponsors where you can, Key’s shop can be found at: Key Publishing Shop: Aviation and Transport Specialists — Key Publishing Ltd