
Tickets for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo are flying with Saturday selling out earlier than ever before.
To date, the event has sold over 130,000 tickets to this year’s show, which will see hundreds of aircraft from all over the world descend on RAF Fairford for the three-day aviation showcase which is set to take place on Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July.
With a theme of Eyes in the Skies, highlighting the vital role aviation plays across domains of aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence and surveillance. This summer also marks 40 years since Air Tattoo first touched down at RAF Fairford with a heritage centre also due to be installed on the showground.
So far, in addition to hoards of visitors, the event has had confirmation of over 200 aircraft ranging from the RAF’s iconic display team, the Red Arrows, more unusual aircraft relating to the theme, plus crowd favourites such as the Spanish Harrier.
Paul Atherton, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, said: “Demand for our event has been incredible since we came back from COVID and we are always grateful for the support we receive, from visitors, international air forces and our volunteers.
“This year’s event is set to be another brilliant show with aircraft from all over the world and their crews which will be on hand to talk to visitors about their airframes and their careers in aviation.
“For anyone who is still hoping to join us this year, I’d encourage you to act fast as tickets are selling extremely quickly and once they’re gone, they’re gone!”
Profits generated by the Royal International Air Tattoo fuel the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which aims to inspire young people into careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
In addition to the awe-inspiring displays in the air, there is plenty for people to explore on the ground with an extensive static display, the Techno Zone® where people can get hands-on with the latest tech exhibits in air and space, plus the Inspire Stage which is run by the charity and features speakers from aviation and tech.
Dr Kevin Stenson, Director, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust said: “The popularity of RIAT is hugely important for our charity as we continue to spark the imagination of young people.
“RIAT as a whole is an incredible showcase of the possibilities in aviation and space, and the Inspire Stage is a key part of it. This year’s Stage will include live lessons, pilots, astronauts, Everest climbers, TV presenters, Minecraft. a robot dog and more.”