Tag: News

RAF Cosford Air Show Returns in 2025

Cosford Air Show 2025

The Royal Air Force’s Air Show returns on Sunday 8th June 2025.

Over 50,000 people attended the annual Air Show at RAF Cosford in 2024 and organisers are promising another action-packed event next year.

The theme for the RAF Cosford Air Show this year is ‘Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate.’ The air show will commemorate some of our history through displays in the air and on the ground; Celebrate the Royal Air Force, NATO Allies and Partner nations; And inspire future generations by showcasing how the armed forces innovate together and with Defence sector partners.

The RAF Cosford Air Show are thrilled to mark the return of Lockheed Martin as Show Title Sponsor with the release of the official poster for the 2025 Air Show. The global aerospace, defence and security leader’s support will help to create unforgettable experiences for all the family at the largest one-day outdoor event in the West Midlands.

Janelle Spintig, Global Pursuits at Lockheed Martin, said ‘Our presence at the Air Show is a great opportunity to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the UK Defence mission.

‘We have a long history of working with the RAF and we’re committed to investing in the future of aerospace in the UK. We’re very pleased to provide our support and showcase our technologies with our return to the RAF Cosford Air Show in 2025.’

Organisers are already talking to colleagues from across Defence, partners from other nations’ air forces and members of the wider private aviation community to see what aircraft are available to display on the Shropshire base.

This year, event organisers have frozen all tickets at the same rate as last year, with General Admission tickets remaining priced at £40. Children who are under 16 and are accompanied by a paying adult will still be able to enter for free.

Marilyn Summers, Chief Commercial Officer for the RAF Cosford Air Show, said: ‘We know that special days out can feel far more expensive than they used to. We kept our audience at the heart of our commercial decision-making by freezing ticket prices. We wanted to make sure that the average family could still enjoy a fantastic and affordable day out at the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 8th June 2025.’

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show will be on sale from 11am Friday 25th October and can only be purchased from www.CosfordAirShow.co.uk.

Newark Air Museum Tucano Acquisition

Newark Tucano

After a short set of negotiations, the Newark Air Museum has completed the purchase of Short Tucano T1, ZF372 from Everett Aero of Sproughton, Suffolk. Funding for the acquisition was made possible thanks to a legacy from the Estate of John Dove, a former museum member and RAF Winthorpe veteran.

On Wednesday 23rd October, 2024 the airframe was delivered to the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, which is close to the border with Lincolnshire by a team from Everett Aero. As part of the purchase agreement the wings were refitted to the aircraft by the Everett Aero team, thereby assisting the museum volunteers to reposition it on its undercarriage.

The Tucano fills yet another important gap in the museum’s themed display of training aircraft. Whilst in service, Tucanos were a familiar sight in the sky above the museum; when they were retired from RAF service in October 2019 the museum was unsuccessful in an attempt to acquire an airframe for its collection.

“By adding Short Tucano T1, ZF372 to its collection the museum has fulfilled the desire to add the type to its display,” commented museum trustee, Dave Hibbert, he continued, “It’s addition is in line with one part of the museum’s stated Collecting Policy, of acquiring. “Aircraft used in a Training role.” He concluded, “We are extremely grateful to the Everett Aero team, who did an excellent job with the main reassembly work on the aircraft, our volunteers will continue this work in the coming days.”

The airframe retains its last operational configuration and volunteers ZF372 will be moved inside Hangar 2 at the museum. Museum staff and volunteers will complete its reassembly and start the long process of sourcing instrumentation to complete the cockpits. In Hangar 2 it will be displayed alongside several other training airframes, like the Jetstream, Dominie, Bulldog, Gnat and Jet Provost. ZF372 is expected to retain its current training scheme markings.

Tucano T1, ZF372 was one of several airframes that had been in deep storage at RAF Shawbury Shropshire and is believed to have been moved to Sproughton in October 2024.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Shuttleworth Learning Team Launches a New Send Project: Sensing Shuttleworth

Following a successful grant application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Learning Team at Shuttleworth are excited to be launching a new project focused on developing and enhancing the visitor attraction’s special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.

On 5 November, invited guests – including Autism Beds, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, EPIC – Luton Parent Carer Forum, EMBRACE – formerly Beds & District Cerebral Palsy Society, Special Schools Forum – convened by Central Beds Council, CBC SEND Team (early years and schools), Mencap – Bedford & Luton, and more – will attend a launch event for the project, which will see Shuttleworth actively engaging in consultation and co-production with ‘critical friends’ to understand the developments required to make the visitor attraction a more inclusive place of heritage, learning, and excitement.

The receipt of this UKSPF funding will allow the team to access expert support during this project, including commissioning award-winning sensory consultants Collar & Cuffs as facilitators. The project will also involve: co-creating workshops and developing sensory resources, establishing a pilot group of local SEND school representatives, community groups, families and providers, creating a bespoke ‘What to expect’ video with supporting print resources, and establishing bespoke communication symbols to better reflect the Collection and Garden at Shuttleworth.

The project is intended for people of all ages with SEND, as the team hope to make Shuttleworth a go-to destination for everyone.

Learning Co-ordinator, Matthew Studdert-Kennedy, said, “We’re really excited to be launching SENsing Shuttleworth on 5 November. We hope that we will be able to significantly improve our SEND offering in order to be an accessible and appealing cultural space for all audiences.”

You can find out more about learning opportunities at Shuttleworth by visiting www.shuttleworth.org/learning

Royal International Air Tattoo to explore ‘Eyes in the Skies’ next summer

RIAT 25 Fairford

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is set to highlight specialised aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance at next year’s show with a theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’ being announced.

Despite there still being over 250 days until next summer’s event, more than 20,000 tickets have been sold as people secure their spot at RAF Fairford ahead of any participating aircraft being revealed with organisers also stating aircraft announcements are set to begin early next year.

By welcoming 248 aircraft from almost 30 different countries, a sell-out crowd of 168,000 visitors and making a record donation of £2.6m to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, this year’s instalment was the most successful in the show’s history.

Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “This year’s show was a huge success and we are thrilled to see people are already booking tickets for next year.
“Planning is well underway and announcing our theme marks the start of the event cycle for RIAT25.

“Our event provides a special opportunity for people to see and interact with aircraft of all shapes and sizes.

“Next year’s theme means visitors should be able to get up close and personal with specialist aircraft that usually operate out of sight given the nature of their missions.

“We look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming months.”

RIAT25 is set to take place from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July with 2025 also marking 40 years since the world-renowned show made its way to RAF Fairford after being established at North Weald and then taking place at Greenham Common.

In recognition of this, the event also plans to celebrate its history with a presence on the showground looking back at four decades in Gloucestershire.

“RAF Fairford has been our home for the past four decades and in that time, we have seen some incredible aircraft at RIAT,” added Atherton.

“Therefore, it is only right we celebrate it with local people and visitors who have made the event what it is today.”

Tickets for RIAT25 are on sale via www.AirTattoo.com.

Shuttleworth Receives Navigational Compass from R38 Airship Over 100 Years After Fateful Crash

Shuttleworth R38

Shuttleworth is delighted to have received the H. Hughes & Son Ltd navigational compass from the infamous R38 airship. The artefact was recovered from the wreckage of the R38 – the then largest airship ever built – after it crashed in Howden, in 1921 whilst on its way to America. It was originally presented to Dr William Impey Baker, whose Grandson, Robert Hattersley, has now gifted the item to Shuttleworth.

The R38 airship was originally commissioned in spring of 1918 as a counter weapon to the Zeppelin. However, building was not completed at the Cardington hangars until the war had ended. Instead, a deal was struck with the United States of America for the purchase of the airship – then, the largest airship ever built at 699ft long, 86ft in diameter, and with a capacity of 2,750,000ft³.

After successful flight tests that saw the airship reach speeds of 71mph, the commissioning flight was set for 24 August 1921 from Howden in Hull, up the River Humber and on across the Atlantic to America. With a great deal of media attention and huge crowds of spectators along the river, the R38 took flight but shortly split in two as it turned. As the fuselage broke in half, an enormous explosion led to awful scenes. One of the nearby spectators, Dr William Impey Baker, attended the rescue party to help as many of the injured crew as possible. 44 of the 49 British and American crew lost their lives. Following the incident, the H. Hughes & Son Ltd compass was recovered from the wreckage and presented to Dr Baker in recognition for his unpaid work in the rescue effort on that fateful day.

Over 100 years later, on 10 October 2024, Robert Hattersley, the Grandson of Dr Baker, presented the navigational compass to Jean Munn, Head of Engineering, and Stuart Gray, Vehicle Manager, at Shuttleworth.

Stuart Gray, Vehicle Manager, said, “We are so delighted to have received this navigational compass from Robert Hattersley and the Baker family. As well as being made by the company responsible for some of the navigational equipment installed in WWI aircraft, the R38 itself was constructed just a short distance from Shuttleworth at Cardington. We hope that our visitors will enjoy being able to see this remarkable piece of history on their visits to the Collection.”

Visitors can see the compass on display in Hangar 1 at Shuttleworth; to book a 30-day return admission ticket to the Collection and Garden, visit www.shuttleworth.org

Time’s running out, get your discounted tickets today!

RIAT Super Early Bird

Planning for RIAT25 is already well under way, and we can’t wait to welcome you next year.

Our discounted tickets are flying, with only a limited number of Super Early Bird tickets left. Prices will increase very soon, so don’t delay and buy yours now.

Looking to make your day extra special? Take advantage of our enclosure discounts too and get 15% off…

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/

We would love to see you in the Cotswold Club next year. Still 15% off for a limited time only

Why not take advantage of our discounts and book your place now in the Cotswold Club, the quintessential British summer garden party.

Currently on offer at 15% off full price for Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th of July next year. Selling fast, with over half the tickets for Saturday already gone and still 10 months to go.

Perks include:

? A stone’s throw from our Take Off Zone, right next to the runway and a great view of the displays
? A delicious lunch, unlimited tea and coffee and an afternoon treat
? Standing photography area located at the front on the crowdline
? Private toilets
? Unreserved informal seating
? A cash bar with additional rolls and bar snacks

Book your spot in the Cotswold Club today before it’s too late!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/hospitality-packages/cotswold-club/

Join us in the Aviation Club. Still 15% off for a limited time only

RIAT Aviation Club

If you’re making the most of our discounts and planning next year’s trip to RAF Fairford already, why not consider Aviation Club?

Currently on offer at 15% off full price for Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th of July next year. Saturday is already selling fast with only 35% available and still 10 months to go.

Perks include:

? A smart yet relaxed experience
? Access to the on-base guest car park
? A light breakfast, morning tea or coffee, two-course lunch, and afternoon tea
? Centrally located, offering easy access to the showground, while also being the perfect place to watch the flying display
? Access to a private marquee, garden and 250 seat grandstand with unallocated seating.
? Private toilets
? Complimentary souvenir programme and a cash bar

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/hospitality-packages/aviation-club/

Shuttleworth Celebrates 90 Years of The MacRobertson Air Race

Shuttleworth Comet

October 2024 marks 90 years since the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race, and The Shuttleworth Collection includes none-other than the very race winning aircraft: the de Havilland DH.88 Comet G-ACSS. To celebrate the anniversary, Shuttleworth’s upcoming Race Day Air Show (6 October) will feature a mock air race in tribute to this hugely popular aircraft.

The MacRobertson Air Race saw over 20 aircraft set off from RAF Mildenhall on a multistage flight from the United Kingdom to Australia. With a prize of £15,000 – that’s £900,000 in today’s money – on the line, there was huge excitement and media coverage surrounding this racing challenge. Shuttleworth’s very own Comet DH88, piloted by Charles W.A. Scott and Tom Campbell Black, covered the (approx.) 11,300 miles in 70 hours and 54 minutes, winning them the race and setting a new point-to-point world record. The aircraft itself was designed and built by de Havilland in just 10 months and had a top speed of 227mph.

The Comet is a much-loved part of The Shuttleworth Collection and regularly features in its seasonal air shows. To celebrate the fantastic history of this aircraft, the upcoming Race Day Air Show (6 October) will see a mock air race including as many of the types of aircraft that took part in the original race as possible. In true racing spirit, the aircraft will also cross the finish line following the exact order of the original race, culminating in a solo display from the Comet.

James Butt, Aviation Co-ordinator, said, “We are extremely fortunate to have the very aircraft that won the MacRobertson Air Race in our Collection here at Shuttleworth. This is a big anniversary and so we want to mark it appropriately at our last Air Show of the season where racing is the focus.”

Race Day brings together icons of the aviation and the motor vehicle industry for a dramatic day of action both on Shuttleworth’s grass runway and in the skies above Old Warden Aerodrome.As well as a flying display from 2-6pm, Race Day will feature veteran vehicle and bike sprint demonstrations, and a brilliant range of ground entertainment including the Armed Forces Rally Team, the Jez Avery Stunt Show, the Dakar Rally Team, and our interactive Discovery Zones. Visitors can also browse various trader stalls and pick up delicious food and drink on site.

Join Shuttleworth to mark this 90th anniversary and discover more about the racing past of its patron and Collection. Tickets for Race Day 2024 are available from £32.50 via www.Shuttleworth.org.

Shuttleworth Announces 2025 Season of Air Shows

Shuttleworth 2025 Air Show dates

Following the huge success of the 2024 season, which has welcomed 27,000 visitors to date, Shuttleworth is excited to announce their 2025 season of air shows. With themes celebrating military history, the best of British engineering, their hugely popular Flying Proms and Festival of Flight events, a relaxed Summer air show, and an action-packed Race Day, Shuttleworth has something to entertain the whole family.

Shuttleworth is continually reviewing their event structure to ensure that their offering appeals to as broad an audience as possible. 2025 will see further exciting format updates with traditional Sunday shows opening and closing the season, and daytime and evening split flying displays over three Saturday events, offering visitors the chance to experience evening flying set against the backdrop of the beautiful setting sun – perfect for keen photographers.

The Season Premiere Air Show kicks off the season in a traditional Sunday format on 11 May, with flying taking place between 2pm and 6pm. As with all Shuttleworth displays, you can see their working collection of vintage aircraft take to the skies above Old Warden aerodrome.

On 31 May, Shuttleworth’s first split flying Saturday format takes place through their Military Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). This show specifically celebrates all of those who have given their service on land, in the air, and at sea.

Festival of Flight returns by popular demand on 28 and 29 June. Shuttleworth’s biggest event of the year offers two fully packed days of family entertainment, including a host of
fantastic ground entertainment around the most spectacular split flying air displays of the season (flying 2-5.30pm and 8-9pm both days).

The second split flying Saturday format of the season takes place on 26 July with the Summer Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). Visitors can soak up the warmth of the summer evening whilst taking in more brilliant aerial displays.

16 August sees the welcome return of Flying Proms, an event that features a stunning aerial display choreographed to live music from a symphony orchestra, and pyrotechnics to boot. Following the display, visitors can enjoy fireworks and music, with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a Proms-themed event.

Shuttleworth presents the Best of British Air Show on 30 August – the third split flying Saturday of the season – where visitors can marvel at the incredible achievements of aviation and automation in Great Britain (flying between 2-5.30pm and 7-8pm).

Rounding off the season, with a traditional Sunday format, is the ever-popular Race Day on 5 October (flying 2-6pm). With high-speed sprint demonstrations, both on the ground and in the air, this adrenaline-fuelled event honours the skill and passion of their patron Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a true racing spirit.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Building on the achievements of our 2024 season, we’re excited to announce this new season of air shows for 2025. We are
delighted that our visitors have so warmly embraced our new show formats, and we will continue to provide a visitor experience that is second-to-none in its entertainment offer and affordability. We are proud to often be referred to as the best kept secret in Bedford, but now’s the time to let the secret out!”

While the air displays are not to be missed, Shuttleworth has plenty of other activity going on across the site on air show days. Hop aboard one of their beautiful vintage buses, grab some delicious food and drink, take in fantastic vehicle parades, and make the most of regular fun fairs. Let the kids explore and learn in Discovery Zones or set them loose on an inclusive play area – kids go free to all events(excluding Flying Proms) and all activities are inclusive of entry price.

Early bird tickets for Shuttleworth’s 2025 air show season are now on sale via www.shuttleworth.org. Kids go free to all events excluding Flying Proms. Early bird pricing ends on 31 January 2025.

RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic announce Official Airline Partnership

Virgin Atlantic corporate team visit RAF Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, naming the esteemed airline as the Museum’s official airline partner.

The collaboration between the RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic highlights a shared dedication to inspiring everyone with the RAF Story, while preserving and celebrating aviation history, and strengthening transatlantic connections.

The new partnership will see Virgin Atlantic flying Museum representatives between the UK and USA, enabling the team to attend events hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation that support the Museum’s fundraising opportunities in the United States.

Edward Sharman, Head of Development at RAF Museum, said:
‘We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic as our first Official Airline Partner. They join us in our mission to inspire everyone with the RAF story, the people who shape it and its place in our lives. Their strong connections between the UK and the USA will significantly enhance our engagement with supporters in the United States. As a registered charity, this additional support for the Museum will help ensure the continued care of our exhibitions and collections. With a shared passion and dedication to aviation, I am very excited about the benefits this partnership will bring as the Museum continues to grow and honour the legacy of the RAF.’

Virgin Atlantic, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in June, finalised the agreement during a recent visit to the RAF Museum’s London site. The Virgin Atlantic Corporate Team received an extensive tour from the Museums volunteers and made use of the Museums meeting facilities. As part of the new partnership, Virgin Atlantic employees will gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, public events, venue hire discounts, and corporate volunteering opportunities at the RAF Museum sites in London and the Midlands.

Thomas Maynard, Director of Global Corporate Sales at Virgin Atlantic, said:
‘The USA is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland, so we’re delighted to support the RAF Museum as its Official Airline Partner, flying guests across the Atlantic in style. Our mission is to inspire everyone to take on the world and our partnership will further enable the RAF Museum to educate guests about the RAF’s incredible history and its role in the fascinating world of aviation.’

www.rafmuseum.org