Airscene.co.uk

(image by Rich Cooper)

An evocative joint flypast by the RAF Red Arrows and a specially decorated jumbo jet will mark the centenary of one of the UK’s biggest and best loved brands at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

A British Airways Boeing 747, painted in its iconic British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) livery, will perform a dramatic flypast with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team during the seven-and-a-half hour flying programme on Saturday, July 20.

The retro-style aircraft, which flew between 1952 and 1974, is one of three British Airways Boeing 747s specially painted in vintage designs to mark the airline’s 100-year history, the other two featuring the Negus (1974-1980) and Landor (1984-1997) liveries. Completing the line-up is an Airbus 319, painted to reflect its British European Airways heritage.

The Air Tattoo first featured a British Airways aircraft in its flying programme in 1985 when Concorde flew a memorable joint flypast with the Red Arrows. Concorde displayed again two years later before appearing regularly at the airshow on charter flights in support of the Air Tattoo’s Flying Scholarships for the Disabled charity as well as British Airways’ own High Flight charity.

The early 2000s saw several British Airways 747 and 777 charter flights and, in 2013, a giant A380 performed a showstopping flypast with the Red Arrows to the delight of the large Air Tattoo crowd. Two years later, British Airways sent an A318 for static display.

However, the airline’s support for the Air Tattoo stretches back further, to the early days of the airshow. In the 1970s, the airline displayed its hot air balloons and provided staff to help run the airshow operation on the ground as well as providing flight simulators for the showground.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The participation of British Airways aircraft in our flying displays over the years have often provided some of the most memorable aviation moments of the year and I am confident this summer will be no different. I can think of nothing better than to have one great British institution helping celebrate another!”

The BOAC 747’s appearance at the airshow is one of a number of centenary initiatives organised by BA that are designed to look ahead at the next 100 years of aviation as well as celebrating its illustrious past. This includes hosting ‘BA 2119’ – a programme, which will lead the debate on the future of flying and explore the future of sustainable aviation fuels, the aviation careers of the future and the customer experience of the future.

Captain Allister Bridger, British Airways’ Director of flight Operations, said: “The excitement and pride that we’ve witnessed from our customers and colleagues towards our heritage liveries in our centenary year has been incomparable. We’re hugely excited to bring one of our special aircraft to RAF Fairford as not only will the sight of our BOAC liveried 747 in the sky above RAF Fairford with the Red Arrows provide a wonderfully nostalgic moment for the Air Tattoo audience, but it also strengthens the long and valuable association we enjoy with the event.”

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows said: “Flying alongside this British Airways Boeing 747 will be an exciting and memorable moment for both the pilots in the air and those watching on the ground. The Red Arrows team has been working hard with British Airways and the Air Tattoo for many months to create this opportunity. The RAF’s own Centenary celebrations – marked a year ago – demonstrated the importance of using these high-profile occasions to inspire the next generation and we hope this flypast will be another chance to do that. The sortie will unite two highly recognisable brands of the United Kingdom and celebrate the very best of British.”

The Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds on July 19-21. For more information and ticket details, visit www.airtattoo.com

Spectators at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire are being told to keep their eyes peeled for a special 70th anniversary North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) flypast.

On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July operational aircraft in NATO member nations will showcase their air power capabilities above RAF Fairford in the only official NATO flypast taking place at a UK airshow this summer.

As one of the longest-lasting and most successful alliances in history, NATO works to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries using crisis management and peacekeeping tactics. Since it was established in 1949, the alliance has grown from twelve to 29 members.

Aircraft taking part include Belgian Air Component’s LM F-16AM, the German Air Force’s Eurofighter EF2000s, A400M and Tornado strike aircraft, the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-16 fighters, the United States Air Force’s F-15 aircraft from RAF Lakenheath and the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fighters.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Air Tattoo has always performed an important role in developing a spirit of co-operation, friendship and integration; which is why we are delighted to organise a special tribute to mark the Alliance’s 70th anniversary”.

Visitors can also look forward to flying displays from the RAF Red Arrows who will be displaying in the UK for the last time before they depart to North America and Canada for their Western Hawk 19 tour, the Ukrainian Air Force’s Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 and airshow favourite the Spanish Navy’s two vertical lift AV-8B Harriers.

On the ground, other aircraft highlights include an impressive static display featuring aircraft from across the world including the Ukrainian IL-76 ‘Candid’, the Royal Jordanian Air Force C120-H Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster.

Elsewhere, the showground boasts its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone® which is home to interactive and engaging hands-on exhibits to entice all the family, the Vintage Village, Activity Zone and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow (19-21 July), which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

The skies above the Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire are set to turn red, white and green as the Italian Air Force returns to delight spectators with exhilarating flying displays.

Flying on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July, the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori Display Team are out to defend their reputation of being one of the most awe-inspiring and enjoyable display teams to watch.

Also known as the Three-coloured Arrows, the team – which is made up of ten two-seat fighter Aermacchi MB-339-A/PANs – is the largest aerobatic line-up in Europe.
Visitors can also look forward to three further flying displays from the Italian Air Force’s Typhoon, C-27J Spartan transporter and M-346 Jet Trainer.

Head of Marketing for the Air Tattoo Helen Webb said: “Our friends from the Italian Air Force are once again showing fantastic support for the show and we are extremely grateful that they are providing four acts for the flying display. Our visitors love the colourful Frecce Tricolori and my personal favourite; the magnificent C-27J display is just jaw dropping!”

Also in the air visitors can also see the last UK display from the RAF Red Arrows before they head off on their North American tour as well as a special NATO 70th anniversary flypast.

On the ground, the Air Tattoo boasts an impressive static display including the Austrian C-130K Hercules, two of the Belgian Air Force’s F-16AMs, the Hungarian Air Force’s JAS-39 Gripen and The Royal Canadian Air Force’s CP-140 Aurora and CC-139 Hercules.

Elsewhere, Starchaser Industries’ Nova 2 rocket and space technology firm Skyrora’s Black Arrow – the UK’s only rocket to successfully launch a satellite into orbit, are on display for up-close viewing in the critically-acclaimed TechnoZone®.

Other showground attractions include the Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow (19-21 July) which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be bought online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

This summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo has promised to amaze and delight spectators with yet another thrilling flying display.

The world’s greatest airshow, which takes place at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds 19-21 July, has announced that the Breitling Jet Team will be returning to demonstrate their acrobatic skills for the first time in five years.

The Team was created by Breitling in 2003 to demonstrate the brand’s values – performance, prevision, aesthetic, sophistication and innovation – to a broad audience and is the largest civilian flight team in Europe.

Operating seven L-39 Albatros military jet training aircraft, the Team are world-renowned for their formation flying displays and have displayed in Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Specialising in opposition passes, solo routines and synchronized manoeuvres, the distinctive twin-seater military training jets can reach top speeds of over 700 km/hour.
Head of Marketing at the Air Tattoo, Helen Webb said: “The Breitling Jet Team are a highly skilled and energetic in their close formation flying, exactly what we like to see. A great mix of experienced civilian pilots in military aircraft and I know they will wow the crowds as they did 5 years ago”.

Also taking to the skies above Gloucestershire are the RAF Red Arrows in their last UK display before flying to North America for their Western Hawk 19 Tour, the Ukrainian Air Force’s Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 and an airshow favourite the Spanish Navy’s two vertical lift AV-8B Harriers.

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will host a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, including a planetarium show and a full-scale ExoMars rover prototype from Airbus Defence and Space, which visitors can witness drive across a simulated Martian surface.

Elsewhere on the showground, visitors can explore exciting exhibits in the Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

One of the stars of last year’s airshow, a Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 from the Ukrainian Air Force, is set to grace the skies above RAF Fairford once more in a thrilling flying display at 2019’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The Soviet-era heavy fighter was initially created in reaction to the United States Air Force’s F-15 Eagle. The Sukhoi design, which was the first Soviet aircraft to be operated using an electronic interface instead of conventional manual flight controls, is an exceptionally agile aircraft that can reach top speeds of 2,500 km/h.

Codenamed ‘Flanker’ by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), it first flew in 1977, and was much feared by potential Western opponents during the Cold War.

Since the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the original Su-27 series has continued to equip the Russian armed forces and serve with the Ukrainian Air Force, which we are excited to be welcoming back to the Air Tattoo this July.

Also delighting visitors with their thrilling flying displays will be the RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the rarely seen Spanish Navy Harriers.

On the ground, visitors will be able to marvel at large transports like the Ukrainian Il-76 ‘Candid’, attending in support of the Su-27, the Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130H Hercules and the US Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster III, to name a few.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

Visitors to this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo in the Cotswolds are set to experience its most astronomical year yet, with an array of exciting exhibits and aircraft for all the family to enjoy.

The three-day event (19-21 July) held annually at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing and to celebrate, the Air Tattoo will be turning its spotlight to the heavens to look at some of the exciting and innovative ways organisations are reaching out into space.

Giving his seal of approval to this year’s theme, Air & Space: Inspiring The Next Generation Air Force will be British astronaut Major Tim Peake who will be making an appearance at the airshow on Friday, July 19.

As part of the European Space Agency (ESA), Tim was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station, launching on a Soyuz rocket in December 2015 and returning to earth six months later having taken part in a variety of activities including conducting a spacewalk to repair the Station’s power supply.

He said: “I’ve been wanting to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo for some time and this year’s ‘Space’ theme presented the perfect opportunity. I’m really looking forward to it!”

Other star attractions include the critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, which among other exciting exhibits, will host a planetarium show and a full-scale ExoMars rover prototype from Airbus Defence and Space, which visitors can witness drive across a simulated Martian surface.

Visitors can also see Starchaser Industries’ Nova 2 rocket which will be on static display for up-close viewing and space technology firm Skyrora’s The Black Arrow – the UK’s only rocket to successfully launch a satellite into orbit.

If that isn’t enough, visitors on the Friday will find themselves under the ‘microscope’ as Airbus DS’s Pleiades satellites flies over RAF Fairford taking a photo of the airshow as it orbits the earth.

Techno Zone® Coordinator Sandra Keen said: “The Techno Zone® never ceases to amaze visitors with its hands-on displays, but this year is set to be particularly awe-inspiring.

“It’s always a big attraction for youngsters and hopefully the unique exhibits will ignite a spark and inspire them to discover and learn more about air and space”.

RAF Fairford, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, was NASA’s only UK transatlantic abort landing site for the Space Shuttle and in 1983 hosted a visit by the spacecraft which was secured on the back of a jumbo jet bound for the Paris Air Show.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

(Image by ESA)

Visitors to this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds are being promised a truly ‘out of this world experience!’

Renowned for being one of the most thrilling airshows on the planet, this summer’s event (July 19-21), which takes place on the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, will be expanding its horizons beyond earth – to include the whole universe!

With its theme Air & Space: Inspiring The Next Generation Air Force, the Air Tattoo will be turning its spotlight to the heavens to look at some of the exciting and innovative ways organisations are reaching out into space. So, expect rockets, astronauts and lots of exciting entertainment and activities across the showground – including a planetarium.

As well as opportunities to view examples of commercial space rockets currently being developed in the UK, visitors will be able to see an ExoMars rover prototype in action as well as talk to the scientists and engineers responsible for operating it, thanks to Airbus Defence & Space.

Visitors on the Friday will also find themselves under the ‘microscope’ as Airbus DS’s Pleiades satellite flies over RAF Fairford taking a photo of the airshow as it orbits the earth.

Giving his seal of approval to the Air Tattoo’s Space theme will be British astronaut Major Tim Peake who will be making an appearance at the airshow on Friday, July 19.
As part of the European Space Agency (ESA), Tim was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station, launching on a Soyuz rocket in December 2015 and returning to earth six months later having taken part in a variety of activities including conducting a spacewalk to repair the Station’s power supply.

Tim, who is currently Head of Astronaut Operations at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Germany, will be at the airshow to help inspire people in the critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing co-inciding with the airshow in July, there was no better time to explore the many ways in which the boundaries of space are being pushed back.

“In the past the airshow’s seen USAF U-2 aircraft that touch the edge of space but now we’ll be looking to feature craft that go beyond earth’s atmosphere. We’re still adding space attractions and hope to announce more astronauts before July’s airshow – it’s truly exciting. We’re particularly honoured to welcome Tim Peake who will be engaging with our young visitors on the Friday. Without doubt he’ll be a huge inspiration to all the engineers, pilots and, yes, astronauts of the future!”

Tim Peake said: “I’ve been wanting to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo for some time and this year’s ‘Space’ theme presented the perfect opportunity. I’m really looking forward to it!”

RAF Fairford, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, was NASA’s only UK transatlantic abort landing site for the Space Shuttle and in 1983 hosted a visit by the spacecraft which was secured on the back of a jumbo jet bound for the Paris Air Show.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

Millions of viewers tuning into the final episode of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series on the Red Arrows next week will see the Royal International Air Tattoo take centre stage.

Channel 5’s Red Arrows: Kings of the Sky documentary concludes next Wednesday (February 13) at 9pm with their appearance at the world’s greatest airshow.

As well as offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the airshow from the team’s perspective, the episode features footage of their thrilling flying display and their interaction with the many Reds’ fans on the ground.

Last month, the Red Arrows confirmed that they will be returning to the Cotswolds in the summer to take part in the Air Tattoo. Their displays at RAF Fairford on July 19-21 will be their last in the UK this year as they will be jetting off shortly after on a high-profile tour of the US and Canada.

The Western Hawk 19 Tour will see the team travel to North America as UK ‘ambassadors’ promoting trade and co-operation.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “We’ve been told that next week’s episode is not to be missed by all Reds’ fans and Air Tattoo supporters. We were delighted to host the TV series’ production team at RIAT 2018 and what they’ve produced is a wonderful tribute to this amazing team.

“Permitting cameras behind-the-scenes at last summer’s airshow enables viewers to get a fuller appreciation of how important it is for all our participating aircrew and the airshow team to work closely together.

“I hope that after watching the series, viewers will want to come to the Air Tattoo in July to see their final UK display this year and to bid them farewell on their upcoming tour.”

Tickets for the Air Tattoo are already selling fast with Super Earlybird Saturday and Sunday tickets, and Saturday Earlybird tickets already sold out. To find out more about the airshow, book tickets and view the wide variety of enclosure options available, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

The world’s favourite aerobatic display team will be performing their final salute at the Air Tattoo this summer, before they jet off on a high-profile tour of the USA and Canada.

The RAF Red Arrows will perform their last public displays in the UK on 19-21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, before they fly to North America for the Western Hawk 19 Tour.

The team will travel across the two nations with a view to promoting trade and co-operation in support of the UK’s prosperity agenda.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster announced their participation earlier this week: “The Red Arrows are an international symbol of Britain and this landmark event will generate a significant amount of investment. It is only right that, after more than a decade away, they return to the home of our closest defence ally.”

The Red Arrows are no stranger to the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and have been a firm crowd-favourite at the airshow for the past three years.
Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “As always, we are delighted to welcome the Red Arrows back to the show.

“Their breath-taking flying displays never fail to disappoint however this year will be extra-special in light of their upcoming tour – we wish them a successful trip”.

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will feature a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

One of the world’s most iconic jets will make a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer – almost a decade since it last made an appearance in the flying display.

The Spanish Navy EAV-8B Harrier II Plus from 9 Squadron will display as part of the Air Tattoo, which takes place on 19-21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds. The aircraft is based at Rota Naval Base and operates from the Spanish Navy’s amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I.

Until the arrival of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Harrier had been unique in being able to take off and land vertically, fly backwards, sideways and rotate on the spot. Its gravity-defying aerial displays were regularly among the highlights of the airshow’s flying programme.

Spanish Navy Harriers, in the form of the earlier AV-8S and TAV-8S variants, were last seen at the Air Tattoo in 1994. In 2010, an RAF Harrier GR.9 performed its final Air Tattoo display prior to its retirement from service in March 2011. Spain remains one of only a handful of nations that continue to operate the Harrier, Italy and the US (US Marine Corps) being the others.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The chance to see a flying Harrier is always a hugely welcome one, and we at the Air Tattoo are delighted that the Spanish Navy will be participating at RIAT 2019, especially in this NATO 70th anniversary year.

“The Harrier has been a major part of NATO since it first entered RAF service 50 years ago, and its attendance will be an important part of our tribute – as well as offering a spectacular flying display.”

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will feature a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. (Tickets for Friday 19 July come with a £10 money off merchandise voucher if booked before 31 January). All accompanied under-18s go free.