Royal International Air Tattoo – Page 21

Air Tattoo Unveils Show Makeover

This summer will see the Royal International Air Tattoo unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the world’s greatest airshow even more enjoyable for the thousands of people who flock to the Cotswolds each year for this unique celebration of aviation.

New Visitor Service Stations, themed areas and a variety of other enhancements in the showground are being introduced to ensure that all the thrilling aerial action is matched by an equally-enjoyable customer experience on the ground.

Visitors to the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 20-21, will be invited to try out three new Service Stations, which have been designed to bring together everything needed for a great day out including food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, toilets, official merchandise outlets, banking services, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover.

Organisers believe improved signage on the showground, greater access to aircraft, participating pilots/aircrew and new enclosure opportunities will add further to people’s enjoymentwhilst at RAF Fairford.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said many of the initiatives have been introduced in response to feedback from visitors who said that with so much happening in the air and on the ground during the day it was a challenge to take in all that was happening and where everything was.

Mr Prince said: “Of course the aircraft are the stars of the show but we also recognise that the showground’s a big area and there’s lots going on over the weekendso it can be a bit daunting. We started bygathering together many of the facilities people useduring the day into three strategically-located Service Stations.

“We’ve also extended the range of catering options in these areas so visitors can now enjoy vegetarian and Asian cuisine – plus deli bars – alongside the traditional burger and fish & chip options.

“We’ve looked at everything we do in terms of delivering customer satisfaction from the journey to the airshow, the event itself and the departure phase. We’re confident visitors will welcome the enhancements we’ve introduced.”

July will also see the Air Tattoo unveil three new entertainment zones on the showground: the Techno Zone, the Toys For Boys Zone and the Vintage Village each offering a range of exciting ground-based attractions and hands’ on activities courtesy of leading brands such as Caterham and Animal.

Mr Prince said: “Most people knowthatour event isone of the greatest aviation spectacles in the world but there is so much more to the Air Tattoo experiencethan just that – and this summer we’re going to prove it!”

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. Special Earlybird tickets, priced from £35, are available until April 4. All under-16s go free. Free parking.For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.

Air Tattoo Is On Top Of The World

One of the most widely-read newspapers in the United States has featured the Royal International Air Tattoo among its top 10 best airshows in the world.

USA Today, which has more than 2 million readers, listed the Air Tattoo alongside other aviation events in Canada, Germany, Florida and Nevada.

It stated: “The Royal International Air Tattoo should top your list of must-see events. RIAT includes in-air performances, two miles of stationary aircraft to check out and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.”

The full list is: Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford, Gloucestershire; Florida International Air Show, US; EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, US; Sun ‘n’ Fun International Fly-in, Florida, US; Tannkosh, Germany; Reno Air Races, Nevada, US; Miramar Air Show, San Diego, US; Abbotsford Airshow, Canada; Great Tennessee Air Show, US; Bournemouth Air Festival, UK.

Earlier this year, a leading UK aviation website – UK Airshow Review – announced that the Air Tattoo had provided six of the Top 10 airshow moments of 2012.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said it was great to know that the Air Tattoo’s reputation stretches across the Atlantic and is recognised as a truly global event not only by aircraft enthusiasts but also by the wider public.

He added: “Our aim is to create a memorable family day out that blends all the thrills of a seven-hour flying display with an exciting range of interactive entertainment on the ground.”

Tickets for this summer’s Air Tattoo, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21, can be purchased online at www.airtatoo.com or by calling the Ticketline on 0800 107 1940.

Love is… A Vulcan at the Air Tattoo

If aircraft received Valentine’s Day cards then Vulcan XH558, which has just been confirmed for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo in the Cotswolds, would be inundated today!

That’s the belief of the airshow organisers who have chosen Valentine’s Day to announce the participation of an iconic aircraft that continues to inspire strong feelings of passion among its army of supporters.

Vulcan XH558 is the only flying example of this large Cold War bomber in the world having been restored to flying condition in 2007 following a public fundraising campaign by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTTS) that helped raise more than £7 million.

The appeal of the delta-winged Vulcan owes as much to its curvaceous design as it does its sheer size and power. In the air, its thunderous yet graceful display is one of the most eagerly-anticipated on the UK airshow circuit.

As well as watching its display at RAF Fairford on July 20-21, visitors will be able to visit the Vulcan Village within the Air Tattoo’s Vintage Zone to find out more about the aircraft and talk to members of the aircrew.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “It was people’s love for the Vulcan and their desire to see it fly again that enabled the incredible fundraising team to do the impossible and bring this amazing aircraft back to flying condition.”

VTTS Director Michael Trotter said that whilst he hoped Vulcan XH558 would appear at many more Air Tattoos, there was a possibility that this may be her last one. He said: “The engineering team is working with leading aviation industry specialists to ensure that XH558 can continue flying for as long as possible, but there are complex technical issues to be resolved.

“The Air Tattoo audience is substantial and very appreciative. We are always asked if we will be at Fairford as it is important both in the UK and for the aircraft’s overseas supporters, many of whom come over specially to see her fly at the airshow.”

The Air Tattoo is the world’s greatest airshow and is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. July’s event will feature a thrilling seven-hour flying display, a large static aircraft park and a wide range of interactive family entertainment. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase Earlybird tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com – all under-16s go free.

Jupiter enters Air Tattoo orbit

By Jove! Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds have just been told how the Colombian Air Force intends to trump its historic and colourful participation at last summer’s airshow.

The South American country says it is planning to send one of its latest – and largest – military aircraft, a KC-767 ‘Jupiter’ tanker/transporter, to the Air Tattoo on July 20-21. The aircraft will come from 811 Transport Squadron based in the country’s capital, Bogota.

Last year, the Colombian Air Force made its European airshow debut at the Air Tattoo, sending two aircraft: a small T-90 Calima trainer and a colourfully-painted C-130H Hercules on the 5,200-mile trip to the UK.

Colombia has one of the best equipped and trained air forces in South America and, among its many roles, plays an important part in fighting drug-related terrorism.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Last year, the Colombians sent one of the most eye-catching aircraft we have seen at the Air Tattoo for a long while and we wait with bated-breath to see what touches down in July!

“It’s not every year that we get the opportunity to welcome aircraft from South America. I’m delighted that they found last summer’s visit to us so valuable and enjoyable that they are keen to make the long journey once again – with an even more exciting aircraft.”