RIAT Saturday sells out in record speed

RIAT 2024

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.”

www.airtattoo.com

It’s almost here! Check out this week’s thrilling aircraft additions

RIAT C17

There are less than two months to go until the first aircraft touches down at RAF Fairford for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo!

Meanwhile, Take Off Thursday continues and this week we are pleased to announce some assets from the Qatar Emiri Air Force that will further bolster our static line-up.

They’ll be bringing an AH-64E Apache Guardian as we celebrate 50 years of Apache, plus a C-17 Globemaster, Hawk and a Typhoon.

From further afield and visiting for the first time in almost 10 years, we have the Royal New Zealand Air Force and their Boeing 757-2K2 – their last trip to Gloucestershire came back in 2016.

Finally, we’re rounding off the week with Royal Air Force training aircraft to the static line up this week with the Prefect, Tutor and Hawk. More to come from the Royal Air Force in the next few weeks… To view every aircraft confirmed for RIAT25 so far, click the link below.

View Confirmed Aircraft

If you’re looking for a more intense experience then why not treat yourself to one of our FRIAT six-day packages. They’re fantastic value, with amazing benefits including:

  • Park & View entry on Wednesday
  • Thursday, choice of Park & View or FRIAT enclosure
  • Friday to Sunday general admission to the showground and access to the FRIAT enclosure
  • Monday, choice of Park & View or FRIAT enclosure
  • Allocated grandstand seat and access to the exclusive FRIAT enclosure
  • Free official souvenir programme

Plus, the opportunity to meet other like-minded aircraft enthusiasts who love RIAT.

Book Tickets HERE

Prepare for take off – less than 10 weeks to go!

RIAT Static line up

It’s less than 10 weeks until aircraft start arriving at RAF Fairford for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo!

In this week’s update, we have an array of aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, including their Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft appearing at a British airshow for the first time in over a decade. They’ll also be sending the Airbus A330 MRTT from the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit, an NH90 NFH, and their new AH-64E Apache Guardian. We also have a Eurocopter EC135 for static display from the Irish Air Corps as well as a further five civilian additions also lining up on the Gloucestershire tarmac.

View Confirmed Aircraft

We all love the iconic film ‘Top Gun’, and believe it or not, this week marks 39 years since the original film’s release in 1986. For your own ‘Top Gun’ moment, join us at RIAT25. Be quick though, as tickets for Friday and Saturday are very close to selling out!

If you want to make your day extra special this year, then why not upgrade to one of our enclosures. While Saturday is completely sold out for all enclosures except Altitude, our newest enclosure, there are still enclosures available for Friday and Sunday.  There is an enclosure for every taste and budget. Browse our range of options here. Upgrade your experience today!

Book Tickets HERE

Royal International Air Tattoo looking for your memories ahead of anniversary celebrations

RIAT 2024

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) are asking for people to share their memories of the aviation showcase as they celebrate 40 years since moving to RAF Fairford.

This summer’s show marks four decades since Air Tattoo first touched down in Gloucestershire, with 32 shows taking place at the rural airfield since then.

As part of the celebrations, the event is set to have a heritage area on the showground to recognise the show’s history and organisers are looking for people to contribute with their photos and memories of attending the show.

To take part, you will need to email your photos and stories to 40Years@rafcte.com for a chance for them to feature on a memory wall at this year’s show, which is due to take place from Friday 18th-Sunday 20th July.

Chief Executive Officer, Paul Atherton said: “We are hugely proud of our relationship with RAF Fairford and the local area and are looking forward to celebrating it at this summer’s event.

“Since 1985 we have been inviting people and aircraft from all over the world to be a part of what we do, and we would love to be able to share some of your memories with visitors who are joining us this year.”

With less than 75 days to go until this summer’s event, RIAT have already announced over 50 different aircraft including the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, Swedish Air Force Blackhawk and a Royal Danish Air Force F-16.

Tickets are available via www.airtattoo.com

Welcome back to favourites the Royal Navy Black Cats, and more!

RIAT Merlin

This week we have more additions to the flying display with the Royal Navy Black Cats.

Returning after wowing the crowd last year, where they picked up the Steedman Display Sword for the British participant with the most notable contribution, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for you this summer.

Elsewhere and part of our Eyes in the Skies theme, we’ve got a Boeing E-3F Sentry on static courtesy of the French Air & Space Force as well as Royal Navy Merlin and privately owned Piper Super Cub – which has only been seen at RIAT once before – as well as a Defender from the Finnish Army. We are aware of incidents involving aircraft which are due to display at RIAT25. We await news from their respective national authorities on any impact to their appearance at the show and will update in due course. 

View Confirmed Aircraft

Tickets for this year’s show are flying and with aviation in the news this week following the RAF’s incredible flypast to commemorate 80 years since VE Day.

In total there were over 20 different types of aircraft taking part and if you’d like to catch a glimpse of some of them again, you can at this year’s RIAT!

Less than 2000 Saturday and 1000 Friday Tickets left… don’t miss out!

Book Tickets HERE

New Irish Air Corps additions & classic jets await at RIAT25!

RIAT Fouga Magister

This week we have another F-16 added to the flying display, this time from the Polish Air Force! They will bring their ‘Tiger Demo Team’ to perform in the flying display.

In addition, four additions to the static line! The Irish Air Corps will bring their Pilatus PC-12NG and AW139 helicopter. The Commemorative Air Force will be extending their ‘Navy to Victory’ Tour with their Douglas R4D-6S “Ready for Duty” aircraft to include an appearance at RIAT25. This will be part of our theme celebrating 40 years since the first Air Tattoo was held at RAF Fairford in 1985, as the aircraft was here at IAT85. Finally, we add another classic jet to the lineup with a Fouga Magister, privately operated in France.

View Confirmed Aircraft

Time is running out to secure your place at RIAT25. We now have less than 5000 general admission tickets left for Saturday. And Friday is hot on its heels.

We only have one enclosure left for Saturday now which is Altitude. If you want to upgrade your experience then you need to act now! We don’t want you to miss out on all the incredible aircraft we have lined up for this year’s show. So book your ticket today while you still can! We can’t wait to see you all there.

Book Tickets HERE

Record speed for RIAT ticket sales as event announces popular Italian display team

RIAT Frecce Trcolori

Organisers of The Royal International Air Tattoo have confirmed tickets for this year’s show are selling at record speed for the third successive year. 

The event, which is held at RAF Fairford, has already sold over 100,000 tickets for this year’s show, putting them ahead of the same time last year.

Last July, 168,000 people descended on the rural airfield for three days of aerobatic displays, interactive tech exhibits and the chance to talk to pilots and their crew, and this year looks to be no different with demand for tickets at an all-time high.

With Saturday 19th July close to selling out, organisers have recently announced the Italian display team, the Frecce Tricolori will be performing over the Gloucestershire skies this summer.

Joining the Frecce are a further three flying displays and three static displays from the Italian Air Force. These join an already extensive list of aircraft from 15 nations confirmed for RIAT, with many more aircraft to be added to the line-up in the coming weeks.

Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “The Frecce Tricolori are always a welcome addition to the RIAT flying programme and visitors who joined us in 2022 will know how impressive and energetic their display is to watch.

“We’re grateful to the Italian Air Force for their continued support and look forward to welcoming their aircraft and crew to RAF Fairford later this year.”

In just over three months, RIAT will return and highlight the importance of aviation in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and more, under the theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’.

So far, the aviation show case has announced the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, a Spanish Navy Harrier as well as a Portuguese Merlin, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Danish F-16 and Swedish Black Hawk helicopter displaying for the first time with a number of announcements still to come.

“We are looking forward to this summer’s show, we already have some great aircraft confirmed to be taking part and will be adding to the line-up right up until the show later this year,” added Peter

“Ticket sales have been incredible, at RIAT we know our event is an incredible day out whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a family with young children or someone who has never been to the event before – we have something for everyone. Tickets are available via www.airtattoo.com

Exciting debutants announced for this year’s Air Tattoo

RIAT Hellenic Mirage's

This week’s update has something for everyone with theme-related aircraft and RIAT debutants!

Starting with our theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’, we are delighted to say we will be joined in July by a pairs display of photo-reconnaissance Spitfires, with a Mk.XI and Mk.XIX flying together to showcase both the Merlin and Griffon engine Spitfires in a distinctive blue colour scheme.

Elsewhere we have another rare addition to the static display from the Spanish Air & Space Force with their CASA VIGMA aircraft, plus a pair of Mirage 2000-5 aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force this summer will mark the first time these jets have ever participated at the Air Tattoo! Rounding off this week, we have two more civilian aircraft participating in the static display with a pair of ex-RAF Bulldog training aircraft.

View Confirmed Aircraft

Last chance! Early bird pricing for Sunday ends midnight, Tuesday 22nd April

We extended our early bird pricing for general admission Sunday, and 5% off Sunday enclosures through Easter. And now it’s your last chance to get your Sunday tickets at a discounted price. Act now before it’s too late! All tickets will be at full price from Tuesday 22nd April at midnight.

All enclosures on Saturday are now SOLD OUT, apart from Altitude. If you want to upgrade your experience you will need to be very quick as we expect it follow suit and sell out soon. Friday is selling much faster than last year and Sunday is catching up. Don’t miss out, we know you’ll be disappointed if you do. Buy your tickets today!

Book Tickets HERE

The Spanish Harrier returns to thrill at this year’s Air Tattoo

The Spanish Harrier is back!

Always a popular sight and a welcome addition to the flying programme, the iconic jet will be participating in this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

Also in this week’s announcement, we have a Slovak Air Force C-27J Spartan on the static line-up as well as a further four civilian aircraft with two Soko J-20 Kraguj and a pair of DHC Chipmunk T.10s which will also be lining up on the tarmac.

View Confirmed Aircraft

Tickets are flying out – there are less than 10,000 tickets remaining for Saturday, so be quick to secure your place. Only the Family Enclosure, FRIAT and Altitude still have space in their enclosures.

Friday is also seeing high demand, selling faster than ever before! Sunday is still at Early Bird prices, so this is a great opportunity to get your tickets at the best price available now.

Book Tickets HERE

Get ready for an amazing display from the F-16s at RIAT25

RIAT F16

This week we have a double dose of F-16s with the Royal Danish Air Force flying their fast jets into RAF Fairford for this summer’s show.

Both aircraft are from the Eskadrille 727 squadron – one in a striking red and silver livery taking part in the flying display, and the other featuring on static display as part of our celebration of 40 years of RIAT at RAF Fairford, representing the Danish F-16B which featured at the 1985 show.

Elsewhere, under our Eyes in the Skies theme, we’re pleased to welcome the German Navy back to RIAT, with their classic Westland Sea Lynx helicopter. This might be the final time to see this type appear at the show, so not to be missed.

Finishing for the week, we’re pleased to announce a Dornier Do 27, coming from Switzerland. As always, our website has more details on this week’s update and the full aircraft participation list to date.

View Confirmed Aircraft

With five of our Saturday enclosures already SOLD OUT it’s time to act now to avoid disappointment. Upgrading to an enclosure is a great way to make a special day even more amazing.

We think you’ll love our new enclosure, Altitude. Located at the heart of the showground, perfect as a base to browse the static aircraft from, as well as a great spot to watch the flying displays. Altitude offers something completely different with upper deck viewing spaces and a cool, contemporary vibe. As well as an all-inclusive cocktail bar with selected wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks and complimentary food served throughout the day. Once the flying display has finished the festivities continue with an exclusive DJ music set in the enclosure.

Tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have been selling even faster than last year, so don’t delay and buy yours today HERE.