September – Airscene News

RIAT27 tickets are on sale now

The countdown to the return of the world’s greatest airshow has begun.

From 16–18 July 2027, RAF Fairford will once again come alive with incredible aircraft, spectacular flying displays and all the excitement that makes RIAT an unforgettable day out.

Whether you’re a lifelong aviation enthusiast, planning a day out with friends or bringing the whole family along, there’s something for everyone to discover. With RIAT27 tickets on sale, now is the time to start planning your visit.

BOOK TICKETS

Bringing the whole family?

Discover the Family Enclosure

A day at RIAT is packed with things to see, do and explore – and the Family Enclosure gives you a dedicated space to make the most of it all together.

Designed with families in mind, it offers your own exclusive area within the showground, giving you somewhere to base yourselves throughout the day while still being part of all the RIAT action.

Open on Saturday and Sunday, it’s the perfect option for families looking to make their airshow experience even more enjoyable. Take a break, recharge and then head back out to explore the incredible aircraft, entertainment and experiences waiting across the showground.

With so much happening throughout the day, the Family Enclosure could be the perfect addition to your RIAT27 adventure.

Explore the Family Enclosure

October half-term takes off with a Fairey Adventure at Fleet Air Arm Museum

This October half-term, join Royal Navy Museums: Naval Aviation for a Fairey Adventure and discover the weird, wonderful and sometimes surprising story of one of Britain’s most innovative aircraft companies.

Founded in 1915 by the remarkable aviation pioneer Richard Fairey, the Fairey Aviation Company spent 45 years pushing the boundaries of what aircraft could do. From wooden biplanes and seaplanes to the Swordfish, Barracuda and the Fairey Delta 2 – the first British aircraft to fly faster than twice the speed of sound – Fairey’s story is one of bold ideas, ingenious engineering and people who weren’t afraid to try something different.

Using fascinating new material from the Fairey Aviation archive, recently acquired by the Museum, discover some of the people, ideas and inventions behind these extraordinary aircraft and explore how Fairey Aviation helped shape the future of flight.

During half-term, visitors will be able to listen to Blabbermouth Storytelling as they bring the people, aircraft and adventures of Fairey Aviation to life in a fun, family-friendly storytelling session.

Then get hands-on and put your own ideas to the test. With Brick Ideas, visitors of all ages can take inspiration from the Fairey aircraft in the Museum’s collection and build their own flying machines. Will you recreate a Swordfish or Barracuda, or invent something completely new?

All activities take place from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October, 10am–4pm.

Museum events during October half-term are free with a valid admission ticket. To purchase a ticket visit: www.royalnavymuseums.org.uk/events/fairey-adventure

October half-term events:

Hear the stories

Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October

10am – 4pm daily, Hall 2 Swordfish Gallery

Join Blabbermouth Storytelling for a fun, family-friendly journey through the weird and wonderful world of Fairey Aviation. Discover the people, aircraft, ideas and adventures behind more than 50 years of aviation innovation – from wooden biplanes to supersonic flight.

Build your own Fairey aircraft

Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October

10am–4pm daily, Hall 4 under Concorde Get creative with Brick Ideas and take inspiration from the amazing Fairey aircraft in our collection. Can you build a Swordfish, Barracuda or your own weird and wonderful flying machine?

Gravity Industries Jet Suit Display Confirmed for Hampshire Air Festival

Thruxton UK: Gravity Industries will be joining the inaugural Hampshire Air Festival, bringing its world-famous human Jet Suit to Thruxton Aerodrome on 12^th & 13^th September.

Created by British inventor and Gravity Industries Founder Richard Browning, the Jet Suit represents a remarkable new chapter in personal flight, using pioneering technology to augment human capability and make controlled, body-flown jet-powered flight possible.

The display will form part of the events Saturday dusk ‘Evening Extravaganza’, adding a dramatic demonstration of future flight as the show transitions from daytime flying into an programme of illuminated displays, drones, lighting and entertainment.

Gravity Industries will also appear during the daytime Sunday show, giving visitors another opportunity to see this extraordinary technology up close as part of the wider celebration of ‘The Age of Flight’.

Richard Browning, Founder and Chief Test Pilot of Gravity Industries, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the inaugural Hampshire Air Festival. It’s fantastic to support an event celebrating Britain’s extraordinary aviation heritage, especially so close to home. Despite an incredibly busy international schedule, we aim to support opportunities like this to share the technology with a local audience where we can, and we’re looking forward to inspiring the next generation of innovators.”

Jonathan Moore, Event Organiser for Hampshire Air Festival, said: “Gravity Industries is exactly the kind of addition we hoped to bring to Hampshire Air Festival in our first year. The Jet Suit is bold, innovative and inspiring, while also fitting perfectly with our Age of Flight theme. To have a locally based company demonstrating such groundbreaking technology at Thruxton is a real privilege, and we know it will be one of those moments visitors will talk about long after the weekend.”

From early pioneers and historic aircraft to the latest advances in human flight, Hampshire Air Festival has been created to tell the story of aviation across the generations. Gravity Industries brings that story right up to the present day, showing what can happen when imagination, engineering and determination come together.

Tickets are still available for Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, with Saturday including a full daytime flying display and dusk Evening Extravaganza, and Sunday offering a packed daytime programme of flying, static aircraft and ground attractions. Tickets: www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk

Elevate your experience with Altitude!

Altitude is located at the heart of the showground, adjacent to the static aircraft line and with great views of all the action in the air.

It’s a great base to explore the whole RIAT experience from and return to throughout the day where you can enjoy the unique ambience.

With a markedly different feel to any other enclosure, it has upper deck viewing spaces and a cool, contemporary vibe. Enjoy a curated selection of wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks, along with complimentary food served throughout the day.

When the flying ends, the energy continues – Altitude guests are treated to an exclusive live DJ set inside the enclosure, rounding off the experience in style.

Please note: Altitude on Saturday is currently at 10% off until midnight Monday 22nd September, where prices will go up to 5% off. So, secure your tickets now to get the best deal!

Buy Altitude Tickets HERE

Don’t miss out – First Class Lounge is selling fast

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy the flying display in comfort and style? Join us at the First Class Lounge, featuring a private marquee and garden offering unbeatable views in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.

You’ll get on-base parking plus complimentary food and drinks served throughout the day – First Class Lounge is the perfect way to experience RIAT in comfort and style.

It’s one of our most popular enclosures, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Buy First Class Lounge Tickets HERE

Over 95 Vintage Vehicles to Compete at Shuttleworth’s Race Day

Shuttleworth’s Air Show season concludes on Sunday 5 October with their Race Day Air Show, a classic blend of vintage aircraft and vehicles that share a common theme: speed.

In an event unlike any other, the Aerodrome near Biggleswade will transform into a vintage sprint track as veteran vehicles from Shuttleworth’s own Collection join a host of visitors to fly along the grass airfield, and down ‘hangar straight’, competing for the Spirit of Shuttleworth Trophy. Following this high-speed demonstration, visitors will then be treated to a thrilling air display which will include a mock air race as well as racing aircraft like the de Havilland DH.88 Comet – winner of the infamous England to Australia air race of 1934 – and the Miles Hawk Speed Six – a Kings Cup air race competitor between 1934 36. The day’s display will also feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s iconic Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire.

The event takes inspiration from the founder of the Shuttleworth Collection, Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth. A keen racing spirit with a passion for fast cars and aircraft, Richard competed in countless hill climbs, speed trials and went on to win the inaugural Donington Grand Prix in 1935. After his near fatal crash in the South African Grand Prix in 1936, he gave up motor racing to focus on aviation. This dual passion has led to Race Day’s fantastic combination of icons of speed both on the ground and in the air.

As well as a fantastically close view of both the sprint and the air display, visitors to Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show can enjoy a range of interactive Discovery Zones aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers. The Armed Forces Rally Team will bring a more modern element of racing to the event as well as a BriSCA F2 stock car and a NASCAR from the oval racing scene. Also joining us are the 1066 Car Club with over 30 classic vintage vehicles. The staple attractions of all Shuttleworth air shows will be on offer too: children’s rides, heritage steam exhibits plus the chance to explore Shuttleworth House and the much-loved Swiss Garden. Believe it or not, all of this is included in the price of your ticket.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “Race Day is a great opportunity for us to look to our past and honour our founder Richard Shuttleworth whilst also looking to the future of racing by inspiring our younger visitors. This action-packed day is always a fun end to the air show season.”

Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show takes place on Sunday 5 October. Tickets start from £34.00 and children go free. You can book yours via www.shuttleworth.org

Royal International Air Tattoo launches new Park and Ride service

Following years of soaring popularity, the Royal International Air Tattoo has announced it will be launching a new Park and Ride service for next year’s show.

The free service, which is capable of taking up to 7,000 cars off of the rural road network surrounding RAF Fairford, will see visitors head to South Cerney airfield, adjacent toDuke of Gloucester Barracks, before making their way to the aviation showcase via a fleet of 100 buses. The Green Route to the showground, previously utilised by people coming from the West, is being re-purposed as a dedicated route for this new service which will help ease congestion in the area.

In addition to the shuttle service being free of charge, visitors opting to use it will be able to gain direct access to the showground as both ticket and bag checks will be conducted at the new facility.

Speaking about the new service, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Gavin Gager said:

“The introduction of this new Park and Ride service is a fantastic development for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“By utilising the dedicated route previously known as the Green Route, we’re able to significantly reduce congestion and provide a much quicker, more streamlined journey into the showground. This not only improves the experience for our visitors, but also brings real benefits to our local communities by easing pressure on rural roads.

“We’re proud to be making this positive change and look forward to welcoming everyone to next year’s show.”

In recent years, crowds at the show have continued to swell, with 2024 reporting an attendance of 168,000 people, whilst earlier this summer the world-renowned event saw over 175,000 people descend on RAF Fairford.

This year, visitors were also treated to over 200 aircraft from nations all over the world, including Egypt, who were attending for the first time. Tickets for RIAT26 are already on sale and selling at a record pace for the third year in a row.

Gavin added; “Ticket sales for RIAT 2026 are moving at a record-breaking pace, reflecting the incredible demand to be part of next year’s show. “We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and look forward to welcoming a record crowd to RAF Fairford for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”

www.airtattoo.com

Tickets are flying!

RIAT is more than just an airshow. You can experience sights and sounds that will leave your heart racing, as well as view many aircraft on our static displays, see inspirational speakers on our Inspire Stage, meet pilots and their aircrews from all over the world, and explore the world of STEM in our Techno Zone… plus much, much more!

General Admission prices for Saturday and Sunday are frozen at 2025 rates, so take advantage of the best prices available for all three days of the show.

Thinking of elevating your experience?

10% off the Aviation Club enclosure ends tonight at midnight, so be quick to secure your place in one of our most popular enclosures. This enclosure is centrally located and offers easy access to the heart of the showground, while also being the perfect place to watch the flying displays.

10% off the Cotswold Club enclosure ends Monday at midnight too. It’s RIAT’s summer garden party – dine alfresco and relax with a drink in this very civilised setting close to the Take Off Zone.

Book Tickets HERE

More about the South Cerney Park & Ride

RIAT continues to grow in popularity, welcoming more attendees each year. To support this growth and improve your experience, we have introduced a brand-new Park & Ride facility at South Cerney.

This new FREE facility is a great option, as we will conduct security and ticket checks at our Park & Ride facility before you arrive at the showground. This will help you get to the action faster! You’ll also find toilets and refreshments available on-site, along with our friendly Air Tattoo Crew members who are there to assist you with any questions you may have. It’s conveniently located just outside Cirencester, and we have a dedicated fleet of 100 buses to get you into the showground. You can book this now along with your RIAT tickets.

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.